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Abstract The cold crank-start stage, including the first three engine cycles, is responsible for a significant amount of the cold-start phase emissions in a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine. The engine crank-start is highly transient due to substantial engine speed changes, Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) dynamics, and in-cylinder temperatures. Combustion characteristics change depending on control inputs variations, including throttle angle and spark timing. Fuel injection strategy, timing, and vaporization dynamics are other parameters causing cold-start first cycles analysis to be more complex. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) provide elevated cranking speed, enabling technologies such as cam phasing to adjust the valve timing and throttling, and increased fuel injection pressure from the first firings.

Abstract Linear internal combustion engine-linear generator integrated system (LICELGIS) is an innovative energy conversion device with the ability of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, which allows it to be a range extender for hybrid vehicles. This article presents a fundamental analysis for the steady-state operation of the LICELGIS, concentrating on electromagnetic force and motion characteristics. Simple assumptions are made to represent ideal gases instantaneous heat release and rejection. Based on assumptions, sensitivity analysis is carried out for key factors of electromagnetic force. The theoretical velocity model in mathematics is derived from analyzing the LICELGIS theory model. It shows that fuel injection quantity and stroke length are the most sensitive factors in key parameters. The piston velocity around the top dead center (TDC) changes greater than that at any other position, which is caused by the combustion process.

Abstract Stratified lean combustion has proven to be a promising approach for further increasing the thermal efficiency of gasoline direct injection engines in low load conditions. In this work, a new injection strategy for stratified operation mode is introduced. A side and a central-mounted solenoid multi-hole injector are simultaneously operated in a single-cylinder engine. Thermodynamic investigations show that this concept leads to improved stability, faster combustion, reduced particle number emissions, and lower fuel consumption levels compared to using only one injector. Experiments at an optical engine and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations explain the improvements by a more compact mixture and reduced piston wetting with two injectors. Finally, the application of external EGR in combination with the above concept allows NOx emissions to be effectively kept at a low level while maintaining a stable operation.

Abstract Realizing the potential of the gasoline direct injection (GDI) concept lies in effectively stratifying the charge at different engine operating conditions. This is generally obtained by properly directing the air and fuel through carefully oriented intake port(s) and fuel spray and appropriately changing injection parameters. However, robust methods of charge stratification are essential to extend the lean operating range, particularly in small GDI engines. In this work, a novel piston shape was developed for a 200 cm3, single-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine to attain charge stratification. Stratification of charge is achieved even when the fuel was injected early in the intake stroke by a specially shaped wedge on the piston crown that produced twin vortices during compression and physically separated the charge into two sides in the combustion chamber.

Abstract Measuring the dynamic parameters of liquid fragments generated in the near-field of atomizing sprays poses a significant challenge due to the random nature of the fragments, the instability of the spray, and the limitations of current measuring technology. Precise determination of these parameters can aid in improving the control of the atomization process, which is necessary for providing suitable spray structures with appropriate flow rates and droplet size distributions for various applications such as those used in heat engines. In piston and gas turbine engines, controlling spray characteristics such as penetration, cone angle, particle size, and droplet size distribution is crucial to improve combustion efficiency and decrease exhaust emissions. This can be accomplished by adjusting the structural and/or operating parameters of the fuel supply system.

Abstract Particulate matter (PM) indices—those linking PM emissions from gasoline engines to the composition and properties of the fuel—have been a topic of significant study over the last decade. It has long been known that fuel composition has a significant impact on particulate emissions from gasoline engines. Since gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines have become the market-leading technology, this has become more significant because the evaporative behavior of fuel increases in importance. Several PM indices have been developed to provide metrics describing this behavior and correlating PM emissions. In this article, 16 different PM indices are identified and collected—to the authors’ knowledge, all of the indices are available at the time of writing. The indices are reviewed and discussed in the context of the information required to calculate them, as well as their utility.

Abstract In view of the combustion efficiency and emission performance, various new clean combustion modes put forward higher requirements for the performance of the fuel injection system, and the cavitating two-phase flow characteristics in the injector nozzle have a significant impact on the spray atomization and combustion performance. This article comprehensively discusses and summarizes the factors that affect cavitation and the effectiveness of cavitation, and presents the research status and existent problems under each factor. Among them, viscosity factors are a hot research topic that researchers are passionate about, and physical properties factors still have the value of further in-depth research. However, the importance of material surface factors ranks last since the nozzle material was determined. Establishing a more comprehensive cavitation–atomization model considering various factors is the focus of research on cavitation phenomena.

Abstract Natural gas (NG) can be compressed to a high pressure of around 200 bar for use in engines and other applications. Compressed natural gas (CNG) contains 87–92% methane (CH4) and has a low carbon-to-hydrogen ratio compared to other hydrocarbon (HC) fuels. Due to this, it can potentially reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 20% compared to conventional fuels like diesel or gasoline. This makes CNG one of the most environmentally friendly fuels for internal combustion engines (ICEs). To improve the thermal efficiency of ICEs, higher compression ratios (CRs) and leaner combustion are essential. Since CNG is a gaseous fuel, it has several advantages over liquid fuels due to its favorable physical and chemical properties. A few of these advantages are minimal fuel evaporation issues, a low-carbon content in the fuel composition and a high-octane number. The CNG high-octane number allows for a high CR, resulting in higher thermal efficiency and lower emissions.

Abstract Evaluating the effects of deposits formed in existing engines on their performance is essential, particularly for gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, wherein such deposits can be even more problematic. Furthermore, it has been suggested that some gasoline detergent additives (GDAs) may increase combustion chamber deposit (CCD) formation. However, there is a lack of data available regarding CCD formation in GDI engines, and there are no systematic investigations of the effects of the relationship between detergent additives and CCD formation on the GDI engines operation. Thus, the aim of this article was to critically review the existing literature on the effects of the deposit buildup associated with GDAs on the knocking performance, emissions, and operational properties of GDI engines. Surveyed studies showed that, GDI engines produce higher amounts of CCDs compared with port fuel injection (PFI) engines.

Abstract Gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) are important aftertreatment components that enable gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines to meet European Union (EU) 6 and China 6 particulate number emissions regulations for nonvolatile particles greater than 23 nm in diameter. GPFs are rapidly becoming an integral part of the modern GDI aftertreatment system. The Active Exhaust Tuning (EXTUN) Valve is a butterfly valve placed in the tailpipe of an exhaust system that can be electronically positioned to control exhaust noise levels (decibels) under various vehicle operating conditions. This device is positioned downstream of the GPF, and variations in the tuning valve position can impact exhaust backpressures, making it difficult to monitor soot/ash accumulation or detect damage/removal of the GPF substrate. The purpose of this work is to present a unique example of subsystem control and diagnostic architecture for an exhaust system combining GPF and EXTUN.

Abstract The fuel injection pressures used in gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines have increased in recent years to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Current GDI engines use injection pressures of up to 350 bar, and there is evidence that even higher fuel injection pressures could yield further improvements in atomization. Higher injection pressures could also improve mixture formation by increasing the spray velocity; however, the research with higher injection pressures over 1000 bar is limited due to a limit of mechanical components. This manuscript summarizes experimental investigations into the effect of injection pressure, injection mass, and nozzle shape on spray-induced air motion with ultrahigh injection pressure over 1000 bar.

Abstract Cycle-by-cycle combustion prediction in real time during engine operation can serve as a vital input for operating at optimal performance conditions and for emission control. In this work, a real-time capable physics-based combustion model has been proposed for the prediction of the heat release rate in a direct injection diesel engine. The model extends the approaches proposed earlier in the literature by considering spray dynamics such as spray penetration and Sauter mean diameter in order to calculate the mass of evaporated fuel from the spray. Wall impingement of the liquid spray is predicted by considering the liquid length based on the prevailing in-cylinder conditions. These effects are considered even after the hydraulic end of injection till the last droplet of fuel impinges on the combustion chamber wall. The fuel evaporated from the wall film and its contribution to the kinetic energy of the charge are also considered.

Abstract In order to improve performance and minimize pollutant emissions in gasoline turbocharged direct-injection (GTDi) engines, different injection strategies and technologies are being investigated. The inclusion of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and the variation of the start of injection (SOI) are some of these strategies that can influence the air-to-fuel (AF) mixture formation and consequently in the combustion process and pollutant emissions. This paper presents a complete study of the engine performance, pollutant emissions and aftertreatment efficiency that produces the SOI variation with a fixed EGR rate in a 4-cylinder, turbocharged, gasoline direct-injection engine with 2.0 L displacement. The equipment used in this study are TSI-EEPS for particle measurement and HORIBA MEXA 1230-PM for soot measurement being HORIBA MEXA 7100-DEGR with a heated line selector the system employed for regulated gaseous emission measurement and aftertreatment evaluation.

Abstract The transportation industry is currently in a transition toward the use of zero-emission vehicles; however, reaching it will take a considerable amount of time. In the meantime, a diesel powertrain will remain the workhorse for most heavy-duty transportation. In order to reduce the engine’s environmental impact, biofuels, such as biodiesel, are used as drop-in fuels or fuel blends. The use of drop-in fuels may create challenges for the fuel system since sticky deposits can precipitate and cause injector malfunctioning or premature fuel filter plugging. It has been concluded in the past that these deposits have been caused by soft particles. In this article, soft particles created through the degradation of biodiesel and their effect on filters are studied. The article aims to analyze fuel filters and investigate the materials responsible for soft particle separation. The study includes three pre filters and three main filters that are commercially available truck filters.

Abstract The manufacturing of diesel injector nozzles requires precision processing to produce multiple micro-holes. An abrasive fluid containing a mixture of mineral oil and hard particles is used for rounding them, ensuring the hydrodynamics of the injection. As verified in a previous investigation, the viscosity of the fluid undergoes uncontrolled changes during hydro-erosive (HE) grinding. Such undesired viscosity changes are detrimental to the process and difficult to assess. The current investigation aims to study the possibility of using the refractive index of the oils used in the HE grinding for assessing their viscosities. A calibration curve correlating the refractive index and viscosity was obtained from the analysis of samples produced by mixing two distinct mineral oils in different proportions. The determined calibration curve was tested with 45 samples of filtered oil, collected directly from the tanks during the HE grinding.

Abstract With the increased use of low ignition quality fuels in advanced compression ignition engines, the extended ignition delay and two-stage ignition behavior shown on the measured in-cylinder pressure profile raise a question about at what point of the pressure trace should be identified as the start of combustion (SOC). Previous studies used numerous methods, but a systematic evaluation is lacking, particularly for low ignition quality fuels used in a small-bore engine. The present study bridges this gap by performing high-speed imaging of OH* chemiluminescence in a small-bore optical compression ignition engine, against which various methods of ignition delay calculation are assessed for a correct representation of the start of high-temperature reaction—i.e., the actual SOC.

Abstract Biodiesel was found to be the best candidate to replace diesel fuel mainly due to being renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic and reduce greenhouse gases, which cause global warming. Nowadays, biodiesel is blended with diesel fuel in different concentrations depending on the country of usage and is used in diesel engines. Concerns about biodiesel were raised after premature fouling of fuel filters were reported before meeting their mileage requirement. Three filters from Brazil were analyzed using different techniques (Energy Dispersive X-Ray [EDX], Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy [FTIR], Thermogravimetric Analysis [TGA], Time of Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry [ToF-SIMS], and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry [GC/MS]) to understand the chemical composition of the filter deposits and highlight the main compounds responsible for the blockage.

Abstract Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) engines still suffer from high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (uHC) emissions at light loads, which is one of the main challenges to be overcome before its implementation in practical engines. The injection strategies and charge temperature are two important factors that affect the mixture stratification and fuel reactivity, which have a great impact on the formation of pollutants in RCCI engines. Therefore, it is of great importance to study the effect of these variables in order to support the development of RCCI engines. In this study, an experimental investigation was carried out to study the combined effect of the start of direct injection (SOI) timing and fuel temperature on RCCI combustion characteristics in a single-cylinder research engine equipped with a common rail under constant engine speed and energy delivery ratio.

Abstract The numerical study presented in this article is based on an automotive diesel engine (2.8 L, 4-cylinder, turbocharged), considering a NG–H2 blend with 30 vol% of H2, ignited by multiple diesel fuel injections. The 3D-CFD investigation aims at improving BTE, CO, and UHC emissions at low load, by means of an optimization of the diesel fuel injection strategy and of the in-cylinder turbulence (swirl ratio, SR). The operating condition is 3000 rpm – BMEP = 2 bar, corresponding to about 25% of the maximum load of a gen-set engine, able to deliver up to 83 kW at 3000 rpm (rated speed). The reference diesel fuel injection strategy, adopted in all the previous numerical and experimental studies, is a three-shot mode. The numerical optimization carried out in this study consisted in finding the optimal number of injections per cycle, as well as the best timing of each injection and the fuel mass split among the injections.

Abstract In this study, a numerical model validation of the supercharged homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine, whose experimental studies at 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 kPa pressures, was carried out using Converge CFD program. After validation, the in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate (HRR), and maximum pressure rise rate (PRRmax) of a fully HCCI engine and an early direct injection HCCI engine were compared numerically at different supercharger pressures. According to the comparison results, it was observed that the cylinder pressure increased and the maximum in-cylinder pressure point advanced with the increase of the supercharge pressure in the fully homogeneous and early direct injection mode. In the early direct injection system, it was observed that the maximum pressure was lower than the results obtained in fully homogeneous conditions, especially at high manifold absolute pressure (MAP) values.