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As a result of the excavation of unconventional sources of natural gas, which has rich reserves, has attracted attention as a fuel for use in natural gas engines for power generation. From the viewpoints of efficient resource utilization and environmental protection, lean burn is an attractive technique for realizing a higher thermal efficiency with lower NOx emissions. However, ignition systems have to be improved for lean-burn operations. Laser ignition, which is expected to serve as an alternative to spark plug ignition, can decrease the heat loss and has no restriction on the ignition location because of the absence of an electrode. Consequently, an extension of the lean-burn limit by laser ignition has been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the effects of the location and number of laser ignition points on engine performance and exhaust emissions. Laser ignition was also compared with conventional spark plug ignition.

Commercial three way catalysts (TWC) are designed to eliminate HC, CO and NOx pollutants emitted from gasoline powered internal combustion engines. TWC have been optimized over many years to meet ever more stringent emission regulations. It has long been speculated that surface electrical conductivity may be a key parameter in controlling catalytic activity, however until now it has not been possible to reliably measure this physical parameter on a catalytic surface. In this study, the surface electrical conductivity of catalyst powders, such as Rh/ CeO1-x-ZrxO2, Rh/ZrO2 and Rh/Al2O3, were measured by EUPS (Extreme Ultraviolet excited Photoelectron Spectroscopy). Then the measured electrical conductivity was compared with catalyst performance from CO-NO and water gas shift reactions which are important for controlling automobile exhaust emissions from gasoline vehicles.

Self-rewetting fluids, i.e. dilute aqueous alcoholic solutions with unique surface tension behavior, have been proposed as working fluids for terrestrial and space heat pipes. Experiments have been carried out in normal gravity and in low-gravity conditions with tubular heat pipes, thin flat heat pipes for thermal management in electronic devices, and flexible, inflatable and deployable radiator panels for space applications. Self-rewetting heat pipes exhibit, in general, better thermal performances in comparison with water heat pipes. Current developments are focused on self-rewetting brines, studied as candidate potential heat transfer fluids for space applications. Activities are in progress to perform experiments in space with a small technological payload onboard a microsatellite developed by the Italian Space Agency.

Gasoline includes various kinds of chemical species. Thus, the reaction model of gasoline components that includes the low-temperature oxidation and ignition reaction is necessary to investigate the method to control the combustion process of the gasoline engine. In this study, a gasoline combustion reaction model including n-paraffin, iso-paraffin, olefin, naphthene, alcohol, ether, and aromatic compound was developed. KUCRS (Knowledge-basing Utilities for Complex Reaction Systems) [1] was modified to produce paraffin, olefin, naphthene, alcohol automatically. Also, the toluene reactions of gasoline surrogate model developed by Sakai et al. [2] including toluene, PRF (Primary Reference Fuel), ethanol, and ETBE (Ethyl-tert-butyl-ether) were modified. The universal rule of the reaction mechanisms and rate constants were clarified by using quantum chemical calculation.

In this paper the authors propose computerized support for Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) based on new knowledge management in product design. FTA is a method of analyzing and visualizing the causes of a fault event by Fault Tree diagram (FT diagram) that has a tree structure with logical step. When we develop the new product, we use FTA to analyze the fault events, to extract design parameters, and to plan test programs in Jatco's development process. Although FTA is an effective analytical tool for resolving problems, improving design quality and planning test programs, it is not easy to complete the FT diagram of a fault on Automatic Transmission and the component system without a mistake. To solve this problem, we propose the following approach using Computer-Aided knowledge management based on Quantity Dimension Indexing and block diagram. We classify FT diagrams into component failure, system failure, and control failure diagrams.

To meet the strict emission regulations for diesel engines, an advanced processing device such as a Urea-SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system is used to reduce NOx emissions. The Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test, which is implemented in the European Union, will expand the range of conditions under which the engine has to operate [1], which will lead to the construction of a Urea-SCR system capable of reducing NOx emissions at lower and higher temperature conditions, and at higher space velocity conditions than existing systems. Simulations are useful in improving the performance of the urea-SCR system. However, it is necessary to construct a reliable NOx reduction model to use for system design, which covers the expanded engine operation conditions. In the urea-SCR system, the mechanism of ammonia (NH3) formation from injected aqueous urea solution is not clear. Thus, it is important to clarify this mechanism to improve the NOx reduction model.

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was applied to control the pressure-rise rate of homogeneous compression ignition, which is an important obstacle for homogeneous charge combustion engines. DBD can produce nonthermal plasmas and has been generated in air/fuel mixtures to reform some of the fuel molecules found in such mixtures. This generally shortens the ignition delay of compression ignition of the air/fuel premixture. Stratification of the reformed premixture in the combustion chamber was achieved by pulsed DBD irradiation during the induction process. The formation of inhomogeneous distribution of the reformed premixture is expected by the formation of discharge at the end of the intake processes. A demonstrative experiment was conducted by using a rapid compression and expansion machine. A simple plasma reactor was developed and installed at the intake tube. High-voltage, high-frequency pulses were applied to form plasmas. n-Heptane was used as fuel.

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is widely used in diesel engines to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. To meet the strict emission regulations, e.g., Real Driving Emissions, the EGR system is required to be used at temperatures lower than the present ones. However, under cool conditions, an adhesive deposit forms on the EGR valve or cooler because of the particulate matter and other components present in the diesel exhaust. This causes sticking of the EGR valve or degradation of the heat-exchange performance, which are serious problems. In this study, the EGR deposit formation mechanism was investigated based on spatially- and time-resolved scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. The deposit was formed in a custom-made sample line using real exhaust emitted from a diesel engine. The exhaust including soot was introduced into the sample line for 24 h (maximum duration), and the formed deposit was observed using SEM.

The measurement protocol of solid particle number with the lower detection limit (D50) at 10 nm (SPN10) is planned to be implemented in European emission regulations by means of laboratory-grade measurement systems. Furthermore, SPN10 measurement as the real driving emissions (RDE) regulations is under development by defining appropriate technical specifications for the portable emissions measurement system (PEMS). It is under discussion to implement SPN10 limits as one of additional pollutants to the new European emissions regulations, so-called “Euro 7”. As the Consortium for ultra LOw Vehicle Emissions (CLOVE) has proposed, RDE testing by means of PEMS will be the primary means of emissions determination for certification purposes. Measurement equivalency between laboratory-grade emissions measurement systems and PEMS is still important due to the necessity of validation in laboratories before on-road testing by comparing determined emissions by both.