NO Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging in the Combustion Chamber of a Spray-Guided Direct-Injection Gasoline Engine

In direct-injection gasoline (GDI) engines with charge stratification, minimizing engine-out nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emission is crucial since exhaust-gas aftertreatment tolerates only limited amounts of NO_x. Reduced NO_x production directly lowers the frequency of energy-inefficient catalyst regeneration cycles. In this paper we investigate NO formation in a realistic GDI engine. Quantitative in-cylinder measurements of NO concentrations are carried out via laser-induced fluorescence imaging with excitation of NO (A-X(0,2) band at 248 nm), and subsequent fluorescence detection at 220-240 nm. Engine modifications were kept to a minimum in order to provide results that are representative of practical operating conditions. Optical access via a sapphire ring enabled identical engine geometry as a production line engine. The engine is operated with commercial gasoline (“Super-Plus”, RON 98). Recent high-pressure spectroscopic studies of NO, O₂ and CO₂ are utilized to select an appropriate detection scheme for quantitative NO measurements under realistic conditions. CO₂ UV light absorption data is used to correct for laser and signal attenuation. NO-LIF concentrations are compared to extractive measurements using a fast gas sampling valve (GSV). NO formation is investigated at different operating conditions such as variable exhaust gas recirculation (egr).