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In this research, we investigated the improvement of combustion and anti-knocking properties as factors that affect the lean limit in order to reflect in fuel design. First, as a basic study, characteristics such as the Laminar burning velocity and Ignition energy of hydrocarbons, which are highly effective in improving combustion speed, were examined. In addition, using the knowledge obtained in the basic study, several concept fuels were created by blending the blend- stocks of the refinery aiming to meet or exceed the current standards in Japan. Their lean limits, thermal efficiencies, and effects on CO2 emission were investigated.

Thermal efficiency can be improved with a super lean-burn. In a super lean-burn engine, combustion takes place at lower temperatures, meaning lower energy losses and much greater thermal efficiency. In Part I (presented at PF&L 2019) [1], we studied the effects of various fuels on the lean limit in super lean-burn conditions. We found that the lean limit could be greatly extended and thermal efficiency improved with the right combination of engine technology and fuel technology. We also found that the lean limit closely linked to the duration from start-of-spark discharge to CA10, and that substances which shorten this duration extends the lean limit. In this study, we evaluated the effects of hydrocarbons closer in composition to commercial gasoline on the lean limit and found that at the specific components, the lean limit could be much higher than that with commercial gasoline. We also studied the lean limit extension mechanism by focusing on autoignition.

The thermal efficiency of internal combustion engines can be improved dramatically with the right combination of engine technology and fuel technology. Super lean-burn technology is attracting attention as a means of boosting thermal efficiency. However, there is a limit to how lean a fuel-air mixture can be before combustion becomes unstable or misfire occurs. The authors evaluated the effects of various chemical compositions on the lean limit under super lean-burn conditions. By changing the composition of the fuel, it was possible to achieve excess air ratios of over 2.0, resulting in high thermal efficiency.

As part of efforts to address climate change and improve energy security, researchers have improved the thermal efficiency of engines by expanding the lean combustion limit. To further expand the lean combustion limit, the authors focused not only on engine technology but the chemical reactivity of various fuel molecules. Furan and anisole were among the fuel molecules selected, based on the idea that promising candidates should enhance the flame propagation speed and have good knocking resistance. Engine testing showed that the lean limit can be expanded by using fuels with the right molecular structures, resulting in higher thermal efficiency.