Comparison of Dilution Techniques for Low Temperature Combustion in Spark Ignition Engines

Internal combustion engine downsizing allows the reduction of fuel consumption, in particular for those applications where the engine operates frequently at part load conditions. This design solution is usually combined with intake charge dilution by means of exhaust gas recirculation, for the purpose of limiting abnormal combustion events, reducing pumping losses and nitrogen oxide formation. While the exhaust gas recirculation is widely used in compression ignition engines, it still causes some technological issues, in particular for spark ignition engines. This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign performed on a spark ignition engine for the investigation of different dilution techniques for low temperature combustion. Nitrogen, carbon dioxide and exhaust gas recirculation have been adopted as diluents, comparing engine performance and pollutant emissions. The paper describes the obtained results with the aim at determining the optimal intake gas composition for low temperature combustion. Furthermore, it also establishes the requirements for selective polymer membranes in terms of nitrogen purity in the retentate.