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To correspond to the social requirements such as climate change, air pollution, and energy security, enhancing the engine thermal efficiency is strongly required in these days. As for the specific engine technologies to improve the engine thermal efficiency, Atkinson cycle, cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), and low friction technologies have been developed [1–4]. In regard to combustion technology, lean boosted concept has a potential to reduce CO2 emission because lean boosted concept is expected to enhance the engine thermal efficiency. Although expanding lean combustion limit is important for both increasing the engine thermal efficiency and reducing NOx emission, there is a limitation to realize stable lean combustion with SI (Spark Ignition) gasoline engine. In this study, fuel effects on the combustion characteristics from the viewpoint of chemical reaction capability are focused on.

As part of efforts to address climate change and improve energy security, researchers have improved the thermal efficiency of engines by expanding the lean combustion limit. To further expand the lean combustion limit, the authors focused not only on engine technology but the chemical reactivity of various fuel molecules. Furan and anisole were among the fuel molecules selected, based on the idea that promising candidates should enhance the flame propagation speed and have good knocking resistance. Engine testing showed that the lean limit can be expanded by using fuels with the right molecular structures, resulting in higher thermal efficiency.

Combustion chamber deposits (CCD) in wall-guided stratified charged direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engines affect combustion significantly because CCD may disturb the air-fuel mixture formation and, as a result, cause emission deterioration. For the design of engines and fuels, it is therefore important to determine the effects of CCD on emissions from DISI engines. In this study, the effects of CCD on emissions from a DISI engine using different fuel distillation properties were investigated. The study results show that, during stratified charged operation, an increase in CCD increased the total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions under high speed conditions and the NOx emissions under the low speed conditions.