Browse Topic: Air / fuel ratio

Items (1,468)
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Pasa, Bruno RobertoSilveira, Juliano PereiraFagundez, Jean Lucca SouzaLanzanova, Thompson Diórdinis MetzkaMartins, Mario Eduardo SantosSalau, Nina Paula Gonçalves
Flex-fueled vehicles (FFV) dominate the Brazilian market, accounting for over 75% of the national fleet. Ethanol fuel is widely used, primarily in the form of hydrated ethyl alcohol fuel (HEAF). Given the similar physicochemical properties of ethanol and methanol, fuel adulteration is a growing concern, often involving the addition of anhydrous ethanol, methanol, or even water to hydrated ethanol. These adulterants are visually imperceptible and can only be detected through analyses conducted by regulatory agencies using specialized instruments. However, they can significantly affect vehicle performance and accelerate engine component deterioration. The experiment was performed with a small displacement 3-cylinder port fuel injection flex-fuel engine on an engine test bench (dynamometer) and compared when fueled with ethanol and methanol. Data acquisition included combustion pressure, spark plug temperature, torque, air-fuel ratio, fuel flow, spark maps, and the overall effects of
Mascarenhas, Giovana RebellatoGomes, EdersonCruz, DiegoDuque, Edson Luciano
Hydrogen PFI engines face abnormal combustion issues, especially during transient operation. The air-to-fuel ratio and trapped exhaust gas significantly affect combustion stability and NOx emissions, requiring continuous monitoring. Real-time estimation of the trapped gas composition and thermodynamic state is therefore crucial but challenging. This work introduces a real-time, physics-based Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) model for accurately estimating trapped air and exhaust gas mass at the intake valve closing (IVC) event. In detail, the estimation model makes use of dynamic in-cylinder and exhaust pressure measurements to accurately model mass flows and heat exchange equations with 0.5 CAD resolution. This allows extremely high fidelity when modelling the physical properties of the various chemical species along the engine cycle. Moreover, the model calibration appears only in the form of two coefficients implemented on a lookup table for twelve different operating points
Galli, ClaudioFerrara, GiovanniGrilli, NiccolòBalduzzi, FrancescoRomani, LucaVichi, Giovanni
The accelerating global shift towards decarbonised energy systems has positioned hydrogen as a highly promising carbon-free fuel. This study comprehensively investigates the macroscopic characteristics and temporal evolution of vortex ring trailing helium jets, serving as a surrogate for hydrogen, injected into a quiescent ambient environment using high-speed Schlieren imaging. This research addresses critical insights into fuel-air mixing dynamics essential for optimising hydrogen direct injection (DI) internal combustion engines. Analysis of helium jet tip’s topology revealed a three-stage evolution from an initial pressure-insensitive phase, dominated by pressure wave structures, to a momentum-driven, vortex-dependent growth stage, then to a fully developed stage. Specifically, the lower-pressure cases showed increased Kelvin-Helmholtz instability and distinct head vortex pinch-off at the final stage. Jet tip velocities transitioned from initial high, rapid pressure wave development
Dong, ShuoShi, HaoZhang, GengxinFeng, YizhuoLu, EnshenWang, XinyanZhao, Hua
Global efforts to mitigate climate change include ambitious long-term strategies by countries to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The automotive sector is exploring carbon-free powertrains, with hydrogen emerging as a key technology. Its zero-emission potential positions it for widespread adoption in power generation, transportation, and industry. Hydrogen engines, particularly direct injection engines offering high power and efficiency, are gaining traction due to their adaptability using existing engine components. However, in a hydrogen direct injection engine, achieving proper mixing of hydrogen and air in the cylinder is challenging, making in-cylinder mixture formation a crucial factor for ensuring stable combustion. To predict hydrogen mixture formation in the cylinder, we conducted a Schlieren visualization experiment of the hydrogen jet. Based on the results, a detailed hydrogen jet model for the direct injection injector was developed. This model was then
Hisano, AtsushiSaitou, MasahitoSakurai, YotaIchi, Satoaki
The two-stroke engine, known for its small displacement and high performance, is space-efficient when installed in a vehicle. As such, incorporating two-stroke engines into HEVs is an effective way to reduce vehicle weight and optimize engine space. However, one downside is that the amount of unfired elements in the exhaust gas increases due to the air/fuel mixture being expelled into the exhaust system during the scavenging process. Moreover, combustion can become unstable due to the large volume of residual burned gases in the cylinder. To address these issues, we propose a two-stroke engine equipped with intake and exhaust valves that directly inject fuel into the cylinder. In our first report, we presented an engine design and method that enable high scavenging efficiency and stable combustion in a two-stroke engine [1]. In this second report, we share the results of our research aimed at improving fuel efficiency and achieving low emissions, all while maintaining the high
Sakurai, YotaHisano, AtsushiSaitou, MasahitoIchi, Satoaki
This report summarizes the research findings on fuel injection calibration methods, aiming to improve engine performance and reduce environmental impact. In Port Fuel Injection (PFI) engines, the injected fuel adheres to the port walls and mixes with air as it vaporizes, then flows into the combustion chamber. Traditionally, the fuel injection quantity is determined by the base map, which is calibrated for a steady state, and corrections for transient conditions. During steady-state operation, the air-fuel ratio of the mixture is uniquely determined by the amount of fuel injected, allowing for reproducible calibration. However, during transient conditions, the amount of fuel adhering to the walls and the amount vaporized do not balance, necessitating transient compensation to achieve the desired air-fuel ratio. Traditional transient compensation has been adapted for each engine model based on experience to accommodate differences in port shapes and injector placements. This approach
Haraguchi, Kazuki
This paper focuses on the potential application of hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine (HICE) in the off-road market, examining HICE based on a diesel engine. In the transition to HICE, priority was given to compatibility with existing systems, minimizing changes from the base engine. By adopting a PFI (Port Fuel Injection) method for fuel injection, low-pressure hydrogen supply was achieved. To address the issue of backfire associated with PFI, optimization of injection pressure using a variable pressure control valve, along with adjustments to valve timing and injection timing, was implemented to suppress backflow of residual gases into the intake system and minimize hydrogen retention. Regarding pre-ignition, in addition to suppressing hotspots, the relationship between the homogenization of the air-fuel mixture and NOx emissions was examined, revealing a correlation. This engine was mounted on a generator, and efforts were made to improve the important characteristic of
Shiraishi, KentaroKishi, ShinjiKato, DaichiMitamura, KentaMurakami, KeiMikuni, Yusuke
Ammonia, a carbon-neutral fuel, is a promising candidate for next-generation engine applications. However, its low flame speed (~7cm/s) and prolonged ignition delay (~10ms at stoichiometric conditions) impose significant challenges in achieving stable and efficient combustion across varying operating conditions. At high-speeds, incomplete combustion due to limited residence time reduces efficiency, while at low-speeds, ignition instability and low combustion temperatures hinder reliable operation. To address these challenges, the Passive Turbulent Jet Ignition (PTJI) system has been proposed to enhance turbulence-driven mixing and improve ignition characteristics. This study focuses on optimizing a PTJI system for ammonia-fueled engines using a three-phase methodology. First, the 800cc 2-cylinder gasoline engine was modified for ammonia using numerical analysis, and a baseline analysis of the combustion characteristics was conducted. Next, a turbulent intensity study within the PTJI
Ju, KangminKang, Hyun-UngKim, Jeong Hyeon
Hydrogen fuel has garnered significant attention as a key method for adapting internal combustion engines to a carbon-neutral society. Hydrogen is a carbon-free fuel that does not produce CO2 emissions during combustion. However, its wide flammability range and extremely low ignition energy present technical challenges when applied to internal combustion engines, such as the frequent occurrence of abnormal combustion phenomena like pre-ignition and knocking. Furthermore, the low energy density of hydrogen makes it difficult to achieve high power output. Additionally, hydrogen’s high adiabatic flame temperature and short quenching distance result in increased NOx emissions and cooling loss, which are further obstacles to its use. To address these issues, this study focuses on methane blending as a remedial approach. Experiments were conducted using a naturally aspirated engine with a premixed intake method to investigate the effects of methane-hydrogen blending. The following key
Tanaka, KentaTani, ToshihiroSako, Takahiro
The objective of this study is to enhance the full-load power and the partial-load thermal efficiency of a gasoline spark-ignition engine for large motorcycles. To achieve these goals, it is important to increase the combustion speed and mitigate knocking, so a passive pre-chamber jet combustion system was evaluated. In the specification study, a three-dimensional combustion simulation incorporating detailed chemical kinetics was used to analyze the combustion mechanism, including knocking detection. For full-load conditions, a passive pre-chamber jet combustion system was evaluated. It accelerated combustion by increasing turbulent kinetic energy in the main chamber through jets sprayed from the pre-chamber. By increasing the compression ratio by 2.0, the full-load indicated work increased by 3.6% compared to conventional SI combustion. Under partial-load conditions, the passive pre-chamber jet combustion system faced challenges, such as reduced jet temperature due to increased
Ando, HirokazuTanaka, TakumiTomizawa, KengoInoue, Yosuke
Pre-ignition (PI) is a common issue in internal combustion engines (ICE) with spark ignition. While the various causes have been identified with conventional fuels (such as gasoline or gasoline blends), the causes with hydrogen in ICE are not yet fully understood. This article presents the results of investigations into the influence of seven different lubricating oils on PI in a single-cylinder hydrogen research engine. The variation of two different parameters at two engine speeds were investigated: load and air/fuel mixture. For both variations, the tests start at the same conditions and run until the operating limit of the engine is reached (peak firing pressure, or maximum intake manifold pressure). The PI and knocking PI are investigated, while classifying them according to the peak cylinder pressure. It has been observed that enleanment above λ = 2.4 can lead to higher PI rates, while simultaneously reducing the knocking PI. During the load sweep at 2000 1/min, the highest
Pehlivanlar, BenjaminTorkler, MichaelFischer, MarcusGöbel, ChristophPischinger, StefanMaulbetsch, TheoNübling, FritzNeumann, Stephan
A collaborative study was conducted to bridge the gap between fundamental combustion research and engine-scale observations of knock in spark-ignition (SI) engines. Using Primary Reference Fuels (PRFs) with Research Octane Numbers (RON) of 80, 90, and 100, experiments were carried out with a Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine at air-fuel ratio, λ = 1.0, focusing on knock onset conditions in terms of unburned gas pressure and temperature. In the engine tests, pressure traces under knocking conditions were analyzed to identify knock onset and to estimate the corresponding unburned gas temperature history. Results showed that the pressure at knock onset varies clearly with PRF value: higher RON fuels exhibited knock onset at higher pressures, likely due to changes in compression ratio applied to match standard RON test procedures. In contrast, the unburned gas temperature conditions showed partial overlap across different PRFs, but with a tendency for higher RON fuels to experience
Yasutake, YukiMisono, KatsuhiroSuzuki, YoshikatuNaiki, TaketoraWatanabe, ManabuMoriyama, HinataMorii, YouhiTsunoda, AkiraMaruta, Kaoru
Lean burn combustion is an effective strategy to reduce the in-cylinder temperature. Hence reduce NOx emissions and increase the thermal efficiency of the system. One essential aspect of successful combustion is the flame kernel initiation and development. However, as the fuel-air mixture becomes leaner, challenges arise in achieving a stable flame kernel initiation and a moderate speed of flame propagation. This empirical research aims to investigate the impact of the transient high current ignition strategy on flame kernel development, flame propagation and auto-ignition timing of lean Dimethyl Ether (DME). In this work, a rapid compression machine is employed at engine-relevant conditions, a pressure of ~15 bar and temperature of ~650K. Spark-assistance is applied at the end of compression to enable a spark-assisted compression ignition combustion mode. The spark event is initiated by a transient high current ignition system, which includes a traditional transistorized coil ignition
Asma, SabrinaYu, XiaoJin, LongTjong, JimiZheng, Ming
Fuels that can be produced in a sustainable manner are of high interest because they can provide an essential step toward net zero emissions vehicles. This study examines the combustion of one such fuel, Dimethyl Ether (DME), in a compression ignition, 4-cylinder, 2.2L engine. Testing was conducted using the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) certification cycle from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Different sets of calibration maps were designed to target low-NOx (30-50ppm) by using high EGR and intake throttle and high-NOx (approximately 1000ppm) using no EGR. An intermediate, mid-NOx calibration was also evaluated. Varying calibration approaches yielded total integrated engine out emissions ranging from 118 to 145gCO2/km, all below the 191gCO2/km from the baseline diesel. The corresponding NOx+UHC and CO emissions were also evaluated. The mid-NOx calibration was overall more favorable, as it met TIER 3-Bin 20 emissions requirements with the current efficiencies of the base
De Ojeda, WilliamWu, Simon (Haibao)Harrison, ChristopherHall, CarrieArslan, ElahehPulpeiro Gonzalez, Jorge
The purpose of this work is to highlight the benefits of improved scavenging efficiency for premixed, lean-burn, spark-ignited heavy-duty engines fueled by hydrogen. Scavenging efficiency measures the effectiveness of replacing exhaust gases with fresh air (or an air-fuel mixture) within the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Enhanced scavenging efficiency reduces residual gas content and increases the proportion of fresh air, resulting in a cooler local mixture temperature. Additionally, it improves heat dissipation within the combustion chamber, cooling potential hotspots and allowing for earlier injections with fewer restrictions due to combustion anomalies, particularly pre-ignitions. To increase scavenging efficiency in a 4-stroke internal combustion engine, valve timing adjustments were made by introducing a valve lift profile with greater overlap of the exhaust valve closing and the inlet valve opening sequences. Additionally, a high-efficiency turbocharger was used to
Schuette, ChristophBorg, JonathanGiordana, SergioRapetto, Nicola
The mainstream automotive market is rapidly transitioning to electrified and fully electric powertrains. Where gasoline engines are still employed, they are frequently turbocharged units with relatively low maximum engine speed and modest power density. The hypercar class, in contrast, has recently seen somewhat of a renaissance in high performance, high speed, naturally aspirated gasoline engines, which are prized for their emotional contribution to the vehicle. In order to guarantee high conversion efficiency of a Three Way Catalyst in the exhaust system, an engine must be operated at stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. At high power density, this may result in very high exhaust gas temperature, which poses a risk to engine and vehicle hardware. A number of technological interventions to extend the maximum stoichiometric performance whilst respecting component limitations have already been described in the literature, but many of these are not applicable to specific engine architectures
Corrigan, Dáire JamesVilla, DavidePenazzi, EugenioMeghani, AmitKnop, VincentCaroli, GiacomoFrigeri, DavideRuggiero, FedericoMalaguti, SimonePostrioti, LucioMaka, Cristian
The debate over synthetic fuels is intense especially in sectors with a high energy demand like maritime [1, 2]. Hydrogen production from renewable sources is growing, but immediate measures for decarbonization are needed [3, 4]. In this context, the project MethMag was funded, and a gas engine for methane combustion with an innovative cooling concept and a purged prechamber (PC) spark plug was virtually developed [5, 6]. Validation with data from the test bench demonstrates that the simulations accurately represent the operating conditions [7, 8]. This combustion process is adapted for ammonia, which is being considered as a climate-friendly fuel of the future, particularly in maritime transportation [4, 9]. This fuel faces significant combustion challenges and is therefore mostly considered in complex, bivalent systems [10]. In particular, the prechamber is examined regarding the ignitability of ammonia. The overarching objective is to eliminate the necessity for a secondary fuel
Rothe, PaulBikas, GeorgiosMauss, Fabian
One of the emerging technologies to effectively decarbonize the transportation sector in the Heavy-Duty and Non-Road segment is the Hydrogen fueled Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE). Although completely free of carbon content, and therefore CO2, the H2-ICE exhaust still releases NOx as harmful byproducts of the combustion process. Furthermore, it is well known that H2-ICE NOx emissions are very sensitive to combustion air-to-fuel ratio (λ) and hence are much higher during load increase when λ is lowered (λ<2) to reach the target level of performance. Therefore, to comply with most stringent emission regulations, it is paramount to equip the H2-ICE with an aftertreatment system capable to handle the NOx peaks generated during transient operations with extremely high efficiency. The present work provides indication for the transposition of catalyst formulations well-known for compression-ignited ICE to Direct Injection H2-ICEs for effectively storing and converting NOx within their
Blangetti, NicolaPozzi, ChiaraCiaravino, ClaudioDeorsola, FabioGalletti, Camilla
The maritime industry is among the most energy-intensive sectors, and achieving fleet decarbonization is crucial to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a transitional fuel, natural gas (NG) presents a viable short-to-midterm solution. Compared to conventional marine fuels, NG has the potential to lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 20–30%. However, to fully leverage this potential on carbon footprint reduction, substantial advancements in combustion technologies are required. One promising approach to enhance the efficiency of SI NG engines is the implementation of Passive Pre-Chamber (PPC) technology. This strategy enables leaner combustion, improving thermal efficiency, mitigating the occurrence of knocking, and reducing NOx emissions. This study presents both experimental and numerical investigations to analyze the impact of charge dilution and ignition timing on the performance and emissions of a single-cylinder prototype NG PPC SI engine for marine
Marchitto, LucaPesce, FrancescoAccurso, FrancescoTornatore, CinziaGorietti, ValentinaBuzzi, LucaGrosso, AlessandroLuci, MatteoNapolitano, PierpaoloPennino, VincenzoBeatrice, CARLODi Domenico, DavideGiardino, Angelo
The increasing importance of hydrogen as alternative energy source to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector makes its adoption in spark-ignited engines an attractive and cost-efficient alternative to fuel cell-powered vehicles. Lean combustion is the preferred operating strategy for H2-engines in order to achieve performance targets, enhance efficiency and at the same time avoid critical knocking and pre-ignition phenomena. Additionally, an effective approach to lower cylinder temperatures, relevant engine-out NOx emissions and boost pressure requirements at the same time, is an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The aim of this work is to analyze and compare the effects of exhaust gas recirculation on the combustion of a lean hydrogen mixture in a turbocharged 4-cylinder H2-ICE with direct injection. For this investigation a load point at 18 bar BMEP and 4000 rpm is selected with and without the utilization of additional external EGR. In this case, a BTE of 38
Schmelcher, RobinKulzer, Andre CasalGal, ThomasVacca, AntoninoChiodi, MarcoGrabner, PeterGschiel, Kevin
Internal combustion engines will continue to play an important role in transportation for decades to come because of the high onboard energy density. For present passenger vehicles, efforts have been made to reduce the cold start emissions and improve engine efficiency. To reach such goals, lean and diluted mixtures are needed to reduce the chemical reactivity of the mixture, so a higher engine compression ratio can improve thermal efficiency. The decreased flame temperature of the lean/diluted mixtures is also beneficial for NOx reduction. Strong in-cylinder flow is needed to increase flame propagation speed for efficient and complete combustion process. Strong ignition sources are needed to provide robust ignition to support the combustion process. In this paper, the application of advanced plasma-based ignition strategies was reviewed, with special attention to the on-demand plasma energy profiling, which has flexible control over discharge duration and current amplitudes. The
Yu, XiaoLeblanc, SimonReader, GrahamZheng, Ming
The transition to decarbonized transportation necessitates significant modifications to internal combustion engines for alternative carbon-neutral fuels, particularly hydrogen. The integration of alternative systems is crucial for improving engine control, facilitating real-time engine health monitoring and facilitate early problem detection. This study investigates the potentialities of an ignition system specifically designed for H2 applications, with the integration of a smart coil diagnostic system with the aim to enhance engine performance and control capabilities. Experiments were conducted on a single-cylinder research engine across varying spark advanced, throttle positions, and engine speeds, comparing the novel ignition system with integrated diagnostics against traditional spark plug. Results demonstrate improvements in combustion stability and control when innovative spark plug was employed. Compared to a conventional spark plug, the Hy2Fire® system consistently delivered
Ricci, FedericoPapi, StefanoAvana, MassimilianoDal Re, MassimoGrimaldi, Carlo
The climate emergency has prompted countries to adopt strategies to limit the rise in global temperatures by promoting low-carbon technologies. In this context, hydrogen (H2) can be considered a viable solution, especially in road and marine transportation, where Compression Ignition (CI) internal combustion engines (ICEs) are widely used. Despite its potential to significantly reduce pollutant emissions compared to fossil fuels, hydrogen presents a major challenge for CI engines due to its high autoignition temperature (greater than diesel). To overcome this problem, a novel methodology is proposed to evaluate the feasibility of hydrogen retrofitting. Each engine operating point is simulated as an ideal zero-dimensional (0D) reactor into which a diesel-hydrogen-air mixture is introduced. A fully detailed kinetic mechanism is used to simulate the complex chemical interactions between the two fuels, as well as its significant effect on engine behaviour, obtaining accurate predictions of
Episcopo, DomenicoRossetti, SalvatoreMancaruso, EzioSaponaro, GianmarcoCamporeale, SergioLaera, Davide
Current ambitious targets of transport utilized fossil fuels replacement pose a considerable challenge while transportation affordability, energetic and precious materials security are to be maintained. Most of current solutions oriented towards passenger cars fossil fuel replacement by more renewable resources are dependent on one superseding method only. On other hand, each of them exhibits some drawbacks and benefits while a reasonable combination could mitigate number of limitations and include many advantages. Such a solution could be usage of a wide range of liquid fuels from renewable resources in a suitable spark ignition engine accompanied by common battery electricity storage. The aim of this experimental work was to develop and demonstrate possibilities and results of an uncomplex engine adaptation to a wide range of fuels obtainable from renewable resources suitable as a range extender to commonly proposed electric cars. The approach chosen used standard gasoline as a
Pechout, Martin
As part of the Bio-FiRE-for-EVer research project aiming to propose a solution for off-grid charging stations based on the adoption of a reciprocating engine, this study investigated the combustion development and pollutant emissions of an 8.7 l six-cylinder heavy-duty PFI internal combustion engine fueled by ethanol. The reference experimental case features critical issues in the formation of the air-fuel, mainly due to the slow evaporation rate of the alcohol fuel inside the intake manifold via a single point injection, providing a non-uniform and averagely rich (λ=0.89) reactant mixture inside the cylinders. For this purpose, an in-depth analysis of the in-cylinder phenomena is performed by using a CFD solver for the reacting flow. A geometry of the cylinder system complete with intake and exhaust ducts is created for calculations with the three-dimensional Ansys FORTE code. The inclusion of the inlet duct in the computational domain allows the experiencing of several setups of the
De Robbio, RobertaCameretti, Maria CristinaPalomba, MarcoTuccillo, Raffaele
The dual-fuel combustion process, which is offered as a retrofit solution for conventional diesel engines by various manufacturers, represents an option for reducing emissions from internal combustion engines and is already available today. Current dual-fuel engines run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is usually of fossil origin. Due to the existing infrastructure and the possibility of producing LNG by means of electrolysis and methanation, LNG can already be produced in a 100% climate-neutral way and thus make a contribution to climate neutrality in the shipping industry. The adoption of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems in the maritime sector became more significant in 2020 following the enforcement of the sulphur emission cap. By lowering the sulphur content in the fuel, technologies in the exhaust tract are also conceivable without the use of expensive scrubber systems. Dual-fuel LNG/diesel engines are typically operated in lean-burn mode to reduce the risk of knocking
Seipel, PascalGlauner, ManuelDinwoodie, JulesBuchholz, Bert
This paper presents an integrated methodology for the analysis of hydrogen-fueled 2-Stroke engines, combining experimental data, 1D-CFD simulations, and 3D-CFD combustion calculations. The proposed approach aims to enhance the understanding of scavenging, injection, and combustion processes in a 50 cm3 loop-scavenged engine with low-pressure direct hydrogen injection, experimentally studied on a test bench. The hydrogen-fueled engine was capable of achieving a maximum power output of 3.1 kW, using a slightly lean air-to-fuel ratio (lambda = 1.3). The maximum engine speed for stable combustion without knocking was achieved at wide open throttle at 7119 RPM. The developed 1D-CFD model, based on the engine layout at the test bench, was calibrated using average experimental data and specific full load operating points. 3D-CFD simulations were performed for one full load operating point, focusing on combustion dynamics and fuel distribution within the chamber, with combustion model
Caprioli, StefanoFerretti, LucaScrignoli, FrancescoFiaschi, MatteoD'Elia, MatteoOswald, RolandSchoegl, OliverNambully, Suresh KumarRothbauer, RainerMattarelli, EnricoKirchberger, RolandRinaldini, Carlo
The commercial vehicle industry continues to move in the direction of lower emissions while reducing its carbon footprint. This study focuses on hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICE) since it offers a zero-carbon solution to the industry while showing very low NOx emissions when coupled to a conventionally sized aftertreatment SCR system. This work highlights modeling efforts for analyzing key boosting configurations to operate a hydrogen engine at high lambda (relative air–fuel ratio) for lowering NOx, maintain the aftertreatment system reasonable in size, and improving brake thermal efficiency (BTE). GT-Power was used to model H2-ICE engines from 13L to 19L in displacement with different boosting architectures. Key configurations include a variable geometry turbine (VGT) turbocharger coupled with a supercharger (SC), a VGT with higher engine displacement, and a VGT coupled in series with a fixed geometry turbine (FGT) turbocharger. An exhaustive study comparing these boosting
Gurjar, ShubhamMcCarthy, Jr., James E.Manickavasagan, ThirumoolanChaudhari, Amol S.Nimeshkumar, ParmarBachu, PruthviBitsis, Christopher
Hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2 ICE) are showing impressive potential to replace fossil fuel–based ICE platforms with zero-carbon engine-out emissions. However, adopting 100% hydrogen has its challenges due to its unique properties, such as the rapid flame velocity, the minimum igniting energy, and the lowest density. These unique properties of hydrogen impose an increased risk of ignition and combustion of hydrogen in the engine system due to leakage or inadequate ventilation. One of such scenarios is the hydrogen gas in the crankcase as a result of hydrogen slip through the piston rings. In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted on a single-cylinder hydrogen direct injection spark ignition engine, which was originally designed for boosted DI gasoline engine operation. A crankcase-forced ventilation system was designed and adopted with a hydrogen sensor in the closed feedback loop. The hydrogen concentrations in the exhaust gases and crankcase were measured
Mohamed, Mohamed AliWang, XinyanZhao, Hua
Pre-chambers, in general, represent an established technology for combustion acceleration by increasing the available ignition energy. Realizing rapid fuel conversion facilitates mixture dilution extension with satisfying combustion stability. More importantly, knock-induced spark retarding can be circumvented, thus reducing emissions and increasing efficiency at high engine loads. Adapted valve actuation and split injections were investigated for this study to enhance the gas exchange of a passive pre-chamber igniter in a single-cylinder engine. The findings support the development of passive pre-chamber ignition systems operable over the whole engine map for passenger vehicles. There are two configurations of pre-chamber igniters: passive pre-chambers and scavenged pre-chambers. This study focuses on the passive design, incorporating an additional small volume around the spark plug into the cylinder head. Hot jets exit this volume after the ignition onset through several orifices
Fellner, FelixHärtl, MartinJaensch, Malte
Transitioning to zero-carbon fuels is pivotal for expediting the reduction of carbon emissions. Hydrogen demonstrates significant adaptability and emerges as a principal zero-carbon alternative fuel for fossil fuel internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms. Implementing hydrogen in both spark ignition (SI) and compression ignition (CI) engines has proven to be both economically viable and timely. In this study, a conventional diesel engine was operated with pure hydrogen with minimal modification to engine hardware. It features a proactive, automated shutdown system to mitigate intake backfire risks associated with hydrogen port fuel injection (PFI) systems. A comprehensive engine characterisation was conducted using a lambda sweep test, measuring values from 1.5 to 4.5 with an integrated in-cylinder pressure transducer for high-resolution data. The study used an advanced Bandpass, Rectify, Integrate, Compare (BRIC) knock detection method for engine health monitoring and assessed
Mohamed, MohamedZaman, ZayneLu, EnshenFeng, YizhuoWang, XinyanZhao, Hua
With the transition toward low-carbon fuel-based transportation systems, hydrogen is becoming increasingly promising as a sustainable internal combustion engine (ICE) fuel. There are two pathways for introducing hydrogen: Port Fuel Injection (PFI) and Direct Injection (DI) in an engine, which greatly affect performance, efficiency, and emissions. In the Port Fuel Injection (PFI), hydrogen is introduced into the intake manifold and mixed with air before reaching the combustion chamber. This approach is preferred due to its affordability, ease of use, and compatibility with current engine configurations. Because of PFI's more uniform air-fuel mixture, combustion is smoother, and NOx emissions are reduced. On the other hand, it raises the possibility of pre-ignition, particularly when engine loads are high, and a decrease in volumetric efficiency due to a reduction in the volume of intake air as hydrogen replaces it. Direct injection gives exact control over the timing and volume of fuel
Ahirwar, SachinKumar, Naveen
The effects of diesel and the ammonia ratio on the emissions and combustion characteristics of ammonia utilized in AMMONIA direct injection (AMMONIA-Di) engines were investigated through experimental and numerical investigations. A rapid compression expansion machine (RCEM) modified to facilitate the dual direct injection fuel (diesel-ammonia) - compression ignition (CI) method was used to conduct the experiment. A compression ratio (CR) of 19 and an ammonia energy percentage ranging from 10% to 90% were used in the experiment. Changes were made to the start of injection (SOI) from 0o to 40o before top dead center (BTDC) in order to find the best auto-ignition properties of ammonia. In order to facilitate auto-ignition, the diesel’s SOI was maintained at 10o BTDC. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was used to establish the detailed emission propagation during the combustion process. During the expansion step, ammonia goes through a second stage of combustion, demonstrating
Setiawan, ArdhikaLim, Ocktaeck
Methanol is a promising fuel for achieving carbon neutrality in the transportation sector, particularly for internal combustion engine vehicles. With its high-Octane number, methanol enables higher thermal efficiency compared to gasoline engines. Additionally, its wide flammability range allows stable engine operation under lean burn conditions at low to mid-load levels. These characteristics make methanol well-suited for lean-burn strategies, which reduce pumping losses and enhance thermal efficiency. However, there remains a lack of studies on the influence of injection timing under different lean conditions, particularly in a wall-guided spark ignition engine. Wall-guided systems use the chamber wall or piston surface to redirect and stratify the fuel-air mixture near the spark plug at the time of ignition. The combustion performance of lean-burn engines in highly sensitive to variations in injection and excess air ratio. In this study, experiments were conducted on a single
Lee, SeungwonKim, HyunsooHwang, JoonsikBae, Choongsik
The use of hydrogen in port fuel injection (PFI) engines faces challenges related to abnormal combustions that must be addressed, especially in transient operation. The in-cylinder air-to-fuel ratio and the amount of trapped exhaust gas have a significant impact on the probability of abnormal combustion as well as NOx emissions, and should be real-time monitored in hydrogen engines. Thus, the real-time estimation of the composition and thermodynamic state of the trapped gas mixture is crucial during transient operations, although highly challenging. This study proposes an on-line real-time physics-based MIMO (Multi-Input-Multi-Output) model to accurately estimate the amount of trapped air and exhaust gas in the cylinder at the intake valve closing (IVC) event, based on the instantaneous in-cylinder pressure measurement. With proper estimation accuracy, the injector can be controlled to correctly provide the amount of fuel necessary to achieve the target air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) and
Galli, ClaudioCiampolini, MarcoDrovandi, LorenzoRomani, LucaBalduzzi, FrancescoFerrara, GiovanniVichi, GiovanniMinamino, Ryota
The spark ignited two-stroke engine, as a cost-efficient power unit with low maintenance demand, is used millionfold for the propulsion of hand-held application, motorcycles, scooters, boats and others. The outstanding power to weight ratio is the key advantage for two-stroke engines. However, poor exhaust emissions, caused by high scavenge losses, especially on port controlled two-stroke engines, and a low efficiency are disadvantages of this combustion process. Under the aspect of increasing environment- and health awareness, the two-stroke technology driven with fossil resources, shows no future advantage. The anthropogenic climate change force for sustainable development of combustion engines whereby reduction of fuel consumption or usage of alternative fuels is an important factor. Best way of a decarbonization to fulfil future climate goals is the utilization of non-carbon fuels. In this field of fuels, hydrogen, with its high energy content and close inexhaustible availability
Yasuda, TerutakaOswald, RolandKirchberger, Roland
The use of small 2-stroke crankcase scavenged engines running on hydrogen is very attractive for low power rates, when low cost and compact dimensions are the fundamental design constraints. However, achieving optimal performance with hydrogen fuel presents challenges, including uneven air-fuel mixtures, fuel losses, and crankcase backfiring. This research focuses on a small 50cc 2-stroke loop-scavenged engine equipped with a patented Low-Pressure Direct Injection (LPDI) system, modified for hydrogen use. Experimental results demonstrate performance comparable to the gasoline counterpart, but further optimizations are needed. Consequently, CFD-3D simulations are employed to analyses the injection process and guide engine development. The numerical analysis focuses on a fixed operating condition: 6000 rpm, Wide Open Throttle (WOT), with a slightly lean mixture and injection pressure fixed at 5 bar. A numerical model of the entire engine is set up with the primary objective of improving
Caprioli, StefanoSchoegl, OliverOswald, RolandKirchberger, RolandMattarelli, EnricoRinaldini, Carlo Alberto
This study offers an overview of the impact of lean burn technology in two-wheeler vehicles, specifically concentrating on enhancing the fuel economy and addressing the challenges associated with its adoption. Lean burn systems, characterized by a fuel-air mixture with a higher air content than stoichiometric ratio. The study focuses on technology which meets stringent emission standards while enabling the optimization of fuel efficiency. The lean burn system employs strategies to optimize air-fuel ratio using electronic fuel injection, ignition timing control, and advanced engine control algorithms like - updated torque modulation control algorithm for drivability, lambda control algorithm for rich and lean switch and NOx modelling algorithm for LNT catalyst efficiency tracking. The challenges related to lean burn systems, includes issues related to combustion stability, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and their impact on drivability, is summarized in the study. Mitigation strategies
Somasundaram, KarthikeyanSivaji, PurushothamanJohn Derin, CVishal, KarwaManoj Kumar, SMaynal, Rajesh
Ammonia (NH3) is emerging as a promising fuel for longer range decarbonised heavy transport, predominantly due to relative favourable characteristics as an effective hydrogen carrier. This is despite generally unfavourable combustion and toxicity attributes, restricting ammonia’s end use to applications where robust health and safety protocols can always be assured. In the currently reported work, a spark ignited thermodynamic single cylinder research engine was equipped with separate gaseous ammonia and hydrogen port injection fuelling, with the aim of understanding the impact of varied co-fuelling upon combustion, fuel economy and engine-out emissions (and the arising implications upon future emissions after-treatment). Under stoichiometric conditions, the engine could be operated in a stable manner on pure NH3 at low-to-medium speeds and medium-to-high engine loads, with up to ~20% hydrogen (by energy) required at the lowest engine loads. Engine-out NH3 emissions remained relatively
Ambalakatte, AjithGeng, SikaiMurugan, ReeseVaraei, AmirataCairns, AlasdairHarrington, AnthonyHall, JonathanBassett, Michael
The Tour engine is a novel split-cycle internal combustion engine (ICE) that divides the four-stroke Otto cycle of a conventional ICE between two separate cylinders, an intake and compression cylinder and a second expansion and exhaust cylinder, interconnected by an innovative charge transfer mechanism. The engine working fluid, air and fuel, is inducted into the engine and compressed by a dedicated compression cylinder, transferred with minimal pressure loss via an input port to a specifically designed combined spool shuttle transfer mechanism and combustion chamber. It is then ignited and then transferred from the combustion chamber via an exit port to a separate expansion cylinder where it is expanded and exhausted from the engine. The primary advantage of the Tour engine is that it provides the engineering freedom to independently design, control and optimize the compression, combustion, and expansion processes within a slider-crank piston engine. By decoupling the compression
Tour, OdedCho, KukwonHofman, YehoramAnderson, BradleyKemmet, RyanMorris, DanielWahl, MichaelBhanage, PratikSivan, EhudTour, GiladAtkinson, ChrisTour, Hugo
A glow plug is generally used to assist the starting of diesel engines in cold weather condition. Low ambient temperature makes the starting of diesel engine difficult because the engine block acts as a heat sink by absorbing the heat of compression. Hence, the air-fuel mixture at the combustion chamber is not capable of self-ignition based on air compression only. Diesel engines do not need any starting aid in general but in such scenarios, glow plug ensures reliable starting in all weather conditions. Glow plug is actually a heating device with high electrical resistance, which heats up rapidly when electrified. The high surface temperature of glow plug generates a heat flux and helps in igniting the fuel even when the engine is insufficiently hot for normal operation. Durability concerns have been observed in ceramic glow plugs during testing phases because of crack formation. Root cause analysis is performed in this study to understand the probable reasons behind cracking of the
Karmakar, NilankanOrban, Hatem
A multi-dimensional model of the spark ignition process for SI engines was developed as a user-defined function (UDF) integrated into the commercial engine simulation software CONVERGE CFD. The model presented in this paper simulates energy deposition from the ignition circuit into the fuel-air mixture inside the cylinder. The model is based on interaction and collision between electrons in the plasma arc and the gas molecules inside the cylinder using parameters from the ignition circuit and gas inside the cylinder. Full engine simulations using CONVERGE CFD with the developed ignition model including the ignition circuit model, arc propagation model, and energy deposition model were performed to evaluate the validity and performance of the model and to compare with the ignition model provided by CONVERGE CFD. A low turbulent port fuel injected single-cylinder CFR engine was used for comparison. Continuous multi-cycle RANS simulations showed cycle-to-cycle variations. The range of the
Kim, KyeongminHall, MatthewJoshi, SachinMatthews, Ron
Airborne compression ignition engines operating with aviation fuels are a promising option for reducing fuel consumption and increasing the range of hybrid-electric aircraft. However, the consistent ignition of Jet fuels at high-altitude conditions can be challenging. A potential solution to this problem is to ignite the fuel sprays by means of a glow-plug-based ignition assistant (IA) device. The interaction between the IA and the spray, and the subsequent combustion event result in thermal cycles that can significantly affect the IA’s durability. Therefore, designing an efficient and durable IA requires detailed understanding of the influence that the IA temperature and insertion depth have on the complex physics of fuel-air mixture ignition and flame propagation. The objective of this study is to design a conjugate heat transfer (CHT) modeling framework that can numerically replicate F-24 Jet fuel spray ignition using a glow-plug-based IA device in a rapid compression machine (RCM
Oruganti, Surya KaundinyaLien, Hao-PinTorelli, RobertoMotily, AustenLee, TonghunKim, KennethMayhew, EricKweon, Chol-Bum
In order to reduce the environmental impact of transportation, the adoption of low and zero carbon fuel is needed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from engines, both from tailpipe and well-to-wheel perspectives. However, for some of the promising fuels, such as renewable natural gas and ammonia, the relatively low chemical reactivity and laminar flame speed bring challenge to a rapid and efficient combustion process, especially under lean or diluted conditions to suppress NOx emissions, leading to reduced combustion and thermal efficiencies. To tackle the challenge, high in-cylinder flow speed is needed to shorten the combustion duration, together with strong ignition sources to support the initial flame kernel development. In this paper, an ignition energy modulation system is developed to enhance both discharge current and discharge energy of a spark event to secure the ignition process. Moreover, a rapid compression machine is employed to compress the fuel-air mixture to the
Jin, LongYu, XiaoZhou, QingReader, GrahamLi, LiguangZheng, Ming
Pre-chamber combustion is an advanced ignition strategy that has been shown to enhance spark ignition (SI) combustion stability in natural gas (NG) engines by providing distributed ignition sites from turbulent jets and enhancing main-chamber turbulence. Pre-chamber combustion has been proven especially advantageous compared to SI in ultra-lean and dilute operating conditions. This work involves experimental investigation of the effects of varying passive pre-chamber nozzle configuration on pre-chamber and main chamber combustion under simulated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) dilution (0 and 20%) conditions in a heavy-duty, single-cylinder, optically accessible NG engine at stoichiometric fuel-air ratio. Pre-chamber nozzle configurations include four pre-chambers with constant nozzle area to pre-chamber volume ratio (A/V) with different nozzle sizes and orientations and one configuration with larger nozzles. The optical engine is operated in a skip-fire sequence consisting of 18
Dhotre, AkashNyrenstedt, GustavRajasegar, RajavasanthVarma, ArunSingh, SatbirNorthrop, WilliamSrna, Ales
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