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Abstract In the United States (USA), transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, representing 27% of total GHGs emitted in 2020. Eighty-three percent of these came from road transport, and 57% from light-duty vehicles (LDVs). Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which still form the bulk of the United States (US) fleet, struggle to meet climate change targets. Despite increasingly stringent regulatory mechanisms and technology improvements, only three US states have been able to reduce their transport emissions to the target of below 1990 levels. Fifteen states have made some headway to within 10% of their 1990 baseline. Largely, however, it appears that current strategies are not generating effective results. Current climate-change mitigation measures in road transport tend to be predominantly technological.

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 The equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is an instantaneous optimization method implemented online for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to improve fuel economy. To fulfill the near-optimal performance of ECMS, equivalent factors (EFs) must be well tuned for different powertrains and driving cycles. This study proposes a hierarchical offline optimization framework which tunes the penalty value of state of charge (SOC) balance in the outer layer and optimizes EFs based on heuristic algorithms in the inner layer. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to evaluate three heuristic algorithms, including the genetic algorithm (GA), the nonlinear-inertia-decreasing particle swarm optimization algorithm (NLPSO), and the novel firefly algorithm (FA). The traversal optimization method (TOM) is chosen as the benchmark. Besides, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to reveal the impact of the penalty value on the battery SOC balance.

Abstract Electric power steering (EPS) systems have become the most advantageous steering system used in vehicles. They provide better fuel efficiency and a more compact design over traditional hydraulic power steering (HPS) systems. However, EPS systems are afflicted with unwanted noise and vibration that can undermine the safety of drivers. This article presents a mathematical framework for vibration analysis in a column-type EPS system. The steering column is modeled as a continuous clamped column. The equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle, and explicit expressions are presented for the frequency and transmissibility equations. A three-degrees-of-freedom (3-DOF) dynamic model is also presented by an approximation of the stiffness, damping, and mass of the steering column. The results of the proposed analytical models are validated using ANSYS simulation.

Abstract Deep learning (DL)-based approaches enable unprecedented control paradigms for propulsion systems, utilizing recent advances in high-performance computing infrastructure connected to modern vehicles. These approaches can be employed to optimize diesel aftertreatment control systems targeting the reduction of emissions. The optimization of the Trapped Soot Load (TSL) reduction in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is such an example. As part of the diesel aftertreatment system, the DPF stores the soot particles resulting from the combustion process in the engine. Periodically, the stored soot is oxidized during a DPF regeneration event. The efficiency of such a regeneration influences the fuel economy, and potentially the service interval of the vehicle. The quality of a regeneration depends on the operating conditions of the DPF, the engine, and the ability to complete the regeneration event.

Abstract Demonstrating ring pack operation in an operating engine is very difficult, yet it is essential to optimize engine performance parameters such as blow-by, oil consumption, emissions, and wear. A significant amount of power is lost in friction between piston ring–cylinder liner interfaces if ring pack parameters are not optimized properly. Thus, along with these parameters, it is also necessary to reduce friction power loss in modern internal combustion engines as the oil film thickness formed between the piston ring and liner is vital for power loss reduction due to friction. Hence, it has also been a topic of research interest for decades. Piston and ring dynamics simulation software are used extensively for a better ring pack design. In this research work, a similar software for piston ring dynamics simulation reviews the ring pack performance of a four-cylinder diesel engine.

Abstract Linear internal combustion engine-linear generator integrated system (LICELGIS) is an innovative energy conversion device with the ability of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, which allows it to be a range extender for hybrid vehicles. This article presents a fundamental analysis for the steady-state operation of the LICELGIS, concentrating on electromagnetic force and motion characteristics. Simple assumptions are made to represent ideal gases instantaneous heat release and rejection. Based on assumptions, sensitivity analysis is carried out for key factors of electromagnetic force. The theoretical velocity model in mathematics is derived from analyzing the LICELGIS theory model. It shows that fuel injection quantity and stroke length are the most sensitive factors in key parameters. The piston velocity around the top dead center (TDC) changes greater than that at any other position, which is caused by the combustion process.

Abstract Turbocharging can provide a low cost means for increasing the power output and fuel economy of an internal combustion engine. Currently, turbocharging is common in multi-cylinder engines, but due to the inconsistent nature of intake air flow, it is not commonly used in single-cylinder engines. In this article, we propose a novel method for turbocharging single-cylinder, four-stroke engines. Our method adds an air capacitor-an additional volume in series with the intake manifold, between the turbocharger compressor and the engine intake-to buffer the output from the turbocharger compressor and deliver pressurized air during the intake stroke. We analyzed the theoretical feasibility of air capacitor-based turbocharging for a single-cylinder engine, focusing on fill time, optimal volume, density gain, and thermal effects due to adiabatic compression of the intake air.

Abstract Nowadays, the need for a more sustainable mobility is fostering powertrain electrification as a way of reducing the carbon footprint of conventional vehicles. On the other side, the presence of multiple energy sources significantly increases the powertrain complexity and requires the development of a suitable Energy Management System (EMS) whose performance can strongly affect the fuel economy potential of the vehicle. In such a framework, this article proposes a novel methodology to reverse engineer the control strategy of a test case P2 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) through the analysis of experimental data acquired in a wide range of driving conditions. In particular, a combination of data obtained from On-Board Diagnostic system (OBD), Controller Area Network (CAN)-bus protocol, and additional sensors installed on the High Voltage (HV) electric net of the vehicle is used to point out any dependency of the EMS decisions on the powertrain main operating variables.

Abstract Two new misfire detection indexes for single-cylinder motorcycle engines—dubbed gap distance (GD) and gap slope (GS)—are proposed in this study. GD and GS quantify the change in engine angular acceleration using the tooth time measured by the crankshaft position sensor (CKPS). GD is defined as the product of the spacing distance I (the distance from the top dead center at the explosion stroke [TDC2] to the engine speed trend line parallel to the engine speed axis) and spacing distance II (the distance from the bottom dead center at the expansion stroke [BDC2] to the engine speed trend line parallel to the engine speed axis). GS is defined as the difference between the two slopes between the engine speed inclination line and the engine speed trend line. Here the engine speed trend line connects two engine speeds at the top dead center at the intake stroke (TDC1) of the current and subsequent cycles.

Abstract The Formula SAE (FSAE) is an international engineering competition where a Formula style race car is designed and built by students from worldwide universities. According to FSAE regulation, an air restrictor with circular cross section of 20 mm for gasoline-fuelled and 19 mm for E-85-fuelled vehicles is to be incorporated between the throttle valve and engine inlet. The sole purpose of this regulation is to limit the airflow to the engine used. The only sequence allowed is throttle valve, restrictor and engine inlet. A new approach of combining ram theory and acoustic theory methods are investigated to increase the performance of the engine by designing an optimized intake runner for a particular engine speed range and an optimized plenum volume in this range. Engine performance characteristics such as brake power, brake torque and volumetric efficiency are taken into considerations.

Abstract Heavy-duty (HD) diesel engines are the primary propulsion systems in use within the transportation sector and are subjected to stringent oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emission regulations. The objective of this study is to develop a robust calibration technique to optimize HD diesel engine for performance and emissions to meet current and future emissions standards during certification and real-world operations. In recent years, California - Air Resources Board (C-ARB) has initiated many studies to assess the technology road maps to achieve Ultra-Low NOx emissions for HD diesel applications [1]. Subsequently, there is also a major push for the complex real-world driving emissions as the confirmatory and certification testing procedure in Europe and Asia through the UN-ECE and ISO standards.

Abstract Stratified lean combustion has proven to be a promising approach for further increasing the thermal efficiency of gasoline direct injection engines in low load conditions. In this work, a new injection strategy for stratified operation mode is introduced. A side and a central-mounted solenoid multi-hole injector are simultaneously operated in a single-cylinder engine. Thermodynamic investigations show that this concept leads to improved stability, faster combustion, reduced particle number emissions, and lower fuel consumption levels compared to using only one injector. Experiments at an optical engine and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations explain the improvements by a more compact mixture and reduced piston wetting with two injectors. Finally, the application of external EGR in combination with the above concept allows NOx emissions to be effectively kept at a low level while maintaining a stable operation.

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 This article is a review of automobile sensor technologies that have the potential to enhance fuel economy. Based on an in-depth review of the literature and demonstration projects, the following sensor technologies were selected for evaluation: vehicular radar systems (VRS), camera systems (CS), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) systems. V2V and V2I systems were found to have the highest merit in improving fuel economy over a wide range of integration strategies, with fuel economy improvements ranging from 5 to 20% with V2V and 10 to 25% for V2I. However, V2V and V2I systems require significant adoption for practical application which is not expected in this decade. Numerous academic studies and contemporary vehicular safety systems attest VRS as more technologically mature and robust relative to other sensors. However, VRS offers less fuel economy enhancement (~14%).

Abstract The objective of this work is to develop an integrated HVAC-VEHICLE model for climate control studies. A published lumped parameter based HVAC model has been used as the framework for the HVAC modeling with some modifications to realize the climate control and to improve the robustness of the model. R134a (1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane) has been used as the refrigerant fluid in this study. The stand-alone HVAC model has been compared qualitatively with the experimental works available in the literature. The experimental trends of the thermodynamic and performance related parameters of HVAC are reasonably well captured by the HVAC model. In particular, Coefficient of Performance (CoP) was found to decrease with increase in compressor speed and increase in ambient temperature but increase with increase in evaporator blower mass flow rate.

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 While the hot debate keeps going about whether the internal combustion engine (ICE) will die or not, the ICE community never stopped improving the technologies that improve the fuel economy and reduce harmful emissions. Focusing on the emissions and the control system, this article reviewed the latest improvement and advances of related technologies. By firstly introducing the noteworthy emissions from ICE, this work then summarized the evolution of the related emission regulations on both light-duty and high-duty vehicles in a few major market regions. The key technologies that applied or are still under development for both carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM)/particle number (PN) emissions control were reviewed in detail. Lastly, the foreseeable regulations limits and the potential challenges were discussed briefly.

Abstract The fuel injection pressures used in gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines have increased in recent years to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Current GDI engines use injection pressures of up to 350 bar, and there is evidence that even higher fuel injection pressures could yield further improvements in atomization. Higher injection pressures could also improve mixture formation by increasing the spray velocity; however, the research with higher injection pressures over 1000 bar is limited due to a limit of mechanical components. This manuscript summarizes experimental investigations into the effect of injection pressure, injection mass, and nozzle shape on spray-induced air motion with ultrahigh injection pressure over 1000 bar.

Abstract This article proposes an energy management strategy for a through-the-road (TTR) plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to achieve efficient fuel consumption performance. The target hybrid powertrain includes an electric traction motor, an integrated starter/generator (ISG), and a gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE) in the front axle and another electric motor in the rear axle. The energy management strategy is organized into six functional modules. The power mode is determined by the driver’s pedal demand, vehicle states, and the characteristics of the related power units to increase the overall system efficiency. The energy management strategy and the vehicle models are established in the Matlab/Simulink by using dSPACE Automotive Simulation Models (ASM) software. The proposed strategy is examined in terms of three test scenarios in the Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) simulations.