Browse Topic: Engine efficiency

Items (1,054)
Stochastic end-gas autoignition in spark ignition (SI) engines, commonly called “knock,” limits attainable engine efficiencies. Multiple pathways to extend SI engine operation into knock-limited regions have been studied, including direct water injection (DWI). This study employs single-cylinder engine experiments with a centrally mounted water injector to investigate the knock resistance offered by compression stroke water injections, which, through incomplete mixing, can thermally stratify the cylinder. In SI, thermally stratifying injections are expected to forcibly widen the cylinder temperature distribution by preferentially cooling the cylinder periphery. The end-gas is in the cylinder periphery. A cooler end-gas would result in longer ignition delays, thus providing knock resistance. The difference between intake temperature required to match knock-limited CA50 and a baseline intake temperature at the load of 8 bar IMEPg (gross indicated mean effective pressure) was used to
Datar, AdityaVedpathak, KunalGainey, BrianLawler , Benjamin
Ammonia is emerging as a promising energy vector for decarbonising the maritime sector. However, its low flame speed can lead to incomplete combustion, reduced engine efficiency, and increased emissions of unburned ammonia (NH3). Blending hydrogen with ammonia helps to address these issues, but the fundamental combustion characteristics of such mixtures remain insufficiently understood. This study examines the combustion dynamics of an NH3–H2 blend containing 30% hydrogen at 3 bar initial pressure. Experiments were performed in a 1.2 L optically accessible constant-volume combustion chamber fitted with a wall-mounted surface spark plug. High-speed shadowgraph imaging with 6,000 fps captured the flame evolution throughout the combustion process. The pressure and temperature values were monitored using piezoresistive pressure transducers and K-type thermocouples. Combustion times and flame extensions were extracted via post-processing of flame images using custom MATLAB algorithms. The
Bodur, Tuna MuratBowling, WilliamLa Rocca, AntoninoCairns, Alasdair
The Argon Power Cycle (APC) is an emerging high-efficiency combustion technology for internal combustion engines. In APC, the conventional air-based working fluid is replaced with an inert argon gas. This substitution inherently increases engine efficiency through thermodynamic properties of argon, in particular a high adiabatic factor ?? ~1.67. A hydrogen-fueled APC engine offers the potential for highly efficient zero emission combustion by also eliminating nitrogen oxide (NOx) formation. In the present paper, hydrogen combustion is studied in an optical heavy-duty research engine, with the objective of providing the first visualization of H2 combustion in an argon–oxygen mixture. A comparative analysis of high-speed optical imaging and in-cylinder pressure measurements is conducted for two different modes: 1) conventional air operation and 2) argon-oxygen mixture operation. The high-speed images reveal a distinctly different combustion process between the two operating modes. The
Kapp, JoakimCheng, QiangKaario, OssiVuorinen, Ville
The utilization of gasoline engines in heavy-duty vehicles for the purpose of continental transportation is in direct competition with conventional diesel engines. It’s imperative that the operating performance of the gasoline engine is equivalent to the diesel engine, and that the gasoline engine shows efficiency benefit to both cost segments, the product manufacturing costs and total cost of ownership (TCO). The 11.6-liter gasoline engine developed has been designed and applicated in such a way that it operates at a stoichiometric combustion air ratio (λ = 1) across the entire engine map range without exception. In combination with external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) this strategy does not result in a substantial decrease in the absolute NOx concentration in raw emissions compared to the diesel engine with 15.0-liter displacement, but it facilitates the cost-efficient utilization of the three-way catalyzer as the main exhaust aftertreatment system, thereby reducing NOx emissions
Medicke, MarioArnold, ThomasBohme, JanKrause, MatthiasLeesch, Mirko
Regeneration of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) is crucial for maintaining the performance of diesel engines and minimizing harmful particulate matter (PM) emissions from exhaust. However, conventional regeneration strategies often suffer from incomplete soot removal and inefficient monitoring. These issues lead to increased exhaust back pressure, reducing engine efficiency, and potentially damaging the particulate filter. In this paper, an approach is proposed for mapping and quantifying the real-world DPF regeneration process for diesel engines complying with the stringent emission standards. We introduce a novel metric, the differential pressure drop percentage (DPDP), to detect regeneration events and quantify soot burn quality. The proposed method utilizes real-time sensor data obtained through the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. The algorithm processes sensor data and robustly maps the regeneration quality. The performance of regeneration event detection and soot
Bagga, Harleen KaurNagare, Mukund B.Patil, Bhushan D.Ravishankar, HariharanMelapudi, VikramVanderheide, CraigPatil, Abhijit
Gasoline direct injection (GDI) remains a key technology for enhancing engine efficiency and meeting regulated engine-out soot limits, particularly when combined with downsizing and boosted operation. The performance of modern GDI engines strongly depends on the in-cylinder spray process, which governs mixture formation and combustion quality under a wide range of operating conditions. In this context, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an effective tool for supporting the design and operation of an engine. However, accurately modeling a spray’s evolution —from early to late injections and across varying ambient conditions —remains a major challenge. This study employs a CFD framework with an optimized spray modeling approach to investigate spray morphology and dynamics under various engine cold conditions. Although all simulations are conducted with a single-injection setup, the early- and late-injection cases are designed to emulate different phases of split-injection operation by
Lien, Hao-Pin (Paul)Torelli, RobertoZhao, LePark, Ji-WoongZhang, AnqiPei, YuanjiangHwang, JoonsikLee, Kyungwon
Recent studies have demonstrated that the current Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) can be adapted to operate with hydrogen for the decarbonisation of transport and gensets. This is mostly done by conversion of conventional 4-stroke compression ignition diesel engines or spark ignition gas engines for heavy-duty vehicles or 4-stroke spark ignition gasoline engines for light-duty applications. This study aims to assess the adoption of pure hydrogen direct injection technology on a novel two-stroke opposed-piston engine designed by Carnot Engine Ltd. The engine provides a flexible platform that can operate in both compression ignition and spark ignition modes, allowing it to adopt multiple fuels. For the first time, a single cylinder prototype version of this new engine was operated and tested with hydrogen at Brunel University of London. During the engine experiment, a spark ignition timing sweep was carried out at low and mid-loads up to 10 bar IMEP to identify the Minimum ignition
Mohamed, MohamedRoeinfard, NimaWang, XinyanZhao, HuaWatts-Farmer, ArchieRahman, NadiurLempp, Francis
To combine high efficiencies and low pollutant emissions, engine manufacturers have developed downsized spark-ignited (SI) engines in light- and medium-duty applications utilizing charge boosting and high compression ratio. While these techniques have proven effective, abnormal combustion such as auto-ignition and knock present a challenge and an important limitation towards high efficiencies. In this work, simulations have been utilized for knock onset predictions as well to provide relevant insights and trends of engine and fuel parameters including flame speed on auto-ignition. A one-dimensional (1-D) GT-Power model was utilized in this study with a semi-predictive flame propagation model and kinetic mechanism solver to isolate the flame propagation rate on auto-ignition and knock. This work presents a comprehensive study of the laminar flame speed (LFS) effect on combustion at knocking conditions in a high compression ratio long stroke engine (LSE) fueled by propane. Knock onset
Douvry-Rabjeau, JulienDelVescovo, Dan
Combustion stability and emission control remain key challenges for gasoline engines, requiring robust oxygen sensing strategies. The primary function of the upstream exhaust oxygen sensor is to detect the oxygen concentration in exhaust gas for accurate air–fuel ratio control. However, poor signal visibility from individual cylinders across engine speeds can lead to improper combustion prediction and reduced engine efficiency. This work applies a Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) approach to optimize the upstream oxygen sensor configuration in a 2.0 L four-stroke gasoline engine. Conventionally, sensor placement is completed by iterative testing and calibration, which is both time-consuming and cost intensive. The DFSS framework uses input, output, control, and noise factors. Exhaust gas mass flow rate from engine cylinders at different speeds is treated as the input, while the detected oxygen mass fraction is the output. Design parameters such as pipe length, pipe diameter, sensor
Dixit, ManishRaja, VinayakAnnabattula, Pallavi
This study investigates the impact of the hydrogen split injection ratio on the combustion of pilot diesel-ignited hydrogen direct-injection engines, which is expected to affect hydrogen-air mixture conditions and thus flame propagation and diffusion flame developments. Experiments were conducted on a 1-litre single-cylinder diesel engine equipped with an additional hydrogen injector operating at 35 MPa. Hydrogen accounting for 95% of total input energy was injected at 150 and 60 °CA bTDC for the first and second pulses, which were selected as high-efficiency injection timings from previous equal-split injection tests. The 5% diesel energy was injected near TDC to control CA50 at 10 °CA aTDC. While varying the split ratio between the two hydrogen injections, in-cylinder pressure/aHRR profiles, engine efficiency/power output and engine-out emissions of NOx and CO2 were evaluated. Results showed that the hydrogen split ratio does not significantly affect IMEP/efficiency, which
Zhao, YifanChan, Qing NianKook, Sanghoon
The development of technologies capable of expanding the operational flexibility of internal combustion engines—particularly through advanced valve actuation strategies—has become essential for improving energy efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions. This work presents the design, manufacturing, and experimental evaluation of a novel, mechanically simple, and low-cost valve control system intended for spark-ignition engines originally designed to operate under the Otto cycle. The proposed innovation, designated VVT-D (Variable Valve Timing—Duration), introduces continuous and independent control of intake valve opening duration using a concentric tube camshaft architecture. Unlike conventional variable valve timing systems limited to phase control, the VVT-D concept enables continuous transition between Otto- and Miller-equivalent operating conditions by modulating intake valve duration as a function of engine load. This approach allows engine load control via Late Intake Valve
Alvares, Gabriel Coelho RodriguesWoiski, Emanuel Rochados Santos, Paulo Sergio BarbosaKashani, Masoud GhanbariGasche, José Luiz
In commercial vehicles, conventional engine-driven hydraulic steering systems result in continuous energy consumption, contributing to parasitic losses and reduced overall powertrain efficiency. This study introduces an Electric Powered Hydraulic Steering (EPHS) system that decouples steering actuation from the engine and operates only on demand, thereby optimizing energy usage. Field trials conducted under loaded conditions demonstrated a 3–6% improvement in fuel economy, confirming the system’s effectiveness in real-world applications. A MATLAB-based simulation model was developed to replicate dynamic steering loads and vehicle operating conditions, with results closely aligning with field data, thereby validating the model’s predictive accuracy. The reduction in fuel consumption directly translates to lower CO₂ emissions, supporting regulatory compliance and sustainability goals, particularly in the context of tightening emission norms for commercial fleets. These findings position
T, Aravind Muthu SuthanMani, KishoreAyyappan, RakshnaD, Senthil KumarS, Mathankumar
Hydrogen-fueled reciprocating engines typically feature reasonable efficiencies and low engine-out emissions but low power density, compromising their utility and economics. Previous hydrogen engine research has found efficiency and anti-knock benefits when using either Miller cycles or water injection. This article therefore studies, for the first time, a directly injected (DI), spark-ignited, heavy-duty, turbocharged and hydrogen-fueled engine operated with both Miller cycles and water injection. Miller cycles, with either early or late intake valve closure, and water injection combine to achieve high engine efficiencies approaching 50%, which is significantly higher than the same engine with standard valve timing. The increased susceptibility of hydrogen autoignition in these Miller cycles is overcome by water injection, which simultaneously increases the charge density, counteracting both lean-burn hydrogen’s and Miller cycles’ commonly observed power loss. This demonstrates that
Mortimer, JoelPoursadegh, FarzadBrear, MichaelYang, Yi
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is the heart of an Automobile. The failure of any critical component of the ICE engine will directly affect the performance of the vehicle. The gaskets are among the many vital parts of an IC engine that are essential in ensuring appropriate sealing to prevent gas and liquid leakage and maintain optimal engine efficiency. Engines use a variety of gasket types to accommodate various sealing requirements. Among them the exhaust manifold gaskets are one of the critical gasket elements in ICE engines. Exhaust Gasket acts as a seal between cylinder head and extremely hot exhaust manifold, which prevents the leakage of hot exhaust gases produced during typical engine operating condition. The gaskets are crucial components because they endure extremely high mechanical loads from the exhaust manifold sliding and banana-shaped bending brought on by thermal expansion, as well as extremely high thermal loads from the high exhaust gas temperatures, which are more
Reddy, RajavardhanR B, GovindKulkarni, SanjeevPalve, ChandrakantMueller, Frank Oliver
The increasing adoption of ethanol-blended fuels, such as E20 (20% ethanol and 80% gasoline) and E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their compatibility with automotive engine components to ensure durability and operational reliability. Fuel compatibility is particularly critical for components in direct contact with ethanol-rich fuels, as improper material selection or insufficient testing can lead to corrosion, material degradation, and compromised engine performance. This study focuses on evaluating the behavior of sintered materials extracted from potential fuel-contact part of automotive engine when exposed to E20 and E85 fuels. Testing was conducted in accordance with the SAE J1747 standard, which provides a systematic approach for assessing corrosion resistance and material degradation in fuel environments. Following the exposure tests, post-test evaluations included visual inspection to identify surface changes and Scanning Electron
Karthikeyan, C.Venugopal, SivakumarGopalan, Vijaysankar
The rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has pushed automakers to prioritize visual brand consistency across both EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. A main design factor which is influenced by this trend is the front grille. In order to achieve uniform aesthetic looks, passenger car manufacturers often reduce the front grille openings and limit airflow. This closed grille style is common in electric vehicle. However, this creates challenges for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with snorkel-type air intake systems, leading to reduced airflow and higher temperatures in the engine bay and intake air which eventually gets sucked in the engine resulting in low volumetric efficiency. Maintaining a cooler intake air is vital for ICE performance. Adjusting snorkel position and airflow patterns in low temperature zones ensures the engine receives air at low temperatures. This improves the combustion efficiency, throttle response and eventually it reduces the risk
Sonone, Sagar DineshSingh, Nil KanthKolhe, Vivek MKulkarni, ChaitanyaMalekar, Hemant A
Oil pressure, the most fundamental to engine's performance and longevity, is not only critical to ensure that the engine components are properly lubricated, cooled, and protected against wear and contamination, but also ultimately contributing to reliable engine performance. Due to several factors of engine such as, rotational fluctuation, aeration, functioning of hydraulic components there are fluctuations in oil pressure. In engines, with a crank-mounted fixed displacement oil pump (FDOP), these inherited pressure fluctuations cannot be eliminated completely. However, it is very necessary to control the abnormal oil pressure fluctuation because abnormal pressure fluctuation may lead to malfunction of hydraulic component functioning like variable valve timing (VVT), hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) and dynamic chain tensioner which can further cause serious issues like excessive or sudden load drops, unstable engine performance, valve train noise, improper valve lift operation etc. In
Kumar, AshokChoubisa, ManasKumar, RaviPathak, Mehul
An optimal engine lubrication system, encompassing engine oil and an oil cooler, is critical for thermal management and minimizing frictional losses. This system ensures adequate lubrication and cooling of engine components, thereby maintaining optimal performance. This study investigates the implications of oil cooler removal in a 45HP inline engine tractor. Various validation trials were conducted, including high ambient temperature tests under worst-case conditions, high coolant temperature scenarios, and a rigorous tractor killer test. In the latter, the tractor underwent 100 hours of operation on a PTO bench at maximum engine RPMs. Despite an observable increase in lubricant oil temperature during these tests, the tractor did not exhibit any component seizure or failure. The findings aim to determine whether the inclusion of an oil cooler is essential for the engine's operational reliability. This research offers valuable guidance for optimizing hardware selection and cost
Gupta, DeepakKumar, PankajSingh, ManjinderSingh, GagandeepKumar, MunishSingh, HarpreetSingh, Maninder
The pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions requires continuous improvement in engine efficiency and performance. This study presents a comprehensive parametric analysis of high-horsepower diesel engine combustion modeling, focusing on fuel injector configurations to optimize power density and overall engine efficiency. The model was first validated with experimental data. Based on the validated model, a series of Design of Experiments (DoE) simulations were conducted, examining four distinct fuel injector hole configurations, each with four different spray inclusion angle (umbrella angle) variations. The set of different fuel injector configurations was selected through benchmarking analysis. The primary objective was to identify the most effective injector design for improved combustion characteristics and engine performance. Upon determining the superior configuration, further simulations were performed with increased injector through – flow to fine-tune the optimal design
Ailaboina, AkhilGandhi, NareshMarwaha, AksheyG, SuwarnaChogule, VijayBhat, Vishal
In this study, a novel dual-fuel combustion strategy is investigated, employing late pilot injection in diesel–methane engines to improve performance and reduce emissions. The engine was first tested with conventional diesel and methane, exploring a wide range of pilot injection timings, injection pressures, and intake boost pressures. Subsequently, experiments were repeated using a methane/hydrogen blend to assess the influence of hydrogen addition. Results show that, when using only methane, delayed pilot injections have minimal effects on engine performance. In naturally aspirated operation, unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are reduced, while in supercharged conditions, emissions increase; however, they remain within acceptable limits. Nitrogen oxides and particulate matter reach their lowest levels with delayed injection. Introducing hydrogen reduces engine performance and hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions; notably, it suppresses the typical nitrogen oxides
Carlucci, Antonio PaoloStrafella, LucianoFicarella, Antonio
The article presents self-adjusting segmented ceramic seals designed for a novel turboshaft engine operating according to the Humphrey thermodynamic cycle. The sealing system is an integral part of the developed engine concept, which features rotating isochoric combustion chambers. The seals utilize centrifugal force as the sealing force, enabling uniform sealing regardless of thermal conditions and associated deformations. The sealing consists of segments with adjustable dimensions in both circumferential and transverse directions. The sealing elements should be made of Si3N4 ceramic, characterized by high thermal resistance (1300°C) and low thermal expansion (3.2•10−6/°C). The article presents three different variants of sealing systems, differing in terms of the technological possibilities of their manufacturing. Special treatments must be applied to ensure high machining accuracy of the sealing elements. The proposed sealing system is a critical point in the design of an engine
Tarnawski, Piotr
For the sustainable development of human society, energy saving, emission reduction, and carbon reduction are urgent challenges to be addressed in the energy industry. As a power device for energy conversion in the transportation sector, the internal combustion engine also needs to enhance its thermal efficiency while cutting pollutant emissions. To meet the current stringent requirements, lean combustion has been widely studied as an effective strategy. However, the ignition difficulty resulting from lean burn needs to be addressed. As a high-energy ignition system, the prechamber turbulent jet ignition can accelerate in-cylinder combustion, thereby enhancing engine efficiency and reducing emissions. Thus, it is considered a promising technology. This review reveals efforts to apply prechamber ignition systems to optimize combustion in the engine characterized by low-carbon fuels and low-emission features. First, this article briefly introduces the evolution of the prechamber
Bai, XiujuanZheng, Dayuan
As a zero-carbon fuel, ammonia has the potential to completely defossilize combustion engines. Due to the inert nitrogen present in the molecule, ammonia is difficult to ignite or burn. Even if the ammonia can be successfully ignited, combustion will be very slow and there is a risk of flame quenching, i.e. the flame going out before the ammonia-air mixture has been almost completely converted. Both the difficult flammability and the slow combustion result in high ammonia slip, which should be avoided at all costs. The engine efficiency is also greatly reduced. Safe ignition and burn-through can be achieved by drastically increasing the ignition energy and/or using a reaction accelerator such as hydrogen. The planned paper will use detailed 1D and 3D CFD calculations to show how high the potential of ammonia combustion in an internal combustion engine is when an active pre-chamber is used as the ignition system. As a result of the flame jets penetrating into the main combustion chamber
Sens, Marcvon Roemer, LorenzRieß, MichaelFandakov, AlexanderCasal Kulzer, Andre
Ammonia (NH3) is a promising energy carrier and a potentially alternative fuel to selected sectors due to its carbon-free nature and its relatively high energy density. However, its low reactivity and slow flame propagation pose significant challenges for a direct use in an internal combustion engine, and stable operation at all engine’s conditions. This study investigates three combustion strategies for utilizing NH3 in an adapted four-cylinder 2 L turbocharged, compression-ignition engine, adapted for spark-ignition (SI) operation. Initially, the engine was tested using pure ammonia as fuel, obtaining high efficiencies and acceptable stability at medium/high loads. Nevertheless, intense combustion instabilities could not be avoided below a minimum load level (which increases with engine speed), making engine operation unfeasible in approximately 30 % of its operating map. To address these limitations, two enhancement strategies are explored: Firstly, hydrogen (H2) doping pre-mixed
Karageorgiou, DimitriosMyslivecek, MatejGaillard, PatrickGomez-Soriano, JosepGonzález-Domínguez, DavidLujan, JoseAlcarria Laserna, Gerardo
As global air traffic is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, reducing the associated climate impact requires scalable solutions. While alternative propulsion technologies such as electric and hybrid-electric systems might offer long-term potential, their current applicability remains limited due to low energy density, limited range and scalability, and system complexity. Consequently, thermodynamic propulsion systems – such as gas turbines and piston engines – are expected to remain dominant in the medium term. In this context, sustainable hydrocarbon-based aviation fuels represent a practical and necessary solution. Certified sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pathways are currently approved exclusively for use in gas turbines, with certification standards tailored to turbine-specific requirements. Consequently, fuel properties such as cetane number and evaporation behavior are not included in existing specifications. However, when SAF-kerosene blends are used in
Kleissner, FlorianHofmann, PeterVogd, PhilippVauhkonen, VilleKäkölä, JaanaGreve, Alina
The growing demand for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in diesel engines has led to significant advancements in power management technologies. This paper presents a dual-mode functional strategy that integrates electrified turbochargers to enhance engine performance, provide boost and generate electrical power. This helps in optimizing the overall engine efficiency. The engine performance is enhanced with boosting mode where the electric motor accelerates the turbocharger independent of exhaust flow, effectively reducing turbo lag and provides immediate boost at low engine speeds. This feature also improves high altitude performance of the engine. Conversely, in generating mode, the electric turbocharger recovers or harvest energy from exhaust gases depending on engine operating conditions, converting it into electrical energy for battery recharging purpose. Advanced control systems enable real-time adjustments to boost pressure and airflow in response to dynamic driving
Borle, ShraddhaPrasad, LakshmiCouvret, SebastienFournier, HugoChenuet, Laurent
The average product development cycle spans 3-5 years, involving extensive virtual and physical testing of the machine. Advances in simulation tools have significantly enhanced our ability to identify product solutions early in the design phase. Tools like 1D KULI and Creo Flow Analysis (CFA) offer faster solutions in less time, thereby accelerating the product development cycle. Cooling systems are crucial components of off-highway tractor machines, directly affecting engine efficiency and overall machine functionality. An optimized cooling system ensures the engine operates within safe temperature ranges, preventing overheating and potential damage. Thus, designing an effective cooling system is a vital aspect of machine engineering. 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are essential for evaluating cooling system performance. These high-fidelity simulations provide detailed insights into fluid flow and heat transfer, enabling engineers to predict and enhance cooling
Ukey, SnehalTirumala, BhaskarNukala, Ramakrishna
Turbocharging is a vital technology for enhancing internal combustion engine (ICE) performance and efficiency while enabling engine downsizing to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This research analyzes turbocharger systems by examining their components—turbine, compressor, intercooler, and waste-gate—and their roles in boosting engine efficiency. It explores how exhaust energy drives the turbine to compress intake air, improving power output. The study evaluates turbocharger impact on fuel economy, emissions, and engine response under various driving conditions. It also considers wheel design, material selection, and durability under high temperatures and speeds. Advanced simulations using CFD and FEA analyze airflow, pressure, and thermal behavior to optimize performance. This research affirms turbocharging’s role in creating high-performance, fuel-efficient, and environmentally sustainable engines, offering insights that support the design of next-generation automotive
Chandrashekar, B. AdityaBhaduria, Abhishek
The water pump is the crucial component of the engine cooling system. It is usually designed considering as rated conditions the ones evaluated when the engine delivers its maximum power. This results in an overdesign of the pump, considering that almost never the engine delivers the maximum power, in usual operation. At these conditions, in fact, flow rate and pressure delivered reach the maximum values, which are not needed to cool the engine in most probable operating conditions. In fact, considering the real operating conditions during a typical driving mission or a homologation cycle, the mechanical power is far away from the maximum datum, as well as the cooling flow rate and pressure delivered by the pump. To a so unbalanced design for the pump corresponds a low efficiency of it, being the technology oriented to use a centrifugal type, whose efficiency is quite dependent on speed of revolution and flow rate delivered. Hence, modifying the design point of the pump causes a
Di Battista, DavideDeriszadeh, AliDi Prospero, FedericoDi Giovine, GiammarcoDi Bartolomeo, MarcoFatigati, FabioCipollone, Roberto
With the publication of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) III in 2022, the European Union increased its renewable energy consumption target to 42.5% by 2030. Consequently, gaseous fuels derived from renewable electricity, particularly green hydrogen, are expected to play a pivotal role in the decarbonization of the energy sector. One promising application of green hydrogen is its integration into combined heat and power (CHP) plants, where it can replace natural gas to reduce CO2 emissions. Pure hydrogen as fuel or blended with natural gas has demonstrated potential for lowering both pollutant emissions and fuel consumption while maintaining or even enhancing engine performance. But it is expected, that the amount of available green hydrogen will be limited in the beginning. So new engine systems with hydrogen and natural gas for CHP plants are required, that offer more CO2-benefit and NOx reductioon than from fuel substitution only. In the LeanStoicH2 project, a novel approach was
Salim, NaqibBeltaifa, YoussefKettner, Maurice
The growing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability has resulted in increasingly stringent emission regulations for automotive manufacturers, as demonstrated by the upcoming EURO 7 and 2027 EPA standards. Significant advancements in cleaner combustion and effective aftertreatment strategies have been made in recent decades to increase the engine efficiency while abiding by the emission limits. Among the exhaust aftertreatment strategies, three-way catalyst has remained the primary solution for stoichiometric burn engines due to its high conversion efficiency and ability to simultaneously allow both oxidative and reductive reactions in a single stage with spatial separation due to the oxygen storage capabilities of ceria. However, fuel and lubricant-borne sulfur and phosphorus compounds have been shown to have a significant long-term effect on the activity of three-way catalysts, particularly during the lean-rich transitions and oxygen storage processes. In the present
Sandhu, Navjot SinghYu, XiaoJiang, ChuankaiTing, DavidZheng, Ming
Waste Heat Recovery is one of the most investigated and promising technologies for energy efficiency in the transportation sector. It consents to maintain the high-level technology of the present propulsion systems, based on Internal Combustion Engines, while increasing the overall engine and vehicle system efficiency. At the same time, the use of alternative fuels, like hydrogen, has the same crucial role to reduce harmful and greenhouse emissions, without overturn the existing mature technology. A hydrogen-fueled Internal Combustion Engine is proposed in this paper, equipped with waste heat recovery consisting in an additional radial turbine downstream the turbocharger of the engine (Turbo-Compound). The aim is to have a reduction of the specific consumption in most of the operating points of the engine, considering the effect of the recovery and the engine equilibrium rearrangement. The use of hydrogen increases recoverable enthalpy at the engine exhaust, which is intended to be
Di Battista, DavideCipollone, RobertoCorti, EnricoBrancaleoni, Pier PaoloDi Prospero, FedericoRavaglioli, Vittorio
Among the alternatives to the use of fossil diesel fuel, dual fuel combustion, leveraging hydrogen as the low-reactivity fuel, represents a promising approach for both reducing pollutant emissions and improving brake thermal efficiency. In addition, this innovative combustion mode requires minimal modifications to the existing Diesel engines architecture. This study was conducted on a Diesel engine (naturally aspirated, 3-cylinder, 1 L, direct injection), properly modified by the authors to operate in dual fuel mode with port fuel injection of hydrogen. A set of experimental data was used to calibrate the 1D and the 3D-CFD models for both Diesel and diesel-hydrogen dual fuel configurations. The AVL FIRE M 3D-CFD software was employed to model diesel injection and combustion, while the gas exchange process was analyzed by GT-Power. The validated 3D-CFD model was then leveraged to optimize the baseline diesel injection strategy in dual fuel mode, minimizing diesel consumption while
Rinaldini, CarloPisapia, Alfredo MariaScrignoli, FrancescoVolza, AntonelloRossetti, SalvatoreMancaruso, Ezio
Developing innovative ignition technologies offers a crucial opportunity to improve the performance of internal combustion engines while significantly reducing harmful emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future. The replacement of the standard spark plug with a pre-chamber igniter is a well-known combustion accelerator for externally ignited engines for passenger vehicles. An increase in engine efficiency, especially at high loads, can be realized. However, pre-chamber ignition technology has not yet been widely adopted in the market, primarily due to the difficulty of achieving stable operation at lower engine loads. A better understanding of the flow and mixture conditions is needed to improve the combustion stability with the pre-chamber igniter in low-load operating conditions. The gas exchange in the passive pre-chamber was studied using a combination of numerical modelling and experimental methods. Accessing those parameters experimentally requires a high effort in test
Fellner, FelixHärtl, MartinJaensch, MalteD'Elia, MatteoBurgo Beiro, MarcosNambully, Suresh KumarRothbauer, Rainer
Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector is a significant challenge. A multi-technology approach is the most practical and sustainable solution for minimizing the environmental impact of road transport. Alternative gaseous fuels derivable from bio sources have the potential to significantly cut equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2eq) emissions from a Well-to-Wheel (WtW) perspective, and the development of technologies that allow to improve the efficiency of natural gas-powered Heavy Duty (HD) Spark Ignition (SI) engines is of strategic importance. In such applications, charge dilution strategies might have the potential to increase engine efficiency at a relatively low implementation cost. Diluting the in-cylinder charge can reduce fuel consumption by decreasing wall and pumping losses, and increasing the Heat Capacity Ratio (γ). The coupling with innovative technologies aimed at enhancing ignition energy, influencing combustion development, could be a promising
Di Domenico, DavideNapolitano, PierpaoloPapi, StefanoRicci, FedericoGolini, StefanoRapetto, NicolaGiordana, SergioBeatrice, Carlo
The development of hydrogen fueled engines has dramatically accelerated in recent years. They have gained much in operating reliability and the specific power outputs is at least comparable to those of current natural gas engines. This has been made possible by combining specific development tools derived from the development of compression-ignition and spark-ignition engines. These include jet visualization techniques (Schlieren, PIV, and LIF), video endoscopy on engine, and 3-D fluid dynamics simulations. In hydrogen engines for commercial vehicles, efforts have so far been made to keep engine components as unchanged as possible from similar diesel or gasoline versions. Similarly, some manufacturers have favored the port fueled injection (PFI) solution because it is easier to implement than the in-cylinder (DI) injection one. The present work concerns the evaluation of the further improvement potential made possible by using direct injection (DI) technology, and intervening on both
Gaballo, Maria RosariaIacobazzi, MarinoBurtsche, ThomasCornetti, Giovanni
Despite improvements in internal combustion engine efficiency, fossil fuel reliance remains a challenge for sustainable energy. Syngas, a hydrogen-carbon monoxide mixture produced from gasification, typically of carbon-based feedstocks, offers a viable transitional fuel due to its compatibility with existing combustion technologies and reduced emissions. However, its low ignition propensity elevated intake temperatures or pressures, a limitation that can be overcome through diesel pilot injection in dual-fuel engine configurations. This study extends prior single-cylinder research to a 1.6 L four-cylinder HCCI engine operating in dual-fuel mode, resembling a Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) engine. The analysis focuses on cylinder-to-cylinder combustion variation, thermal efficiency, and pollutant emissions, with particular emphasis on the influence of diesel pilot injection timing. Experimental evaluations are conducted across a range of injection timing and Syngas
El Younsi, LailaNelson-Gruel, Dominique
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
This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyze airflow and thermal characteristics within an agricultural tractor, focusing on operator comfort and component safety. Initial simulations identified hotspots, such as the brake pedals, operator platform, and hand throttle, where temperatures exceeded acceptable limits (rise over ambient, ROA). A multi-step approach—including sealing air leaks, adding heat insulation materials, and optimizing the deflector guard—was implemented to mitigate excessive heat. While these modifications significantly improved temperature conditions on the right platform, the left brake pedal remained problematic. Further enhancements, such as sealing an electrical socket and modifying the shroud design, effectively reduced heat exposure. The improved shroud also led to a slight decrease in static pressure (2.21%) and an 8.61% reduction in power consumption, improving airflow efficiency. Although an alternative ring fan design reduced power
Mohan, AnandSoni, PeeyushSethuraman, SriramanGovindan, SenthilkumarSakthivel, AnanthBabu, Rathish Maller
How Cummins used modeling and other advanced design software to create its most efficient engines yet. As AI and other deep-learning tools begin to help shape the transportation industry, they also bring improvements to existing technology. Modeling and simulation software has rapidly become a crucial tool for improving the design process of new diesel engines. More than two decades after the first X15 engines rolled off the assembly line, Cummins has applied today's modeling tools to help create the HELM version of the X15. The HELM architecture (which stands for Higher Efficiency, Lower emissions and Multiple fuels) is the company's basis for a global platform capable of meeting all manners of emissions regulations while still serving customers across a wide variety of use cases.
Wolfe, Matt
Twenty-nine percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the US are produced by the transportation sector according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. The combination of increasingly stringent regulations on emissions and fuel economy, along with the current practical limitations of electrification motivate continued development efforts for improving internal combustion engine efficiency and emissions. Ethanol, an extensive fuel additive or drop-in replacement for gasoline, is already recognized as a promising transition fuel in decarbonization efforts. Furthermore, lean combustion in spark-ignited (SI) engines has been pursued extensively for engine efficiency and emissions improvements. Lean combustion, however, faces the challenges of decreased combustion stability and strong increases to engine-out NOx at conditions where conventional SI engines are stable (ϕ > 0.7). Water dilution, historically used as a knock inhibitor in performance engines, has shown potential for
Voris, AlexLundberg, MattPuzinauskas, Paulius
Reduced raw emissions from internal combustion engines (ICE) are a key requirement to reach future green-house-gas and pollutive emissions regulations. In parallel, to satisfy the need for increased engine efficiencies, the friction losses of ICEs gains attention. Measures to reduce parasitic drag inside the piston assembly such as reduced piston-ring pretension or thinner grade engine oils may increase oil ingress into the combustion chamber. The oil ingress is known to imply increased particle emissions directly counteracting the raw emission reduction target of engine development. To resolve this target conflict, the transport mechanisms of oil into the combustion chamber are the topic of current research. Specially developed research engines featuring a vertical optical window come with big potential to visualize the phenomena of the oil behavior inside the piston assembly group. Such ‘glass-liner’ engines play a pivotal role in identification and quantification of local and global
Stark, MichaelFellner, FelixHärtl, MartinJaensch, Malte
This study aims to develop an engine torque prediction model using virtual engine simulation data. Accurate torque prediction is essential for minimizing shift shock and ensuring consistent driving performance, particularly in hybrid vehicles where smooth transitions between electric motors and internal combustion engines are necessary. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) uses a physics-based torque prediction model, requiring ignition timing swing data for precise calibration. The virtual engine model, based on 1D gas dynamics, was calibrated using real engine data obtained from a small number of main operating points. The simulation data obtained from the virtual engine model showed a good correlation with the experimental data. By combining large-scale simulation data with limited experimental data, we effectively calibrated the torque prediction model in ECU and confirmed that the calibration results met the development goals. This study demonstrates the potential for efficient engine
Hur, DonghanPaeng, JeonghwanKim, KyusupChang, JinseokPark, Jongil
Hydrogen is a promising fuel for internal combustion engines, offering the potential for efficient, environmentally friendly, and reliable operation. With a large number of technical challenges, there is currently no mass production of hydrogen-powered engines despite great efforts. One of the key challenges is the complexity of optimizing hydrogen combustion and its control. Despite the variety of proposed operation strategies, questions regarding their comparative efficiency, interrelation, and mutual influence remain open, particularly in turbocharged engines with direct multi-injection. To explore various hydrogen operation strategies, a mathematical simulation of a turbocharged hydrogen-powered engine was performed over its full range of loads and speeds. This study employed a modified mathematical model based on Wiebe functions, which describes the combustion of a premixed mixture in the flame front, diffusion combustion, and relatively slow combustion occurring behind the flame
Osetrov, OleksandrHaas, Rainer
In recent years, climate change and geopolitical instability have intensified the focus on sustainable power generation. This shift seeks alternatives that balance environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. Specifically, in transportation and power generation, electric motors face challenges against internal combustion engines due to the high cost and mass of batteries required for energy storage. This makes electric solutions less favorable for these sectors. Conversely, internal combustion engines, when properly fueled, offer cost-effectiveness and a quasi-environmentally-neutral option. To address these challenges, researchers have explored e-fuels derived from renewable sources as a carbon-neutral supply for internal combustion engines. Among these, hydrogen is particularly promising. In hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, 3D-CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) in-cylinder models are crucial. Once validated, these models can speed up the design process. A
Sfriso, StefanoBerni, FabioBreda, SebastianoFontanesi, StefanoCordisco, IlarioLeite, Caio RamalhoBrequigny, PierreFoucher, Fabrice
Shear-polarized ultrasonic sensors have been instrumented onto the outer liner surface of an RTX-6 large marine diesel engine. The sensors were aligned with the first piston ring at top dead center and shear ultrasonic reflectometry (comparing the variation in the reflected ultrasonic waves) was used to infer metal–metal contact between the piston ring and cylinder liner. This is possible as shear waves are not supported by fluids and will only transmit across solid-to-solid interfaces. Therefore, a sharp change in the reflected wave is an indicator of oil film breakdown. Two lubricant injection systems have been evaluated—pulse jet and needle lift-type injectors. The needle lift type is a prototype injector design with a reduced rate of lubricant atomization relative to pulse jet injectors. This is manifested as a smaller reduction in the reflected ultrasonic wave, showing less metal–metal contact had occurred. During steady-state testing, the oil feed rate was varied; the high flow
Rooke, JackLi, XiangweiDwyer-Joyce, Robert S.
Low-carbon alternatives to diesel are needed to reduce the carbon intensity of the transport, agriculture, and off-grid power generation sectors, where compression ignition (CI) engines are commonly used. Acid-catalysed alcoholysis produces a potentially tailorable low-carbon advanced biofuel blend comprised of mixtures of an alkyl levulinate, a dialkyl ether, and the starting alcohol. In this study, model mixtures based on products expected from the use of n-butanol (butyl-based blends) as a starting alcohol, were blended with diesel and tested in a Yanmar L100V single-cylinder CI engine. Blends were formulated to meet the flash point, density, and kinematic viscosity limits of fuel standards for diesel, the 2022 version of BS 2869 (off-road). No changes to the engine set-up were made, hence testing the biofuel blends for their potential as “drop-in” fuels. Changes in engine performance and emissions were determined for a range of diesel/biofuel blends and compared to a pure diesel
Wiseman, ScottLi, HuTomlin, Alison S.
Decarbonized or low carbon fuels, such as hydrogen/methane blends, can be used in internal combustion engines to support ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals worldwide, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. However, as the volumetric concentration of H2 in these fuel blends surpasses 30%, the in-cylinder flame propagation and combustion rates increase significantly, causing an unacceptable increase in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, which is known to have substantial negative effects on human health and the environment. This rise in engine-out NOx emissions is a major concern, limiting the use of H2 fuels as a means to reduce GHG emissions from both mobile and stationary power generation engines. In this study, an experimental investigation of the combustion performance and emissions characteristics of a 4th generation Tour split-cycle engine was undertaken while operating on 100% methane and various hydrogen/methane fuel blends (30%, 40%, and 50% by volume
Bhanage, PratikCho, KukwonAnderson, BradleyKemmet, RyanTour, GiladAtkinson, ChrisTour, HugoTour, Oded
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