Experiments on Compression Ignition by Air Injection (CIBAI) in a Modified Single-Cylinder, Four-Stroke, Spark Ignition, Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) Engine: A Novel Approach

Compression ignition by air injection (CIBAI) has been successfully achieved in a modified single cylinder, four-stroke, spark ignition cooperative fuel research (CFR) engine. This new combustion concept has the potential to replace traditional spark ignition and high-pressure fuel injection controlled ignition. Its high ignition energy provides the capability to rapidly ignite ultra-lean air-fuel mixtures, to maximize combustion compression with associated thermal efficiency, while reducing NO_X formation. This paper presents the results of the first group of experiments conducted at West Virginia University on compression ignition by air injection (CIBAI). The objective of these experiments was to demonstrate experimentally the viability of achieving ignition by air injection (CIBAI) for controlled auto-ignition (CAI) in a CFR engine.