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Dynamic analysis has shown that for a V-6 engine with a DOHC valvetrain layout, a Cam Torque Actuated phaser can be actuated rapidly enough to have the net effect of retarding the valve opening and advancing the valve closing within one valve event, hence; reducing the event duration. Reducing the cam duration from the fixed cam-lobe duration can have benefits at Cold-Start, Cold-Idle, Hot Engine Idle, and low-speed Part-Throttle operation. The approach taken for this investigation was to model the duration-reduction system at engine cranking speeds with GT-Power. Engine simulation showed that we can achieve sonic velocity at the valve seat at engine cranking speeds, and concurrently maximize the effective compression ratio. Based on these promising results, a prototype system was built and tested. A dyno-based test was devised to simulate repeated cold-start first-firing cycles to examine the effect of the system on lean ignition limit and cumulative HC during a cold-start.

Naturally aspirated HCCI operation is typically limited to medium load operation (∼ 5 bar net IMEP) by excessive pressure rise rate. Boosting can provide the means to extend the HCCI range to higher loads. Recently, it has been shown that HCCI can achieve loads of up to 16.3 bar of gross IMEP by boosting the intake pressure to more than 3 bar, using externally driven compressors. However, investigating HCCI performance over the entire speed-load range with real turbocharger systems still remains an open topic for research. A 1 - D simulation of a 4 - cylinder 2.0 liter engine model operated in HCCI mode was used to match it with off-the-shelf turbocharger systems. The engine and turbocharger system was simulated to identify maximum load limits over a range of engine speeds. Low exhaust enthalpy due to the low temperatures that are characteristic of HCCI combustion caused increased back-pressure and high pumping losses and demanded the use of a small and more efficient turbocharger.