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The introduction of transient test cycles and the focus on real world driving emissions has increased the importance of ensuring the NOx and soot emissions are controlled during transient manoeuvres. At the same time, there is a drive to reduce the number of calibration variables used by engine control strategies to reduce development effort and costs. In this paper, a control orientated combustion model, [1], and model predictive control strategy, [2], that were developed in simulation and reported in earlier papers, are applied to a Diesel engine and demonstrated in a test vehicle. The paper describes how the control approach developed in simulation was implemented in embedded hardware, using an FPGA to accelerate the emissions calculations. The development of the predictive controller includes the application of a simplified optimisation algorithm to enable a real-time calculation in the test vehicle.

Certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are carcinogenic and discussion will commence shortly in Europe on the development of an appropriate ambient air quality standard. With this proposed standard in mind, it is important to understand the contribution made by different emission sources to ambient PAH; this paper addresses only the contribution from automotive exhaust emissions. Methods for the sampling and analysis of particulate bound PAH from exhaust emissions, although not standardised, are well established. Vapour phase PAH however, are often neglected and need to be accurately quantified to assess the total contribution made by automotive sources to anthropogenic PAH emissions to the atmosphere. This paper describes the development of a technique applicable to the simultaneous collection and measurement of both vapour phase and particulate bound PAH in exhaust emissions. The final method selection focused on a filter/adsorbent trap sampler.

The importance of the gear shift quality of manual transmissions has increased significantly over the past few years as the refinement of other vehicle systems has increased. The synchroniser is often blamed as the cause of many shift quality issues. This is not always the case. The interaction of the entire selector system from the shift fork to the handball, the driveline and the transmission internals all play a part in the overall shift quality. The dynamic interaction of these systems at a component level is difficult to interpret by traditional test methods and virtually impossible at concept stage. To overcome these difficulties a dynamic model of the entire synchroniser, selector mechanism, driveline and transmission has been created. The model predicts the gearshift quality for a given set of input parameters, which can be correlated against test data. The model can then be used for parameter studies to investigate potential improvements to gearshift quality.

The Ethanol-Boosted Direct Injection (EBDI) demonstrator engine is a collaborative project led by Ricardo targeted at reducing the fuel consumption of a spark-ignited engine. This paper describes the design challenges to upgrade an existing engine architecture and the synergistic use of a combination of technologies that allows a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Features include an extremely reduced displacement for the target vehicle, 180 bar cylinder pressure capability, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, advanced boosting concepts and direct injection. Precise harmonization of these individual technologies and control algorithms provide optimized operation on gasoline of varying octane and ethanol content.

The influences of injector nozzle geometry, injection pressure and ambient air conditions on a diesel fuel spray were examined using back-lighting techniques. Both stills and high speed imaging techniques were used. Operating conditions representative of a modern turbocharged aftercooled HSDI diesel engine were achieved in an optical rapid compression machine fitted with a common rail fuel injector. Qualitative differences in spray structure were observed between tests performed with short and long injection periods. Changes in the flow structure within the nozzle could be the source of this effect. The temporal liquid penetration lengths were derived from the high-speed images. Comparisons were made between different nozzle geometries and different injection pressures. Differences were observed between VCO (Valve Covers Orifice) and mini-sac nozzles, with the mini-sac nozzles showing a higher rate of penetration under the same conditions.

If fuel cell vehicles are to compete in the same marketplace as conventional vehicles, then they must provide the consumer with the same, or improved, levels of convenience, comfort, refinement and performance at the same, or lower, price. In 2003/4, several vehicle manufacturers are planning to launch their first commercial fuel cell vehicles onto the market. In this remarkably short timeframe, many systems must be integrated into a vehicle including the fuel cell system plus thermal and water management, cabin heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, control and on-board diagnostics, power electronics, electric motor and gearbox, suspension, steering, braking, refinement and crash protection. This paper presents a range of modelling techniques which allow the user to design and develop key systems, including the power management system, compressed air supply, thermal management and control algorithms.

For optimum efficiency, the direct injection (DI) gasoline engine requires two operating modes to cover the full load/speed map. For lower loads and speeds, stratified charge operation can be used, while homogeneous charge is required for high loads and speeds. This paper has focused its attention on the latter of these modes, where the performance is highly dependent on the quality of the fuel spray, evaporation and the air-fuel mixture preparation. Results of quantitative and qualitative Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) measurements are presented, together with shadow-graph spray imaging, made within an optically accessed DI gasoline engine. These are compared with previously acquired air flow measurements, at various injection timings, and with engine performance and emissions data obtained in a fired single cylinder non-optical engine, having an identical cylinder head and piston crown geometry.

A fuel-cell-powered vehicle requires a plentiful supply of hydrogen to achieve good performance. This can be produced from methanol via an on-board reformer and gas clean-up unit. Since the reformer can take several minutes to reach its operating temperature, it is initially necessary to provide an alternative power source, such as a battery or ultra-capacitor, in order to drive the vehicle. This paper describes the use of a fuel cell vehicle simulation to predict behavior over a drive cycle from a cold start and to evaluate different warm-up control strategies in terms of performance and fuel efficiency.

This paper describes a two-year programme of research conducted by the authors investigating HCCI in direct injection gasoline engines. Poppet-valved two-stroke cycle operation has been investigated experimentally, using conventional gasoline compression ratios and fuel, and ambient temperature intake air. Extensive combustion and emissions data was gathered from the experimental engine. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used to model HCCI combustion, and the CFD tool validated using experimental data. Based on experience with the two-stroke engine and modelling techniques, a four-stroke engine has been designed and tested. Using this range of tools, practical options for gasoline HCCI engines are evaluated, and a scenario for the market introduction of HCCI is presented.

A rigidly controlled vehicle test program was conducted to assess the impact of MMT fuel additive on the operation of Low Emission Vehicles (LEVs). Two pairs of each of five vehicle models were tested over extended mileage (75,000 to 100,000 miles). Vehicles were driven on a test track using a customer-type driving cycle and emission tested at regular intervals throughout the program. One vehicle of each pair used a Clear base fuel and the other used the same base fuel with the addition of MMT at a concentration of 8.3 mg Mn/L (0.031 or 1/32 g Mn/US gal). For the four light-duty vehicle models, seven of the eight MMT-fueled vehicles exceeded the NMOG emission certification standards; one Clear-fueled vehicle of one model exceeded the standards, but all other Clear-fueled vehicles met the standards. All four vehicles of the one medium-duty vehicle model met the certification standards, which are higher than those for light-duty vehicles.

High-speed planar laser Mie scattering and Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) were employed for the determination of Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) distribution in non-evaporating diesel sprays. The effect of rail pressure, distillation profile, and consequent fuel viscosity on the drop size distribution developing during primary and secondary atomization was investigated. Samples of conventional crude-oil derived middle-distillate diesel and light distillate kerosene were delivered into an optically accessible mini-sac injector, using a customized high-pressure common rail diesel fuel injection system. Two optical channels were employed to capture images of elastic Mie and inelastic LIF scattering simultaneously on a high-speed video camera at 10 kHz. Results are presented for sprays obtained at maximum needle lift during the injection. These reveal that the emergent sprays exhibit axial asymmetry and vorticity.

In this paper, a mathematical model for simulating the 3D dynamic response of a valve spring is described. The 3D model employs a ‘geometrically exact’ 3D beam connected between each mass of the discretised mass-elastic system. Shear deformations within the beam are also considered, which makes it a Timoshenko type finite element. Results from the 3D model are compared with results from a more conventional 1D model. To validate the results further, some results are compared with real test data that was gathered during a technical consulting project. In this project, a prototype valvetrain that was originally giving acceptable durability began to wear the spring seats when a new batch of springs were procured and tested. 1D and 3D simulation results were used to help understand the cause of the failure and to make recommendations to resolve the issue. Results showed that the 3D model was able to predict the spring seat loads with greater precision than the 1D spring could.

In response to environmental and fossil fuel usage concerns, the automotive industry will gradually move from Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) which includes a shift of internal combustion engines toward Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV). Refinement is an important aspect in the successful adoption of any new technology and ZEV brings its own NVH challenges owing to the unique dynamic characteristics of the powertrain and driveline system. This paper presents considerations for addressing dynamic driveline NVH issues that are common to 100% electric vehicles; issues that manifest themselves as groans, rattles and clunks. A dynamic torsional analytical model of the powertrain & driveline will be presented. The analytical model served as the baseline for an extensive parametric study using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique, whereby the effectiveness of practical countermeasures was investigated.

A new global NOx emissions formation model, formulated by a single analytically derived algebraic equation, is developed with relevance to post-flame gases. The model originates from subsets of detailed kinetic schemes for thermal and N2O pathway NO formation, needs no calibration and is quick to implement and run. Due to its simplicity, the model can be readily used in both 1D and 3D-CFD simulation codes, as well as for direct post-processing of engine test data. Characteristic timescales that describe the kinetic nature of the involved NO formation routes, when they evolve in the post-flame gases independently the one from another, are introduced incorporating kinetic information from all relevant elementary reactions.

In order to align with net-zero CO2 ambitions, automotive OEMs have been developing increasingly sophisticated strategies to minimise the impact that combustion engines have on the environment. Intelligent thermal management systems to actively control coolant flow around the engine have a positive impact on friction generated in the power cylinder by improving the warmup rate of cylinder liners and heads. This increase in temperature results in an improved frictional performance and cycle averaged fuel consumption, but also increases the piston to liner clearances due to rapid warm up of the upper part of the cylinder head. These increased clearances can introduce piston slap noise and substantially degrade the NVH quality to unacceptable levels, particularly during warmup after soak at low ambient temperatures. Using analytical techniques, it is possible to model the thermo-structural and NVH response of the power cylinder with different warm up strategies.

This paper describes the results of the first stage of an integrated experimental and modelling programme on a gasoline engine with Twin Mechanical Variable Lift (TMVL) capability. The engine used for this work was a modified version of a 4 cylinder, 2.0 litre BMW engine. The modified engine has the “Valvetronic” continuously variable lift valvetrain on both the inlet and exhaust valves and dual independent cam phasers with 60 crankshaft degrees of phasing authority. The Valvetronic system allows continuous variation of the valve lift from a minimum of 0.25 mm to a maximum of 9.7 mm.

This paper describes the application of a systematic methodology to the exploratory investigation of fuel economy for a heavy-duty route vehicle with a hybrid powertrain. The analytical study considered parallel hydraulic hybrid, parallel electric and series electric hybrid architectures in addition to the baseline conventional powertrain. The real world driving mission for the target vehicle, a domestic refuse collection truck, was clarified by making vehicle measurements. System simulation was then used as a key tool to support the fuel economy predictions and trade studies.

The inherent fuel economy benefits of diesel powertrains over gasoline offer significant potential for reduced energy consumption and provide vehicle manufacturers with a viable method of improving Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). However, achieving the stringent NOx emission levels of upcoming LEV II and Tier 2 standards, while retaining low fuel consumption and satisfying consumer demand for higher performance, presents significant technical challenges. For diesel powertrains to succeed in the US light duty vehicle market, manufacturers must apply engine and exhaust aftertreatment technologies which meet the technical demands within a viable business case. This paper outlines the trends in advanced electronics and controls for diesel powertrains and the role of these technologies in enabling diesel as a viable fuel efficient option for the US light duty vehicle market.

Many developing countries experience serious air pollution, especially in their urban centers, and emission sources often include the transportation sector. Several countries still use leaded gasoline and/or high sulfur fuels, which impair vehicle emission controls or prevent their use. The Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) was created at the United Nations to help developing countries eliminate lead in gasoline, phase down fuel sulfur and concurrently introduce cleaner vehicles as a way to reduce emissions. The PCFV was launched at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in September 2002 as a public-private collaborative effort designed to help developing countries achieve greater progress towards their air quality goals. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) hosts the partnership Clearinghouse, and its partners consist of governments, industry, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Reducing emissions and the carbon footprint of our society have become imperatives requiring the automotive industry to adapt and develop technologies to strive for a cleaner sustainable transport system and for sustainable economic prosperity. Electrified hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and range extender powertrains provide potential solutions for reducing emissions, but they present challenges in terms of thermal management. A key requirement for meeting these challenges is accurately to predict the thermal loading and temperatures of an internal combustion engine (ICE) quickly under multiple full-load and part-load conditions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and thermal survey database methods are used to derive thermal loading of the engine structure and are well understood but typically only used at full-load conditions.