Development of a Lean Burn/Lean Reactor Engine System Through the Application of Engine Dynamometer Mapping Techniques

Various components designed to extend the lean misfire limit and control exhaust emissions of a 4 cylinder engine were evaluated at important CVS speed/load points on an engine dynamometer. The components studied included: modified intake manifold, thermal reactors, exhaust port liners, and a modified combustion chamber.

Oxidation studies were conducted to determine the effect of exhaust reactor size on the conversion of HC and CO emissions at lean engine A/F ratios. An experimental technique was developed which permits an assessment of CVS-HOT emissions/fuel economy and driveability characteristics from steady-state engine dynamometer data. The effects of ignition timing and EGR were investigated at lean engine A/F ratios to provide lean burn/lean reactor system calibrations for low emissions potential and maximum fuel economy.