Search Results

Abstract In recent years, lean-burn gasoline Spark-Ignition (SI) engines have been a major subject of investigations. With this solution, in fact, it is possible to simultaneously reduce NOx raw emissions and fuel consumption due to decreased heat losses, higher thermodynamic efficiency, and enhanced knock resistance. However, the real applicability of this technique is strongly limited by the increase in cyclic variation and the occurrence of misfire, which are typical for the combustion of homogeneous lean air/fuel mixtures. The employment of a Pre-Chamber (PC), in which the combustion begins before proceeding in the main combustion chamber, has already shown the capability of significantly extending the lean-burn limit. In this work, the potential of an ultralean PC SI engine for a decisive improvement of the thermal efficiency is presented by means of numerical and experimental analyses.

Abstract This article presents an investigation of energy transfer, flame propagation, and emissions formation mechanisms in a four-cylinder, downsized and boosted, spark ignition engine fuelled by either directly injected compressed natural gas (DI CNG) or gasoline (GDI). Three different charge preparation strategies are examined for both fuels: stoichiometric engine operation without external dilution, stoichiometric operation with external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and lean burn. In this work, experiments and engine modelling are first used to analyze the energy transfer throughout the engine system. This analysis shows that an early start of fuel injection (SOI) improves fuel efficiency through lower unburned fuel energy at low loads with stoichiometric DI CNG operation.

Abstract Aiming to improve the handling performance of heavy tractor semi-trailer during turning or changing lanes at high speed, a hierarchical structure controller is proposed and a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test bench of the electronic pneumatic braking system is developed to validate the proposed controller. In the upper controller, a Kalman filter observer based on the heavy tractor semi-trailer dynamic model is used to estimate the yaw rates and sideslip angles of the tractor and trailer. Simultaneously, a sliding mode direct yaw moment controller is developed, which takes the estimated yaw rates and sideslip angles and the reference values calculated by the three-degrees-of-freedom dynamic model of the heavy tractor semi-trailer as the control inputs. In the lower controller, the additional yaw moments of tractor and trailer are transformed into corresponding wheel braking forces according to the current steering characteristics.

Abstract A kinematic modeling framework was established to predict status (position, displacement, velocity, acceleration, and shape) of a towing vehicle system with different driver inputs. This framework consists of three components: (1) a state space model to decide position and velocity for the vehicle system based on Newton’s second law; (2) an angular acceleration transferring model, which leads to a hypothesis that the each towed unit follows the same path as the towing vehicle; and (3) a polygon model to draw instantaneous polygons to envelop the entire system at any time point.

Abstract Considering the biodiesel composition, blend percentage, and temperature as input variables in the models to predict biodiesel-diesel blends’ properties is imperative. However, there are no models available in the literature to predict the properties of biodiesel-diesel blends that consider all these variables. The accuracy of spray and combustion models for diesel engines depends on the accuracy at which the fuel properties are estimated. Thus, straightforward approaches to accurately predict the properties of biodiesel-diesel blends are required. A novel reference property-based approach is proposed in the present work to predict the biodiesel-diesel blends’ properties to address this research gap. Models available in the literature correlating the properties of interest to fuel temperature were modified by including a reference property measured at 293 K.

Abstract Due to the incoming phase out of fossil fuels from the market in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive sector, hydrogen-fueled engines are candidate mid-term solution. Thanks to its properties, hydrogen promotes flames that poorly suffer from the quenching effects toward the engine walls. Thus, emphasis must be posed on the heat-up of the oil layer that wets the cylinder liner in hydrogen-fueled engines. It is known that motor oils are complex mixtures of a number of mainly heavy hydrocarbons (HCs); however, their composition is not known a priori. Simulation tools that can support the early development steps of those engines must be provided with oil composition and properties at operation-like conditions. The authors propose a statistical inference-based optimization approach for identifying oil surrogate multicomponent mixtures. The algorithm is implemented in Python and relies on the Bayesian optimization technique.

Abstract Mankind’s quest for clean alternative energy sources pushes the boundaries of science and technology every passing day. Increasing environmental and human health concerns caused by conventional fuels underscores the importance of identifying an energy source which is sustainable in terms of production, emissions, and wide application. Hythane (hydrogen-methane gas) is a contender for applications ranging from transportation and combined heating-power generation to cooking. In land transportation, the use of gaseous hythane for internal combustion engines shows better performance, enhanced combustion, and lower emission than conventional liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The use of liquefied Natural Gas (NG) and hydrogen in aircraft and ships is a steppingstone to more the wide-scale use of hythane in air, sea, and rail transportation sectors which could lower emissions and operating costs.

Abstract Many consider hydrogen to be the automobile fuel of the future. Indeed, it has numerous characteristics that makes it very attractive. Hydrogen has a much higher energy density than gasoline, can be produced from water, and its only emission is water. However, there are numerous challenges associated with hydrogen. In particular, the production of hydrogen is a key issue. Currently, most hydrogen is developed from methane, resulting in hydrogen having a carbon footprint. New investments into electrolysis from renewable energy sources is showing promise as an alternative for generating hydrogen. Further, the distribution of hydrogen poses many problems, requiring substantial infrastructure to support a hydrogen economy. Additionally, hydrogen storage is a key issue since most conventional storage mechanisms are overly bulky. If these three issues can be addressed, hydrogen is posed for being a key fuel as the world tries to move away from fossil fuels.

Abstract Natural gas (NG) can be compressed to a high pressure of around 200 bar for use in engines and other applications. Compressed natural gas (CNG) contains 87–92% methane (CH4) and has a low carbon-to-hydrogen ratio compared to other hydrocarbon (HC) fuels. Due to this, it can potentially reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 20% compared to conventional fuels like diesel or gasoline. This makes CNG one of the most environmentally friendly fuels for internal combustion engines (ICEs). To improve the thermal efficiency of ICEs, higher compression ratios (CRs) and leaner combustion are essential. Since CNG is a gaseous fuel, it has several advantages over liquid fuels due to its favorable physical and chemical properties. A few of these advantages are minimal fuel evaporation issues, a low-carbon content in the fuel composition and a high-octane number. The CNG high-octane number allows for a high CR, resulting in higher thermal efficiency and lower emissions.

Abstract The long-term use of conventional liquid energy sources for internal combustion (IC) engines has its own negative ramifications on the health of living beings and the ecosystem at large. The search for solutions to overcome these implications brings us to one of the domains of research called alternative fuels. Alternative fuels may be used to enrich or fully substitute conventional fuels. In this review, a literature study on the enrichment of a primary fuel using hydroxy gas (HOH) produced from the electrolysis of water is discussed. The experimental evidence shows that HOH induction between 5 and 10 liters per minute (lpm) enhances the results of performance parameters coupled with a decrease in emission levels except for the oxides of nitrogen (NOx). However, this shortfall is nullified using techniques such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and water injection.

Abstract In order to meet upcoming emission targets, an increasing number of ships using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel have been put into service. In this context, many shipowners are particularly interested in the dual-fuel (DF) large-engine technology, which enables ships to operate with both gaseous and conventional liquid fuels. The use of different combustion principles in DF engines requires a layout of the base engine with a relatively low compression ratio (CR) for the gas mode to prevent unstable combustion (knocking). However, this layout leads to disadvantages in the Diesel operation mode, which requires a higher CR for optimal fuel efficiency. Therefore, a two-stage variable compression ratio (VCR) system is a technology particularly suitable for DF engines. It allows to reduce fuel costs by approximately 5.5%.

Abstract The acidification of lubricating oils during engine operation, and the subsequent additive neutralization, is an important challenge for Original Equipment Manufacturers and end-users. Often the decline in Total Base Number (TBN) and increase in Total Acid Number (TAN) is measured during engine operation as an indication of the oil’s condition and lifetime. This is clearly an oversimplification given that no consideration is given to the type of acid, how corrosive it is, or the type of base and how effective it is at neutralizing. Acids can be broadly categorized into mineral acids such as sulfuric/nitric and organic acids such as acetic. Traditionally, research has focused on understanding the effects of mineral acids such as sulfuric, which can be formed during the combustion of sulfur-containing fuel.

Abstract Improving the aerodynamics of heavy trucks is an important consideration in the strive for more energy-efficient vehicles. Cooling drag is one part of the total aerodynamic resistance acting on a vehicle, which arises as a consequence of air flowing through the grille area, the heat exchangers, and the irregular under-hood area. Today cooling packages of heavy trucks are dimensioned for a critical cooling case, typically when the vehicle is driving fully laden, at low speed up a steep hill. However, for long-haul trucks, mostly operating at highway speeds on mostly level roads, it may not be necessary to have all the cooling airflow from an open-grille configuration. It can therefore be desirable for fuel consumption purposes, to shut off the entire cooling airflow, or a portion of it, under certain driving conditions dictated by the cooling demands. In Europe, most trucks operating on the roads are of cab-over-engine type, as a consequence of the length legislations present.

Abstract In this experimental study, a novel combustion technique, “reactivity-controlled compression ignition” (RCCI), has been investigated using alcohols acting as low-reactivity fuel (LRF) and mineral diesel acting as high-reactivity fuel (HRF). Combustion experiments were performed in a single-cylinder research engine at a constant engine speed of 1500 rpm and a low engine load of 3 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP). RCCI combustion is a practical low-temperature combustion (LTC) concept, which was achieved using three primary alcohols: Methanol, Ethanol, and Butanol in different premixed ratios (rp = 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75) with mineral diesel. Results showed a relatively superior performance and emissions characteristics of RCCI combustion compared to conventional compression ignition (CI) combustion. The influence of LRF was visible in RCCI combustion, which exhibited a more stable combustion compared to the baseline CI combustion.

Abstract An innovative analysis approach to evaluate heavy-duty vehicle downhill engine brake performance was developed. The vehicle model developed with GT-Drive simulates vehicle downhill control speeds with different engine brake retarding powers, transmission gears, and vehicle weights at sea level or high altitude. The outputs are then used to construct multi-factor parametric design charts. The charts can be used to analyze the vehicle-level engine brake capabilities or compare braking performance difference between different engine brake configurations to quantify the risk of engine retarding power deficiency at both sea level and high altitude downhill driving conditions.

Abstract The increased scope of active and passive safety in motor vehicles and the enforcement of approval requirements for individual parts and assemblies affect the design and parameters of a car’s motion. The tire, which transmits forces and torques onto the road’s surface is a particularly crucial element in the vehicle. Its structure, type of mixture, and operating conditions determine the safety of vehicle motion. The three-axial force system loads the tires of the car and affects both the tread and sidewall, as well as the suspension and steering system. Taking into account the controllability and stability of movement, the tire is subjected to dynamic and thermal loads, as well as to wear and random damage. This negatively impacts on the joints of composite layers. The sudden loss of pressure in the tire can lead to serious accidents, especially when moving at high speeds, due to changes in the rolling radius.

Abstract The transportation industry is currently in a transition toward the use of zero-emission vehicles; however, reaching it will take a considerable amount of time. In the meantime, a diesel powertrain will remain the workhorse for most heavy-duty transportation. In order to reduce the engine’s environmental impact, biofuels, such as biodiesel, are used as drop-in fuels or fuel blends. The use of drop-in fuels may create challenges for the fuel system since sticky deposits can precipitate and cause injector malfunctioning or premature fuel filter plugging. It has been concluded in the past that these deposits have been caused by soft particles. In this article, soft particles created through the degradation of biodiesel and their effect on filters are studied. The article aims to analyze fuel filters and investigate the materials responsible for soft particle separation. The study includes three pre filters and three main filters that are commercially available truck filters.

Abstract The Wankel engine is an eccentric rotary internal combustion engine known for its simplicity, compactness, reliability, and efficiency. However, issues related to sealing, efficiency, and emissions have hindered its widespread use. Recent advancements in sealing technology, novel designs, material coatings, and alternative fuels have addressed some of these problems, leading to improvements in Wankel engine performance. This study examines these advancements in Wankel engine technology and proposes three potential applications for future automotive use. The first application involves utilizing a Wankel engine with a continuously variable transmission to replace the powertrain in conventional vehicles. The second application suggests replacing the engine in a series-parallel electric-hybrid architecture with a Wankel engine. Lastly, the third application explores using a Wankel engine as a range extender for electric vehicles.

Abstract In-phase rear-wheel steering, where rear wheels are steered in the same direction of front wheels, has been widely investigated in the literature for vehicle stability improvements along with stability control systems. Much faster response can be achieved by steering the rear wheels automatically during an obstacle avoidance maneuver without applying the brakes where safe stopping distance is not available. Sudden lane change movements still remain challenging for heavy articulated vehicles, such as tractor and semitrailer combinations, particularly on roads with low coefficient of adhesion. Different lateral accelerations acting on tractor and semi-trailer may cause loss of stability resulting in jackknifing, trailer-swing, rollover, or slip-off. Several attempts have been made in the literature to use active steering of semi-trailer’s rear wheels to prevent jackknifing and rollover.

Abstract Unstable articulated vehicles pose a serious threat to the occupants driving them as well as the occupants of the vehicles around them. Articulated vehicles typically experience three types of instability: snaking, jack-knifing, and rollover. An articulated vehicle subjected to any of these instabilities can result in major accidents. In this study a Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) that applies brake-based torque vectoring on the trailer is developed to improve the articulated vehicle stability. The NMPC formulation includes tire saturation and applies constraints to prevent rollover. The controller output is a left and right brake force allowing the longitudinal velocity change to be incorporated into the model. Simulations were conducted to instigate snaking and jack-knifing and show the NMPC controller result compared to a simple proportional controller.