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Contemporary Japanese society relies heavily on vehicles for transportation and leisure. This has led to environmental concerns owing to vehicle emissions, prompting a shift toward environmentally friendly alternatives, such as clean diesel and electric vehicles. Clean diesel vehicles aim to reduce harmful emissions, whereas electric vehicles are favored because of their minimal emissions and quiet operation. However, the lack of engine noise in electric vehicles can make it difficult for drivers to perceive speed changes, potentially increasing the risk of accidents, and simply amplifying all sounds is not viable because it may cause discomfort. Therefore, this study explored how deviations from expected engine sounds affect the perceived sound quality and vehicle performance assessment. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered and clean diesel vehicles, electric vehicles produce very little running noise, which makes road surface noise more prominent. Given the novelty of electric
Nitta, MisakiIshimitsu, ShunsukeFujikawa, SatoshiIwata, KiyoakiNiimi, MayukoKikuchi, MasakazuMatsumoto, Mitsunori
With growing concern to protect the atmosphere, the stringency of vehicle emission regulations is increasing annually [1,2]. Notably, evaluations of real driving emissions (RDEs) using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS) have been mandated for light duty vehicles (LDVs) in regions, such as the EU, China, India, and Japan [3,4]. Additionally, RDEs have attracted attention in motorcycles and was investigated in the effect study of the environmental step Euro 5 [5]. However, some inherent problems remain with RDE measurements using the PEMS on motorcycles. Due to the smaller engine displacement and fewer cylinders associated with motorcycles, resulting in lower exhaust gas flow rates, the measurement accuracy of the PEMS may be lower than that of the LDVs. Furthermore, exhaust emissions can be affected by the additional weight of the PEMS when mounted on motorcycles. This study investigated the accuracy of the PEMS in measuring motorcycle emissions by simultaneously measuring
Matsuoka, MasahiroHirai, HiroshiIto, Takayuki
The emulsified fuel is mixed base fuel with water and stabilized by surfactant. The advantage of emulsified fuel is the improvement of spray and mixture formation by the secondary atomization. The secondary atomization means that the sprayed fuel droplets in cylinder would occur the atomization because of the difference of boiling points between base fuel and water. It is expected improving combustion efficiency and suppressing toxic emissions such as NOx and PM in small diesel engine [1]. The behavior of an emulsified fuel droplet in heating process has 3 types, Namely the micro-explosion, the puffing and only vaporizing without atomization. Their timing and behavior are influenced on the concentration of surfactant within an emulsified fuel droplet. However, it is difficult to determine the concentration. This paper focuses on the determination of the concentration by engineering evaluation. Our previous reports have reported that the evaluation for the atomization timing of an
Kurahashi, YutaKatsuki, HiromuTanaka, Junya
Motorcycle frames have been designed based on static stiffness, which are frame characteristics related to stability and maneuverability. With this approach, lightweight frames have been designed, while achieving stability and maneuverability have been an ongoing trial-and-error process. To further improve them, studies on dynamic frame deformation in motion have already been reported. However, the mechanism that can explain the relationship between frame deformation and motorcycle dynamics has not been clarified yet. It is necessary to clarify the relationship between frame deformation and the change in load acting on the vehicle due to frame deformation. In this study we focus on the relationship between time history deformation of the frame and the combined loads that cause such deformation. Focusing on the transient response during turns related to motorcycle handling, the dominant frame deformation and load relationships are identified. For this objective, we propose a method to
Sakamoto, Kazunobu
The hot surface-assisted spark ignition (HSASI) pre-chamber spark plug, which was developed at the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, increases the dilution limit with excess air and the tolerance to residual gas in the pre-chamber compared to a conventional passive pre-chamber spark plug. In this study, the conventional glow plug which is integrated in the pre-chamber of the HSASI pre-chamber spark plug was replaced by a pressure sensor glow plug (PSG) from BERU. This allows for a detailed combustion analysis in the pre-chamber. The signal of the PSG was validated with a piezoelectric cylinder pressure sensor and a method to analyse the pre-chamber heat release was introduced. Experimental investigations were carried out on a single-cylinder gasoline engine. A series of operating points diluted with excess air and a variation in load were conducted. The gas flow rate through the orifices of the pre-chamber was calculated from the pressure difference between the pre-chamber and
Holzberger, SaschaKettner, MauriceKirchberger, Roland
The two-wheeler industry features a diverse range of transmission systems catering to varied riding preferences and market demands. Manual transmissions offer direct gear control, favored by enthusiasts for its precision and customizable performance. Automatic transmissions simplify riding, especially in urban settings, eliminating manual gear shifts and reducing rider fatigue. Understanding the dynamics of transmission systems in the two-wheeler space is crucial for manufacturers, engineers, policymakers, and riders alike. It informs product development, regulatory compliance efforts, and market positioning initiatives in an increasingly competitive and innovation-driven industry landscape. DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and manual transmissions represent extremes in rider engagement, automation, and cost. While DCT offers seamless gear changes and convenience at a higher price point, manual transmissions provide direct control and a tactile experience with lower initial costs. Riders
Kundu, Prantik
In this experiment, we investigated the auto-ignition and flame propagation behavior by using flat piston and cavity pistons which has different geometries, depth, and width of the cavity. In this study, flame behavior inside the cavity is visualized with the ion-probes, which is embedded every 3mm radially from the center of the piston. We also used the pressure sensor in the combustion chamber and high-speed camera through the quartz window near the cylinder wall. Flame appearance obtained with high-speed camera shows that the flame propagation of the cavity piston is faster than that of flat piston. This is considered because of the outward induced flow in the squish area. That is, the flame propagation inside the wide cavity area pushes the unburned gas outwardly and induced the outward flow in the squish area. This induced flow promotes the flame propagation. As a result, unburned gas is consumed rapidly, and thus, it is also found that the intensity of Knocking is reduced by
Yamaguchi, RikiEsaki, DaigoTateishi, TokuaOsaf, Ali HassanMiyoshi, AkiraShimokuri, DaisukeYatsufusa, TomoakiTerashima, HiroshiHara, TakayaHonda, YuyaTadokoro, TadashiKawano, Michiharu
Horizontal water-cooled diesel engines are single-cylinder engines equipped with all the necessary components for operation such as a fuel tank and a radiator. Due to their versatility, there are used in a wide range of applications in Asia, Africa, South America, etc. It is necessary to comply with strengthened emissions regulations year by year in countries where environmental awareness is increasing such as China, India, etc. We have developed a new compact and high-power 13.4kW(18HP) engine which meets these needs. We realized a high-power density by using our unique expertise to maintain an engine size and increase a displacement. In addition, by optimizing a layout of crankcase ribs through structural analysis, we have achieved a maximum bore and “Reduction of the weight of the crankcase and lubricating oil consumption (LOC), and reduction of friction with narrow-width low-tangential load piston rings”. Furthermore, by designing an intake port using 3D CFD, we have optimized a
Shiomi, KentaHosoya, RyosukeKomai, YoshinobuTakashima, YusukeKitamura, TakahiroFujiwara, TsukasaSuematsu, Kosuke
To address the issues of difficult ignition and slow combustion when ammonia is used as engine fuel, a method of igniting ammonia/air mixture with hydrogen flame jet generated by a pre-chamber is proposed. The combustion characteristics of mixtures ignited by the hydrogen flame jet were studied in a constant volume combustion chamber with high-speed video camera and pressure acquisition in the main chamber. The characteristics were compared with those ignited by the ammonia flame jet. The introduction of the hydrogen flame jet notably improved mixture combustion and expanded the lean flammability limit. Combustion with hydrogen injection demonstrated reduced pressure rise delay and combustion duration, increased average heat release rate, and sustained combustion stability. This phenomenon was more pronounced under low equivalence ratio conditions in the main combustion chamber. The hydrogen flame jet was shuttle-shaped when touched the lower surface owing to the rapid combustion speed
Yin, ShuoTian, JiangpingCui, ZechuanZhang, XiaoleiNishida, KeiyaDong, Pengbo
This report examines the advancement and utilization of cylinder deactivation technology that enhances fuel efficiency in conventional engines without hardware modifications. It operates by halting fuel supply to some of the cylinders in multi-cylinder engines and increasing the output power of the remaining active cylinders to maintain an idle state. By implementing this technology in the mass-produced 90° V-twin engine, the U502, and deactivating one of its two cylinders, fuel consumption during idling is reduced by over 30%. The focus of this study is on the technology developed to minimize engine speed fluctuations during the transition to cylinder deactivation and reactivation for the engine. By making various modifications to the fuel injection control sequence and optimizing the throttle opening of each cylinder in idle and driving conditions, engine speed fluctuations were minimized. This allows users to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining the engine’s original
YANAGIDA, Shoji
The growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions and renewable energy storage systems has heightened the necessity for precise and effective prediction of battery thermal performance. However, achieving both precision and efficiency poses a challenge, necessitating exploration into diverse methodologies. The conventional use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a comprehensive insight into thermal dynamics but prioritizes precision over efficiency. To enhance the efficiency of this traditional approach, numerous reduced-order modeling techniques have emerged, and the concept of Machine Learning (ML) presents a distinct avenue for enhancing simulation capabilities, particularly in the context of mobility solutions. This paper presents a novel approach to accelerate battery thermal analysis by integrating CFD and ML. The CFD simulations provide an intricate understanding of the thermal dynamics within batteries, encompassing fluid flow and temperature distributions
Devarajan, GurudevanVaidyanathan, GaneshBhave, AjinkyaJi, LichaoWang, JiaoZhou, WeiHe, JiguangShi, Pengfei
Vehicle emission standards have become more and more stringent and have driven the development of advanced engine design with low-cost emission control technologies. For small diesel engine which is used in three-wheel (3W) passenger and load carrying vehicles, it was major task to improve lower engine rpm torque and performance to comply with stringent exhaust emissions standard as well, especially for Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions. Bharat Stage (BS) VI emission standards for three-wheel vehicles was implemented from April 2020 onwards in India. Water injection technology has proven advantageous for low-cost solution with Mechanical fuel injection system on small diesel engines, Intake port water injection is the easiest method to introduce water to engine cylinder, which calls for minimal modification of existing engine structure. In the present study 435cc naturally aspirated DI Diesel engine used for three-wheel vehicle was explored by adding water
Syed, KaleemuddinChaudhari, SandipKhairnar, GirishKatariya, RahulJagtap, PranjalBhoite, Vikram
Swirl chamber combustion system is commonly used for IDI (In-Direct Injection) diesel engine. It is characterized by swirl combustion chamber arranged in cylinder head, main combustion chamber with shallow piston recess and connecting throat where fuel spray and flame mixture is ejected out from the swirl chamber to the main chamber [1]. Fuel is supplied in the swirl chamber and a pintle type nozzle is often used in this type engine as its simple structure and robustness for operating condition. In this paper, numerical simulation of a pintle nozzle spray was focused on and simulated results were compared with high speed photo data obtained in a constant volume vessel (CVV). Spray angle and tip penetration were mainly evaluated, but simulated angle and penetration could not be matched simultaneously to these characteristics of the pintle nozzle spray when conventional spray models were used for the simulation. To overcome this mismatch, “Multi-hole replacement model” was newly
Okazaki, TadaoFujiwara, Tsukasa
Hybrid powertrain for motorcycles has not been widely adopted to date but has recently shown significant increased interest and it is believed to have great potential for fuel economy containment in real driving conditions. Moreover, this technology is suitable for the expected new legislations, reduced emissions and enables riding in Zero Emissions Zones, so towards a more carbon neutral society while still guaranteeing “motorcycle passion” for the product [1, 2]. Several simulation tools and methods are available for the concept phase of the hybrid system design, allowing definition of the hybrid components and the basic hybrid strategies, but they are not able to properly represent the real on-road behaviour of the hybrid vehicle and its specific control system, making the fine tuning and validation work very difficult. Motorcycle riders are used to expect instant significant torque delivery on their demand, that is not properly represented in legislative cycles (e.g. WMTC); rider
Antoniutti, ChristianSweet, DavidHounsham, Sandra
With growing global concern about climate change, the challenge is to achieve carbon neutrality (CN) in motorcycles (MCs) as well, and various approaches are needed to achieve CN. For powertrains using internal combustion engines (ICEs), CN can be achieved by adopting CN fuels such as e-fuel and biofuel, but considering cost and supply, it is important to develop CO2 reduction technologies for ICEs. Compared with 4-wheel vehicles, MCs are required to be powerful, lightweight, compact and capable of travelling long distances, the CO2 reduction technologies that can be adopted tend to be a trade-off between dynamic performance and CO2 reduction, and a challenge is to achieve a high level of both requirements. We decided to focus on middle-class sports MCs, which require particularly high dynamic performance, and to develop CO2 reduction technologies. As a technology development target, CO2 emissions were set at 65 g/km in the worldwide-harmonized motorcycle test cycle (WMTC) class 3-2
Makita, NaokiTorigoshi, MasakiTakahashi, ToshihikoTakase, Hiroki
The utilization of hydrogen in low-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) stands out as a compelling prospect for driving a widespread shift towards green industry practices. Despite significant advancements, a comprehensive understanding of water behaviour and dynamics within PEMFCs remains crucial for their extensive integration in propulsion applications. Striking a delicate balance between flooding and drying conditions poses a challenge for achieving stable and efficient PEMFC operation. In this study, a preliminary experimental investigation was conducted focusing on carbon-paper Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) and gas channel walls. The static, advancing and receding contact angles were measured and utilized as boundary conditions for simulations. The influence of membrane humidity was also examined during the experimental campaign. 3D CFD simulations were performed on a straight portion of a PEMFC channel with a selected domain length of 5 mm and a section of 1x1 mm
Merola, S. S.Antetomaso, C.Irimescu, A.Vaglieco, B. M.Jannelli, E.
The previously developed capacitance sensor for detecting a liquid fuel film was modified to apply to the in-cylinder measurement. On the developed sensor surface, comb-shaped electrodes were circularly aligned. The capacitance between the electrodes varies with the liquid fuel film adhering. The capacitance variation between the electrodes on the sensor surface was converted to the frequency variation of the oscillation circuit. In the previous study, it was revealed that the frequency of the oscillation circuit varies with the variation of the liquid fuel coverage area on the sensor surface. The developed sensor was installed in the combustion chamber of the rapid compression and expansion machine, and the performance of the developed sensor was examined. Iso-octane was used as a test fuel to explore the sensor that had been developed. As a result, the adherence of the liquid fuel directly injected into the cylinder was successfully detected under the quiescent and motoring
Kuboyama, TatsuyaMoriyoshi, YasuoTakayama, SatoshiNakabeppu, Osamu
An engine was built in this study that enabled the conditions in a pre-chamber and in the main combustion chamber to be visualized simultaneously for the purpose of elucidating the mechanism of pre-chamber combustion. An investigation was made of how the state of pre-chamber combustion, including the location of initial flame generation and its subsequent propagation, influenced pre-chamber jet combustion. The state of pre-chamber combustion was intentionally varied by changing the position of pre-chamber ignition. As a result, it was found that changing the position of pre-chamber ignition varied the location where the pre-chamber flame occurred, how the flame propagated and the timing and strength of the flame jet that was ejected into the main chamber. The results revealed that these differences in the state of pre-chamber combustion markedly changed the rate of combustion fluctuation, combustion period, lean-burn limit and other combustion characteristics depending on the ignition
Onuma, TakeruYamada, HirotoUgajin, TaiseiShinozaki, KaitoTahara, RyotaIijima, Akira
In recent years, climate change and geopolitical instability have intensified the focus on sustainable power generation. This shift seeks alternatives that balance environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. Specifically, in transportation and power generation, electric motors face challenges against internal combustion engines due to the high cost and mass of batteries required for energy storage. This makes electric solutions less favorable for these sectors. Conversely, internal combustion engines, when properly fueled, offer cost-effectiveness and a quasi-environmentally-neutral option. To address these challenges, researchers have explored e-fuels derived from renewable sources as a carbon-neutral supply for internal combustion engines. Among these, hydrogen is particularly promising. In hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, 3D-CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) in-cylinder models are crucial. Once validated, these models can speed up the design process. A
Sfriso, StefanoBerni, FabioBreda, SebastianoFontanesi, StefanoCordisco, IlarioLeite, Caio RamalhoBrequigny, PierreFoucher, Fabrice
To address the pressing issue of electrical fluctuations from renewable energy technologies, an energy storage system (ESS) is proposed. The vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is gaining significant attention due to its extended lifespan, durability, thermal safety, and independent power capacity, despite its high cost. Key components of the VRFB include a membrane, carbon electrode, bipolar plate, gasket, current collector, electrolyte, and pump. Among these, the carbon electrode and bipolar plate are the most expensive. Reducing capital costs in VRFB systems is crucial for advancing clean energy solutions. Conventional flow field designs like interdigitated flow field (IFF), serpentine flow field (SFF), and parallel flow field (PFF) are used to feed the electrolyte into the VRFB cell, necessitating thicker bipolar plates to avoid cracking during the machining process. This study focuses on optimizing the flow-through (FT) design, which eliminates the need for machining on bipolar
Aiemsathit, PorametSun, PengfeiAlizadeh, MehrzadLaoonual, YossapongCharoen-amornkitt, PatcharawatSuzuki, TakahiroTsushima, Shohji
Flex fuel vehicles (FFV) can operate effectively from E5 (Gasoline 95%, ethanol 5%) fuel to E100 (Gasoline 0%, ethanol 100%) fuel. It is necessary to meet the performance, drivability, emission targets and regulatory requirements irrespective of fuel mixture combination. This research work focuses on optimizing the combustion efficiency and conversion efficiency of catalytic converter of a spark-ignited less than 200 cc engine for FFV using Taguchi methods robust optimization technique. The study employs an eight-step robust optimization approach to simultaneously minimize engine out emissions and maximize catalytic converter efficiency. Six control factors including type of fuel, catalyst heating rpm, lambda (excess-air ratio), injection end angle, lambda controller delay, and ignition timing are optimized. Four noise factors like compression ratio, clearance volume, catalyst noble metal loading, and catalyst aging are also considered. Through approximately 100 physical experiments on
Vaidyanathan, BalajiArunkumar, PraveenkumarShunmugasundaram, PalaniMurugesan, ManickamJayajothijohnson, Vedhanayagam
In order to rapidly achieve the goal of global net-zero carbon emissions, ammonia (NH3) has been deemed as a potential alternative fuel, and reforming partial ammonia to hydrogen using engine exhaust waste heat is a promising technology which can improve the combustion performance and reduce the emission of ammonia-fueled engines. However, so far, comprehensive research on the correlation between the reforming characteristic for accessible engineering applications of ammonia catalytic decomposition is not abundant. Moreover, relevant experimental studies are far from sufficient. In this paper, we conducted the experiments of catalytic decomposition of ammonia into hydrogen based on a fixed-bed reactor with Ru-Al2O3 catalysts to study the effects of reaction temperature, gas hour space velocity (GHSV) and reaction pressure on the decomposition characteristics. At the same time, energy flow analysis was carried out to explore the effects of various reaction conditions on system
Li, ZeLi, TieChen, RunLi, ShiyanZhou, XinyiWang, Ning
One way to decarbonize spark-ignition (SI) engines is to use alternative fuels to improve thermal efficiency. Compressed biomethane gas (CBG), mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide produced from food waste, has attracted attention as an alternative fuel, but its carbon dioxide content is indeterminate. This study investigates the effects of carbon dioxide content on engine performance (thermal efficiency, etc.), emission characteristics, and turbulent burning velocity using a CBG surrogate fuel mixed with methane and carbon dioxide. A single-cylinder SI engine is used as the test engine, and experiments are conducted under different load conditions with a constant crank angle of 50% mass fraction burned (CA50). Engine performance is analyzed based on heat balance from in-cylinder pressure analysis. Emission characteristics are measured using an emission gas analyzer. Using the boundary conditions obtained from the experiments, parameters such as unstretched laminar burning
Kobayashi, TakumaShimizu, TaketoshiYoshimura, KeiSok, RatnakKusaka, Jin
The relation between the multiple auto-ignition in the premixed charge with fuel concentration distribution and associated pressure wave are numerically investigated. This study assumes that the auto-ignition phenomenon in the end-gas of PCCI combustion, a next-generation combustion method which is expected to achieve both low fuel consumption and low emissions at a high level. Detailed numerical analysis considering the elementary chemical reactions of the compressible reacting fluid flow described in the one-dimensional coordinate system with high spatial and time resolution was performed to clarify the detailed phenomena of the onset of the multiple auto-ignition and the pressure wave propagation in the gas.
Iizumi, KotaYoshida, Kenji
Ozone (O3) was introduced into the intake air in a natural gas fueled engine ignited by micro-pilot of diesel fuel, to utilize the reactive O-radicals decomposed from the O3 for the promotion of the combustion and for improvements in the thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions. Experiments were carried out in a single cylinder engine to elucidate the effects of the ozone addition under the lean burn conditions. A supercharger was employed to increase the intake air amount and vary the equivalence ratio of natural gas. The experimental results showed that the O3 addition has a limited effect on the ignition of the diesel fuel injected near top dead center, while the heat release during the flame propagation in the natural gas/air mixture was increased at the lower equivalence ratio of natural gas. Further the ignition of natural gas was promoted, resulting in the increase of the combustion efficiency and the degree of constant volume heat release. The cooling loss and the NOx emissions
Kobashi, YoshimitsuMiyata, ShokiKawahara, NobuyukiInagaki, Ryuya