The Dual-Fueled Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine Using Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Di-methyl Ether

The combustion, knock characteristics and exhaust emissions in an engine were investigated under homogeneous charge compression ignition operation fueled with liquefied petroleum gas with regard to variable valve timing and the addition of di-methyl ether. Liquefied petroleum gas was injected at an intake port as the main fuel in a liquid phase using a liquefied injection system, while a small amount of di-methyl ether was also injected directly into the cylinder during the intake stroke as an ignition promoter. Different intake valve timings and fuel injection amount were tested in order to identify their effects on exhaust emissions, combustion and knock characteristics.

The optimal intake valve open timing for the maximum indicated mean effective pressure was retarded as the λ_TOTAL was decreased. The start of combustion was affected by the intake valve open timing and the mixture strength (λ_TOTAL) due to the volumetric efficiency and latent heat of vaporization. Hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were increased as the intake valve open timing was retarded. However, carbon dioxide was decreased as the intake valve open timing was retarded.