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A chemical sub-model for realistic CFD simulations of Diesel engines is developed and demonstrated by application to some test cases. The model uses a newly developed progress variable approach to incorporate a realistic treatment of chemical reactions into the description of the reactive flow. The progress variable model is based on defining variables that represent the onset and temporal development of chemical reactions before and during self ignition, as well as the stage of the actual combustion. Fundamental aspects of the model, especially its physical motivation and finding a proper progress variable, are discussed, as well as issues of practical implementation. Sample calculations of Diesel-typical combustion scenarios are presented which are based on the progress-variable model, showing the capability of the model to realistically describe the ignition-and combustion phase.

A progress variable approach for the 3D-CFD simulation of DI-Diesel combustion is introduced. Considering the Diesel-typical combustion phases of auto-ignition, premixed and diffusion combustion, for each phase, a limited number of characteristic progress variables is defined. By spatial-temporal balancing of these progress variables, the combustion process is described. Embarking on this concept, it is possible to simulate the reaction processes with detailed chemistry schemes. The combustion model is coupled with a mesh-independent Eulerian-spray model in combination with orifice resolving meshes. The comparison between experiment and simulation for various Diesel engines shows good agreement for pressure traces, heat releases and flame structures.

For studying the effects of injection system properties and combustion chamber conditions on the penetration lengths of both the liquid and the vapor phase of fuel injectors in Diesel engines, a holistic injection model was developed, combining hydraulic and spray modeling into one integrated simulation tool. The hydraulic system is modeled by using ISIS (Interactive Simulation of Interdisciplinary Systems), a one dimensional in–house code simulating the fuel flow through hydraulic systems. The computed outflow conditions at the nozzle exit, e.g. the dynamic flow rate and the corresponding fuel pressure, are used to link the hydraulic model to a quasi–dimensional spray model. The quasi–dimensional spray model uses semi–empirical 1D correlation functions to calculate spray angle, droplet history and droplet motion as well as penetration lengths of the liquid and the vapor phases. For incorporating droplet vaporization, a single droplet approach has been used.

Coming along with the present movement towards the ultimately variable engine, the need for clear and simple models for complex engine systems is rapidly increasing. In this context Common-Rail-Systems cause a special kind of problem due to of the high amount of parameters which cannot be taken into consideration with simple map-based models. For this reason models with a higher amount of complexity are necessary to realize a representative behavior of the simulation. The high computational time of the simulation, which is caused by the increased complexity, makes it nearly impossible to implement this type of model in software in closed loop applications or simulations for control purposes. In this paper a method for decreasing the complexity and accelerating the computing time of automotive engine models is being evaluated which uses an optimized method for each stage of the diesel engine process.

In a subproject of the aim to develop a worldwide certification procedure for heavy-duty on-highway engines (WHDC), the measuring technique for future low emitting engines was evaluated. One aspect is the introduction of partial flow dilution systems for the particulates measurement during transient test cycles instead of the currently required full flow dilution systems. This paper presents an investigation about the influence of sensitive sampling parameters on particulate mass and composition under steady state and transient engine operating conditions, and their effect on the correlation between partial flow and full flow dilution systems. The study has shown that the sampling parameters investigated have no or only minor influence on particulate mass and composition. Both partial flow dilution systems proved their transient capability by tracking the exhaust flow signal very well.

High demands in fuel consumption, efficiency, and low emissions lead to complex control functions for current and future diesel engine management systems. Great effort is necessary for their optimal calibration. At the same time, and particularly for cost reasons, many variants exist on one individual type of diesel engine management system. Not only is it used for several base engines, but these engines are also used in different environments and for different tasks. For optimal deployment, their calibration status must also be optimized individually. Furthermore, the demand for shorter development cycles and enhanced quality lead to a catalogue of new requirements for the calibration process and the affiliated tool. A new calibration system was developed, which optimally reflects the new demands.

The launching of direct injection gasoline engines is currently one of the major challenges for the automotive industry in the European Union. Besides its potential for a notable reduction of fuel consumption, the engine with direct gasoline injection also offers increased power during stoichiometric and stratified operation. These advantages will most probably lead to a significant market potential of the direct injection concept in the near future. In order to meet the increasingly more stringent European emission levels (EURO IV), new strategies for the exhaust gas aftertreatment are required. The most promising technique developed in recent years, especially for NOx conversion in lean exhaust gases, is the so-called NOx storage catalyst.

To meet future emission levels the industry is trying to reduce tailpipe emissions by both, engine measures and the development of novel aftertreatment concepts. The present study focuses on a joint development of aftertreatment concepts for gasoline engines that are optimized in terms of the exhaust system design, the catalyst technology and the system costs. The best performing system contains a close-coupled catalyst double brick arrangement using a new high thermal stable catalyst technology with low precious metal loading. This system also shows an increased tolerance against catalyst poisoning by engine oil.

Automotive catalysts close coupled to gasoline engines operated under high load are frequently subjected to bed temperatures well above 950 °C. Upon deceleration engine fuel cut is usually applied for the sake of fuel economy, robustness and driveability. Even though catalyst inlet gas temperatures drop down immediately after fuel cut - catalyst bed temperatures may rise significantly. Sources for catalyst temperature rise upon deceleration with fuel cut are discussed in this contribution.

The background for the development activities of the motor vehicle industry is strongly influenced by lawmakers, with engine development, in particular, coming under increasing pressure from the requirements of emissions legislation. Demands for CO2 reduction and thus corresponding savings in consumption contrast with regulations which call for compliance with extremely low emission levels, featuring the extreme of zero tailpipe emissions, and alternative low emission levels which make accurate measurement a problem even with current analysis technology. An example of such requirements are the SULEV limits of California law. These standards have given rise to a wide variety of emission control concepts, each of which, however, has certain limitations in its application. In the context of this general setting, the paper shows that the phase directly subsequent to cold start should be focused upon if these ambitious targets are to be reached.

The oil ash accumulation on modern three way catalyst (TWC) as well as its influence on catalyst deactivation is evaluated as a parameter of oil consumption, kind of oil additive compound and additive concentration. The oil ash accumulation is characterized by XRF and SEM/EDX in axial direction and into the washcoat depth of the catalyst. The deposition patterns of Ca, Mg, P and Zn are discussed. The catalytic activity of the vehicle and engine bench aged catalysts is measured by performing model gas tests and vehicle tests, respectively. The influence of oil ash accumulation on the lifetime emission behavior of the vehicle is discussed.

The results of a comprehensive experimental investigation into the exhaust emission performance and combustion properties of neat and blended Gas-To-Liquids (GTL) diesel fuel are presented. A sulphur-free European diesel fuel was used as the reference fuel, and two blends of the GTL diesel fuel with the reference fuel, containing 20% and 50% GTL diesel fuel respectively, were investigated. The study was based on a Mercedes Benz 2.2 liter passenger car diesel engine and presents emission data for both the standard engine calibration settings, as well as settings which were optimized to match the characteristics of each fuel. Vehicle emission tests showed that the GTL diesel fuel results in reductions in HC and CO emissions of greater than 90%, while PM is reduced by 30%, and NOx remains approximately unchanged. Engine bench dynamometer tests showed reductions in soot of between 30% and 60%, and NOx reductions of up to 10% with the GTL diesel fuel, depending on the operating point.

Cold performance is a very important issue for diesel engines. Customers expect their engines to start reliably under all ambient conditions, and to quickly deliver useful power without unacceptable noise or exhaust emissions. In this programme the low ambient temperature cold start performance of two generations of Mercedes-Benz Heavy-Duty diesel engines has been explored. Both are typical of the smaller European Heavy-Duty engine design. The OM364 LA meets Euro 2 emissions legislation using mechanical controls; the OM904 LA is the first evolution of an all-new design to replace the OM364 LA, and features a three-valve cylinder head and high pressure unit-pump injection, with fully electronic controls. Engines were tested in a temperature controlled chamber, using a procedure that studied the first few minutes of operation from cold.

A Mercedes E320 CDI vehicle has been modified for more optimal operation on Gas-To-Liquids (GTL) diesel fuel, in order to demonstrate the extent of exhaust emission reductions which are enabled by the properties of this fuel. The engine hardware changes employed comprised the fitment of re-specified fuel injectors and the reduction of the compression ratio from 18:1 to 15:1, as well as a re-optimisation of the software calibration. The demonstration vehicle has achieved a NOx emission of less that 0.08 g/km in the NEDC test cycle, while all other regulated emissions still meet the Euro 4 limits, as well as those currently proposed for Euro 5. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, were not degraded with the optimised engine. This was achieved whilst employing only cost-neutral engine modifications, and with the standard vehicle exhaust system (oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter) fitted.

The likely transition from today's conventional to future alternative fuels will be discussed. It will be shown that in the very long term renewable fuels might be the most promising road fuels with respect to low CO2 emissions. In the short and medium term, however, liquid alternative fuels will prevail being produced initially from natural gas and later increasingly from biomass. Methanol, Ethanol, GTL Hydrocarbons and other fuels are still under study since lowest WTW CO2 emissions and overall system costs are not yet clarified. The availability of alternative fuels in large quantities will depend on the costs for production and infra-structure, and not least of all, on the market benefits of the resulting fuel / power train systems in a holistic assessment. Cost trends for conventional and alternative fuels will be discussed.

In response to ever more stringent emission limits (EURO IV, SULEV), engine developers are increasingly turning their attention to engine start-up and warm-up phases. Since in this phase the catalytic converter has not yet reached its operating temperature, problems occur especially with regard to hydrocarbon emissions (HC) which are emitted untreated. Secondary air injection represents one option for heating up the catalytic converter more quickly. The engine is operated during the heating up cycle with retarded ignition angles and a rich mixture. Ambient air (secondary air) is injected close to the exhaust valve seat. During the spontaneously occurring post oxidation phase, the reactive exhaust components ignite and heat up the catalytic converter while simultaneously reducing HC. The various processes which affect the post oxidation, are not well known up to now. In order to achieve concrete improvements, detailed knowledge of its influences are necessary.

After-treatment systems (ATS) consisting of new catalyst technologies and particulate filters will be necessary to meet increasingly stringent global regulations limiting particulate matter (PM) and NOx emissions from heavy duty and light duty diesel vehicles. Fuels and lubes contain elements such as sulfur, phosphorus and ash-forming metals that can adversely impact the efficiency and durability of these systems. Investigations of the impact of lubricant formulation on the transfer of ash-forming elements to diesel particulate filters (DPF) and transfer of sulfur to NOx storage catalysts were conducted using passenger car diesel engine technology. It was observed that for ATS configurations with catalyst(s) upstream of the DPF, transfer of ash-forming elements to the DPF was significantly lower than expected on the basis of oil consumption and lube composition. Sulfur transfer strongly correlated with oil consumption and lubricant sulfur content.

In this article model-based controller design techniques are investigated for the transient operation of a common-rail diesel engine in order to optimize driveability and to reduce soot emissions. The computer-aided design has benefits in reducing controller calibration time. This paper presents a nonlinear control concept for the coordinated control of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) in a common-rail diesel engine. The overall controller structure is set up to regulate the total cylinder air-charge with a desired fresh air-charge amount by means of controlling the intake manifold pressure and estimating the fresh air-charge inducted into the cylinders. During varying engine operating conditions the two control loops are coordinated by a compensation of the EGR valve action through the VGT controller.

A two-dimensional numerical model describing the ammonia based SCR-process on vanadia-titania catalysts is presented. The model is able to simulate coated and extruded monoliths. For the determination of the intrinsic kinetics of the various NH3-NOx reactions, unsteady microreactor experiments were used. In order to account for the influence of transport effects the kinetics were coupled with a fully transient two-phase 1D+1D monolith channel model. The model has been validated extensively with laboratory data and engine test bench measurements. After validation the model has been applied to calculate catalyst NOx conversion maps, which were used to define catalyst sizes. Additional simulations were conducted studying the influence of cell density and NH3-dosage ratio.

A 1D+1D numerical model describing the ammonia based SCR process of NO and NO2 on vanadia-titania catalysts is presented. The model is able to simulate coated and extruded monoliths. Basing on a fundamental investigation of the catalytic processes a reaction mechanism for the NO/NO2 - NH3 reacting system is proposed and modeled. After the parameterization of the reaction mechanism the reaction kinetics have been coupled with models for heat and mass transport. Model validation has been performed with engine test bench experiments. Finally the model has been applied to study the influence of NO2 on SCR efficiency within ETC and ESC testcycles, Additional simulations have been conducted to identify the potential for catalyst volume reduction if NO2 is present in the inlet feed.