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Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2018) | Viewed by 43714

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Antonio Garcia

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Guest Editor

CMT—Motores Térmicos, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: internal combustion engines; new combustion modes; emissions; fuels; the injection process
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few decades, the entire world has been facing two of the most important threats in its recent history. On the one hand is global warming, caused by the accumulation of particular gases known as greenhouse gas (GHG), and on the other hand is the foreseen shortage of fossil fuels, which are currently the world's primary energy resource. Both are expected to force society to accept important challenges related to energy availability. In this context, Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) are, by far, the most widespread technology used for energy supply in transport. The transportation sector was responsible for about 20% of the GHG emissions in EU-28 during 2013; despite the importance of these figures, the most alarming fact is that while the total EU-28 GHG emissions recorded a 25 % decrease between 1990 and 2014, transportation was the only sector presenting an increase in its emissions over this period. These data evidence that ICEs are responsible for nearly 60% of the energy consumption of petroleum products in Europe. Undoubtedly, future internal combustion engines (ICE) in general, and those for transport applications in particular, will play a major role in the short- and long-term management of GHG emissions and fossil fuels dependence.

In addition, ICE’s are considered one of the first sources of environmental pollution. Since engine-out emissions are harmful to both humans and the environment, stringent regulations have been introduced over the years to reduce progressively the negative impact of ICE’s (e.g., for CI engines, NOx and PM emissions limits have had the strongest reduction, with a total reduction of 95% and 98%, respectively, between 1992 and 2013.) This fact, combined with the improvement in the fuel economy demanded by the users, and inherently linked to CO₂ emissions, has brought new challenges to the engine research community and manufacturers. In this sense, different strategies to reduce in-cylinder emissions together with high efficiency have been widely studied and can be lumped into the category of Low Temperature Combustion (RCCI, PCCI, SACI…). Together with these new injection/combustion concepts, great efforts have been also made in air loop management (different turbocharger architectures, superchargers, Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation, etc.), as well as in after-treatment systems ( DPF, SCR , LNT, DOC, etc.). In the same way, energy recovery strategies such as Organic–Rankine Cycles try to offer a solution in the current ICE’s context.

This Special Issue warmly welcomes scientific and technically advanced works highlighting any of the topics previously mentioned surrounding ICEs. In particular, this Special Issue is focused on research works that maximize current ICE’s efficiency promoting CO₂ reduction while considering also the fulfilment of emissions legislation.

Dr. Antonio Garcia
Guest Editor

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Keywords

CO₂reduction on ICE’s
pollutant emissions reduction on ICE’s
new injection and combustion processes for ICE’s
new air loop arquitectures for ICE’s
new after-treatment solutions for ICE’s

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Three-Way Catalyst Dynamics for a Compressed Natural Gas Engine during Lean–Rich Transitions

by Dario Di Maio, Carlo Beatrice, Valentina Fraioli, Pierpaolo Napolitano, Stefano Golini and Francesco Giovanni Rutigliano

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(21), 4610; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9214610 - 30 Oct 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4054

Abstract

The main objective of the present research activity was to investigate the effect of very fast composition transitions of the engine exhaust typical in real-world driving operating conditions, as fuel cutoff phases or engine misfire, on the aftertreatment devices, which are generally very sensitive to these changes. This phenomenon is particularly evident when dealing with engines powered by natural gas, which requires the use of a three-way catalyst (TWC). Indeed, some deviations from the stoichiometric lambda value can interfere with the catalytic converter efficiency. In this work, a numerical “quasi-steady” model was developed to simulate the chemical and transport phenomena of a specific TWC for a compressed natural gas (CNG) heavy-duty engine. A dedicated experimental campaign was performed in order to evaluate the catalyst response to a defined λ variation pattern of the engine exhaust stream, thus providing the data necessary for the numerical model validation. Tests were carried out to reproduce oxygen storage phenomena that make catalyst behavior different from the classic steady-state operating conditions. A surface reaction kinetic mechanism concerning CH₄, CO, H₂, oxidation and NO reduction has been appropriately calibrated at different λ values with a step-by-step procedure, both in steady-state conditions of the engine work plan and during transient conditions, through cyclical and consecutive transitions of variable frequency between rich and lean phases. The activity also includes a proper calibration of the reactions involving cerium inside the catalyst in order to reproduce oxygen storage and release dynamics. Sensitivity analysis and continuous control of the reaction rate allowed evaluating the impact of each of them on the exhaust composition in several operating conditions. The proposed model predicts tailpipe conversion/formation of the main chemical species, starting from experimental engine-out data, and provides a useful tool to evaluate the catalyst’s performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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15 pages, 2057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selection of Diagnostic Symptoms and Injection Subsystems of Marine Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines

by Jan Monieta

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(8), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9081540 - 13 Apr 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2516

Abstract

This paper presents the planning of an experiment aimed at determining the scope of scientific research. It has been demonstrated in the conducted reliability investigations that main and auxiliary combustion engines, chosen as the objects of marine vessels, are the most unreliable components of injection apparatus as a weak link of a fuel feed functional system. The author seeks to use the minimum number of diagnostic parameters to obtain the maximum amount of information about the state of the test object. Reliability indexes, theoretical research and preliminary diagnostic tests were used to select the diagnostic signal reception points. In the initial determination of the measured quantities, the following methods were used: decomposition of the combustion engine on a functional systems, significant assemblies and elements, analysis of working and residual processes. Preliminary tests of the injection subsystem were carried out outside the internal combustion engine, as well as tests on real objects in laboratory conditions and in the conditions of marine vessels. To obtain a lot of information about the research object, a lot of diagnostic parameters were used at the beginning. On this basis, the preliminary selection of signals and diagnostic parameters related to the technical state was carried out, conducting the analysis in the various domains. Methodical and experimental diagnostic models were elaborated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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19 pages, 3165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exhaust Gas Characteristics According to the Injection Conditions in Diesel and DME Engines

by Seamoon Yang and Changhee Lee

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(4), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9040647 - 14 Feb 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3765

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of high-pressure injection pressure on particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions is discussed. Many studies have been conducted by active researchers on high-pressure engines; however, the problem of reducing PM and NO_x emissions is still not solved. Therefore, in the existing diesel (compression ignition) engines, the common rail high-pressure injection system has limitations in reducing PM and NO_x emissions. Accordingly, to solve the exhaust gas emission problem of a compression ignition engine, a compression ignition engine using an alternative fuel is discussed. This study was conducted to optimize the dimethyl ether (DME) engine system, which can satisfy the emission gas exhaust requirements that cannot be satisfied by the current common rail diesel compression ignition engine in terms of efficiency and exhaust gas using DME common rail compression ignition engine. Based on the results of this study on diesel and DME engines under common rail conditions, the changes in engine performance and emission characteristics of exhaust gases with respect to the injection pressure and injection rate were examined. The emission characteristics of NO_x, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were affected by the injection pressure of pilot injection. Under these conditions, the exhaust gas characteristics were optimized when the pilot injection period and needle lift were varied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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19 pages, 1856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flame Front and Burned Gas Characteristics for Different Split Injection Ratios and Phasing in an Optical GDI Engine

by Santiago Martinez, Simona Merola and Adrian Irimescu

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(3), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9030449 - 28 Jan 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3528

Abstract

Direct-injection in spark-ignition engines has long been recognized as a valid option for improving fuel economy, reducing CO₂ emissions and avoiding knock occurrence due to higher flexibility in control strategies. However, problems associated with mixture formation are responsible for soot emissions, one of the most limiting factors of this technology. Therefore, the combustion process and soot formation were investigated with different injection strategies on a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. The experimental analysis was realized on an optically accessible single cylinder engine when applying single, double and triple injection strategies. Moreover, the effect of fuel delivery phasing was also scrutinized by changing the start of the injection during late intake- and early compression-strokes. The duration of injection was split in different percentages between two or three pulses, so as to obtain close to stoichiometric operation in all conditions. The engine was operated at fixed rotational speed and spark timing, with wide-open throttle. Optical diagnostics based on cycle resolved digital imaging was applied during the early and late stages of the combustion process. Detailed information on the flame front morphology and soot formation were obtained. The optical data were correlated to in-cylinder pressure traces and exhaust gas emission measurements. The results suggest that the split injection of the fuel has advantages in terms of reduction of soot formation and NO_x emissions and a similar combustion performance with respect to the single injection timing. Moreover, an early injection resulted in higher rates of heat release and in-cylinder pressure, together with a reduction of soot formation and flame distortion. The double injection strategy with higher percentage of fuel injected in the first pulse and early second injection pulse showed the best results in terms of combustion evolution and pollutant emissions. For the operative condition studied, a higher time for mixture homogenization and split of fuel injected in the intake stroke shows the best results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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17 pages, 4463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methodology for Optical Engine Characterization by Means of the Combination of Experimental and Modeling Techniques

by José V. Pastor, Pablo Olmeda, Jaime Martín and Felipe Lewiski

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8(12), 2571; https://doi.org/10.3390/app8122571 - 11 Dec 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3400

Abstract

Optical engines allow for the direct visualization of the phenomena taking place in the combustion chamber and the application of optical techniques for combustion analysis, which makes them invaluable tools for the study of advanced combustion modes aimed at reducing pollutant emissions and increasing efficiency. An accurate thermodynamic analysis of the engine performance based on the in-cylinder pressure provides key information regarding the gas properties, the heat release, and the mixing conditions. If, in addition, optical access to the combustion process is provided, a deeper understanding of the phenomena can be derived, allowing the complete assessment of new injection-combustion strategies to be depicted. However, the optical engine is only useful for this purpose if the geometry, heat transfer, and thermodynamic conditions of the optical engine can mimic those of a real engine. Consequently, a reliable thermodynamic analysis of the optical engine itself is mandatory to accurately determine a number of uncertain parameters among which the effective compression ratio and heat transfer coefficient are of special importance. In the case of optical engines, the determination of such uncertainties is especially challenging due to their intrinsic features regarding the large mechanical deformations of the elongated piston caused by the pressure, and the specific thermal characteristics that affect the in-cylinder conditions. In this work, a specific methodology for optical engine characterization based on the combination of experimental measurements and in-cylinder 0D modeling is presented. On one hand, the method takes into account the experimental deformations measured with a high-speed camera in order to determine the effective compression ratio; on the other hand, the 0D thermodynamic analysis is used to calibrate the heat transfer model and to determine the rest of the uncertainties based on the minimization of the heat release rate residual in motored conditions. The method has been demonstrated to be reliable to characterize the optical engine, providing an accurate in-cylinder volume trace with a maximum deformation of 0.5 mm at 80 bar of peak pressure and good experimental vs. simulated in-cylinder pressure fitting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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19 pages, 3057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Analysis of Calculation of Fuel Consumption Rate by On-Road Mileage in a 2.0 L Gasoline-Fueled Passenger Vehicle

by Jaehyuk Lim, Yumin Lee, Kiho Kim and Jinwook Lee

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8(12), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/app8122390 - 26 Nov 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3864

Abstract

The five-driving test mode is vehicle driving cycles made by the Environment Protection Association (EPA) in the United States of America (U.S.A.) to fully reflect actual driving environments. Recently, fuel consumption value calculated from the adjusted fuel consumption formula has been more effective in reducing the difference from that experienced in real-world driving conditions, than the official fuel efficiency equation used in the past that only considered the driving environment included in FTP and HWFET cycles. There are many factors that bring about divergence between official fuel consumption and that experienced by drivers, such as driving pattern behavior, accumulated mileage, driving environment, and traffic conditions. In this study, we focused on the factor of causing change of fuel efficiency value, calculated according to how many environmental conditions that appear on the real-road are considered, in producing the fuel consumption formula, and that of the vehicle’s accumulated mileage in a 2.0 L gasoline-fueled vehicle. So, the goals of this research are divided into four major areas to investigate divergence in fuel efficiency obtained from different equations, and what factors and how much CO₂ and CO emissions that are closely correlated to fuel efficiency change, depending on the cumulative mileage of the vehicle. First, the fuel consumption value calculated from the non-adjusted formula, was compared with that calculated from the corrected fuel consumption formula. Also, how much CO₂ concentration levels change as measured during each of the three driving cycles was analyzed as the vehicle ages. In addition, since the US06 driving cycle is divided into city mode and highway mode, how much CO₂ and CO production levels change as the engine ages during acceleration periods in each mode was investigated. Finally, the empirical formula was constructed using fuel economy values obtained when the test vehicle reached 6500 km, 15,000 km, and 30,000 km cumulative mileage, to predict how much fuel consumption of city and highway would worsen, when mileage of the vehicle is increased further. When cumulative mileage values set in this study were reached, experiments were performed by placing the vehicle on a chassis dynamometer, in compliance with the carbon balance method. A key result of this study is that fuel economy is affected by various fuel consumption formula, as well as by aging of the engine. In particular, with aging aspects, the effect of an aging engine on fuel efficiency is insignificant, depending on the load and driving situation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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17 pages, 13164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Valve Strategy of Variable Cylinder Deactivation Based on Electromagnetic Intake Valve Train

by Maoyang Hu, Siqin Chang, Yaxuan Xu and Liang Liu

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/app8112096 - 31 Oct 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3667

Abstract

The camless electromagnetic valve train (EMVT), as a fully flexible variable valve train, has enormous potential for improving engine performances. In this paper, a new valve strategy based on the electromagnetic intake valve train (EMIV) is proposed to achieve variable cylinder deactivation (VCD) on a four-cylinder gasoline engine. The 1D engine model was constructed in GT-Power according to test data. In order to analyze the VCD operation with the proposed valve strategy, the 1D model was validated using a 3D code. The effects of the proposed valve strategy were investigated from the perspective of energy loss of the transition period, the mass fraction of oxygen in the exhaust pipe, and the minimum in-cylinder pressure of the active cycle. On the premise of avoiding high exhaust oxygen and oil suction, the intake valve timing can be determined with the variation features of energy losses. It was found that at 1200 and 1600 rpm, fuel economy was improved by 12.5–16.6% and 9.7–14.6%, respectively, under VCD in conjunction with the early intake valve closing (EIVC) strategy when the brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) ranged from 0.3 MPa to 0.2 MPa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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11 pages, 4917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Way to Enhance the Spark Plasma-Assisted Ignition for an Aero-Engine Under Low Pressure

by Shengfang Huang, Zhibo Zhang, Huimin Song, Yun Wu and Yinghong Li

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8(9), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/app8091533 - 01 Sep 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3384

Abstract

Finding a new ignition strategy for ignition enhancement in a lean-burn combustor has always been the biggest challenge for high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is of great importance for the development of high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft to improve the secondary ignition ability of the aero-engine at high altitude where the ignition capability of the aero-engine igniter rapidly declines. An innovative ignition mode is therefore urgently needed. A novel plasma-assisted ignition method based on a multichannel discharge jet-enhanced spark (MDJS) was proposed in this study. Compared to the conventional spark igniter (SI), the arc discharge energy of the MDJS was increased by 13.6% at 0.12 bar and by 14.7% at 0.26 bar. Furthermore, the spark plasma penetration depth of the MDJS was increased by 49% and 103% at 0.12 bar and 0.26 bar, respectively. The CH* radicals showed that the MDJS obtained a larger initial spark kernel and reached a higher spark plasma penetration depth, which helped accelerate the burning velocity. Ignition tests in a model swirl combustor showed that the lean ignition limit was extended 24% from 0.034 to 0.026 at 25 m/s with 20 °C kerosene and 17% from 0.075 to 0.062 at 12 m/s with −30 °C kerosene maximally. The MDJS was a unique plasma-assisted ignition method, activated by the custom ignition power supply instead of a special power supply with an extra gas source. The objective of this study was to provide a novel multichannel discharge jet-enhanced spark ignition strategy which would help to increase the arc discharge energy, the spark plasma penetration depth and the activated area without changing the power supply system and to improve the safety and performance of aero-engines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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19 pages, 6988 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Potential of RCCI Series Hybrid Vehicle Architecture to Meet the Future CO₂ Targets with Low Engine-Out Emissions

by Jesús Benajes, Antonio García, Javier Monsalve-Serrano and Rafael Sari

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8(9), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/app8091472 - 27 Aug 2018

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4847

Abstract

Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion has been shown to provide simultaneous ultra-low NOx and soot emissions with similar or better thermal efficiencies than conventional diesel combustion (CDC). Nonetheless, RCCI still has several challenges that restrict its operating range and limit its practical application. The dual-mode operation, which involves switching between different combustion modes, has been found as a promising alternative to operation in the whole engine map. However, the combustion mode switching requires difficult engine control, particularly during transient operation. The series hybrid vehicle (SHV) architecture allows the thermal engine to operate in a limited operating range by decoupling it from the drivetrain. Therefore, it could be an interesting alternative to the dual-mode concept. This work explores the potential of the RCCI series hybrid vehicle architecture to provide low engine-out emissions and CO₂ by means of vehicle systems simulations. The results show the influence of the main parameters and control strategies of the SHV vehicle on its efficiency and emissions under different driving cycles. Finally, the optimal RCCI-SHV configuration is compared to CDC and dual-mode combustion strategies, confirming its potential as a future vehicle architecture for high efficiency and low emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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Review

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30 pages, 8581 KiB

Open AccessReview

Performance Enhancement of Internal Combustion Engines through Vibration Control: State of the Art and Challenges

by Hojat Mahdisoozani, Mehrdad Mohsenizadeh, Mehdi Bahiraei, Alibakhsh Kasaeian, Armin Daneshvar, Marjan Goodarzi and Mohammad Reza Safaei

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(3), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9030406 - 25 Jan 2019

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9503

Abstract

Internal combustion engines (ICEs) are the primary source of power generation in today’s driving vehicles. They convert the chemical energy of the fuel into the mechanical energy which is used to drive the vehicle. In this process of energy conversion, several parameters cause the engine to vibrate, which significantly deteriorate the efficiency and service life of the engine. The present study aims to gather all the recent works conducted to reduce and isolate engine vibration, before transmitting to other vehicle parts such as drive shafts and chassis. For this purpose, a background history of the ICEs, as well as the parameters associated with their vibration, will be introduced. The body of the paper is divided into three main parts: First, a brief summary of the vibration theory in fault detection of ICEs is provided. Then, vibration reduction using various mechanisms and engine modifications is reviewed. Next, the effect of using different biofuels and fuel additives, such as alcohols and hydrogen, is discussed. Finally, the paper ends with a conclusion, summarizing the most recent methods and approaches that studied the vibration and noise in the ICEs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Combustion and Energy Sciences for CO2 Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines)

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