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Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels
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Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "I2: Energy and Combustion Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 March 2023) | Viewed by 27809

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zongyu Yue

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Engines, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Interests: advanced combustion technology; multiphase flow; heat transfer; computational fluid dynamics (CFD); internal combustion engine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Haifeng Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Engines, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
Interests: diesel engines; combustion; emission; renewable energy; laser diagnostics in flows and combustion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Internal combustion (IC) engines serve as the main power devices that widely applied in the fields of transport, engineering machinery, stationary power generation, etc., and continue to evolve towards the goal of higher efficiency and lower environmental impacts. Numerous advanced engine combustion concepts, such as gasoline compression ignition (GCI), reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI), partially premixed combustion (PPC), spark-assisted compression ignition (SACI), and turbulent jet ignition (TJI), etc., have emerged and are promising to achieve efficient and clean combustion with current market fuels. On the other hand, advanced fuels with specific properties can offer even more potentials in engine combustion and emissions improvements. The desired fuel properties can be achieved by the addition of chemical additives, nano particles, biofuel blendstocks, etc., to the market fuels. In addition, zero- and low-carbon fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and natural gas, also require a dedicated engine design to fulfill their potential in effective reduction in IC engine carbon emissions. Therefore, the next-generation IC engine will rely on the co-evolution of both engine and fuel technologies.

 

In this context, this Special Issue is dedicated to the frontiers in engine combustion and fuel research, with emphasis on the co-development of engines and their fuels. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Advanced engine combustion;
  • Engine combustion improved by fuel additives or biofuel blends;
  • Application of zero-/low-carbon fuels to IC engines;
  • Interactions of engine combustion and fuel;
  • Injection and spray process for advanced fuels;
  • Combustion fundamentals and chemical kinetics for advanced fuels;
  • Aftertreatment system for engines with advanced fuels.

Dr. Zongyu Yue
Prof. Dr. Haifeng Liu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Advanced engine combustion
  • Biofuel
  • Zero-/low-carbon fuel
  • Fuel additive
  • Engine-fuel interaction
  • Fuel injection and spray
  • Exhaust aftertreatment

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

8 pages, 1110 KiB  
Editorial
Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels
by Zongyu Yue and Haifeng Liu
Energies 2023, 16(16), 5940; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16165940 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3288
Abstract
Internal combustion (IC) engines serve as power devices that are widely applied in the fields of transport, engineering machinery, stationary power generation, etc., and are evolving towards the goal of higher efficiency and lower environmental impacts. In this Editorial, the role of IC [...] Read more.
Internal combustion (IC) engines serve as power devices that are widely applied in the fields of transport, engineering machinery, stationary power generation, etc., and are evolving towards the goal of higher efficiency and lower environmental impacts. In this Editorial, the role of IC engines for future transport and energy systems is discussed, and research directions for advancing IC engine and fuel technologies are recommended. Finally, we introduce the 14 technical papers collected for this Special Issue, which cover a wide range of research topics, including diesel spray characteristics, combustion technologies for low- and zero-carbon fuels, advanced combustion mode, fuel additive effects, engine operation under extreme conditions and advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

26 pages, 11673 KiB  
Article
Numerical Investigation on the Influence of Injection Location and Injection Strategy on a High-Pressure Direct Injection Diesel/Methanol Dual-Fuel Engine
by Huabing Wen, Yue Yu, Jingrui Li, Changchun Xu, Haiguo Jing and Jianhua Shen
Energies 2023, 16(11), 4518; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16114518 - 4 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1248
Abstract
High-pressure direct injection diesel/methanol dual-fuel engines exhibit excellent emission reduction potential, but they are still in the initial stage of research and development. The influences of different methanol injection locations, injection duration, and injection pressures on combustion characteristics, mixture homogeneity, and exhaust emissions [...] Read more.
High-pressure direct injection diesel/methanol dual-fuel engines exhibit excellent emission reduction potential, but they are still in the initial stage of research and development. The influences of different methanol injection locations, injection duration, and injection pressures on combustion characteristics, mixture homogeneity, and exhaust emissions are investigated to explore appropriate injection strategies and further optimize the engine performance base using CONVERGE software. The results show that the impact of the methanol injection position on the engine is relatively small, especially on combustion characteristics. A larger axial nozzle distance contributes to the formation of the homogeneous mixture, improving the engine economy. However, the engine performance is remarkably affected by methanol injection duration and methanol injection pressure. A shorter combustion duration is achieved with a decrease in the methanol injection duration and an increase in the methanol injection pressure, as a result of which the fuel economy is improved, with the combustion process more concentrated near the top dead center. Simultaneously, the mixture homogeneity is enhanced, which is conducive to a reduction in soot and CO emissions, yet not to a NOX and HC reduction. The lowest overall emissions of NOX, soot, CO, and HC are achieved when the radial nozzle distance and axial nozzle distance are 2.5 mm and 0.5 mm, respectively. Besides, the combustion characteristics and emissions of the engine are affected significantly under different methanol injection locations and injection pressures. The increased injection interval leads to deteriorating combustion characteristics and economy, i.e., a delayed combustion phase (CA50), an extended ignition delay and combustion duration (CA10–CA90), thereby increasing CO and soot emissions, but decreasing NOX emission. Additionally, the optimal economy and exhaust emissions are obtained when adopting an injection duration of 6 °CA and an injection pressure of 44.4 MPa. The ITE is increased in this case compared to the other injection strategies, thereby improving the engine performance significantly. The results provide parametric feedback and theoretical support for the design of high-pressure direct injection diesel/methanol dual-fuel engines from a time and space perspective, which has certain theoretical significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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14 pages, 2333 KiB  
Article
Reduction in CO Emission from Small Reciprocating Engine Operated with Wood Gasifier by Mixture LHV Changing
by Hiroshi Enomoto and Ryo Nakagawa
Energies 2023, 16(6), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062563 - 8 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1059
Abstract
In order to exchange the wood biomass energy for electric power with small capacity and high efficiency, it is most effective to use a reciprocating engine operated with a wood gasifier. On the other hand, such a small-capacity system is often installed in [...] Read more.
In order to exchange the wood biomass energy for electric power with small capacity and high efficiency, it is most effective to use a reciprocating engine operated with a wood gasifier. On the other hand, such a small-capacity system is often installed in urban areas. Therefore, strict emission regulation should be observed. Normally, as the low heating value (LHV) of bio-syngas is small, the engine should be operated with a stoichiometric mixture to achieve a maximum power density. However, the emission with a stoichiometric mixture contains much unburned CO. This means that a stoichiometric mixture operation shows low efficiency and can’t observe the regulations. In this report, a mechanism of the unburned CO is considered, and a method to reduce the unburned CO ratio is shown with experimental results. In the experiment, a commercial reciprocating engine (4-stroke, modified single cylinder) is used. The bio-syngas, a producer gas from a fixed bed gasifier, is produced by a self-made wood pellet gasifier (fixed bed, auto thermal down-draft). The bio-syngas flow rate is calculated with the nitrogen ratio between input air and bio-syngas. The LHV is adjusted with the city gas (as an alternative to methane) and hydrogen. The CO volume ratio of the exhaust from the engine is more than 3 v% when the excess air ratio of bio-syngas/air mixture is 1.3, as the LHV of bio-syngas is less than 5.0 MJ/m3-LHV. On the other hand, the CO volume ratio of the exhaust under operation of the mixture, the bio-syngas, and methane with more than 7.0 MJ/m3-LHV was less than 0.2 v%. The CO in the exhaust with low LHV fuel means that the combustion is not finished in the chamber. The unburned ratio could be predicted in consideration of the gap/clearance as crevice, the temperature boundary layer, and the quenching distance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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18 pages, 4246 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen Oxides and Ammonia Removal Analysis Based on Three-Dimensional Ammonia-Diesel Dual Fuel Engine Coupled with One-Dimensional SCR Model
by Xingyu Sun, Mengjia Li, Jincheng Li, Xiongbo Duan, Can Wang, Weifan Luo, Haifeng Liu and Jingping Liu
Energies 2023, 16(2), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020908 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1762
Abstract
Ammonia, as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines, can achieve nearly zero carbon emissions. Although the development of the pure ammonia engine is limited by its poor combustion characteristics, ammonia–hydrocarbon mixed combustion can effectively improve the combustion of ammonia fuel. With the [...] Read more.
Ammonia, as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines, can achieve nearly zero carbon emissions. Although the development of the pure ammonia engine is limited by its poor combustion characteristics, ammonia–hydrocarbon mixed combustion can effectively improve the combustion of ammonia fuel. With the increase in the ammonia fuel proportion in the fuel mixture, a large number of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and unburned ammonia may be discharged, which have a poor impact on the environment. In this study, the performance of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment technology in reducing NOX and ammonia emissions from ammonia–diesel dual-fuel engines was investigated using simulation. A good cross-dimensional model was established under the coupling effect, though the effect of a single-dimensional model could not be presented. The results show that when the exhaust gas in the engine cylinder is directly introduced into the SCR without additional reducing agents such as urea, unburned ammonia flowing into SCR model is in excess, and there will be only ammonia at the outlet; however, if the unburned ammonia fed into the SCR model is insufficient to reduce NO, the ammonia concentration at the outlet will be 0. NOX can be 100% effectively reduced to N2 under most engine conditions; thus, unburned ammonia in exhaust plays a role in reducing NOX emissions from ammonia–diesel dual-fuel engines. However, when the concentration of unburned ammonia in the exhaust gas of an ammonia–diesel dual-fuel engine is large, its ammonia emissions are still high even after the SCR. In addition, the concentrations of N2O after SCR do not decrease, but increase by 50.64 in some conditions, the main reason for which is that by the action of the SCR catalyst, NO2 is partially converted into N2O, resulting in an increase in its concentration at the SCR outlet. Adding excessive air or oxygen into the SCR aftertreatment model can not only significantly reduce the ammonia concentration at the outlet of the model without affecting the NOX conversion efficiency of SCR, but inhibit N2O production to some extent at the outlet, thus reducing the unburned ammonia and NOX emissions in the tail gas of ammonia–diesel dual-fuel engines at the same time without the urea injection. Therefore, this study can provide theoretical guidance for the design of ammonia and its mixed-fuel engine aftertreatment device, and provide technical support for reducing NOX emissions of ammonia and its mixed fuel engines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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38 pages, 15486 KiB  
Article
Study of the Relationship between the Level of Lubricating Oil Contamination with Distillation Fuel and the Risk of Explosion in the Crankcase of a Marine Trunk Type Engine
by Leszek Chybowski
Energies 2023, 16(2), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020683 - 6 Jan 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2879
Abstract
Fuel contamination of engine lubricating oil has been previously determined to arise from two independent phenomena: the effect on oil flash point, and the effect of changing lubrication conditions on tribological pairs. This paper combines these effects and holistically analyzes the consequences of [...] Read more.
Fuel contamination of engine lubricating oil has been previously determined to arise from two independent phenomena: the effect on oil flash point, and the effect of changing lubrication conditions on tribological pairs. This paper combines these effects and holistically analyzes the consequences of fuel in the lubricating oil of a trunk piston engine on the risk of crankcase explosion. The author hypothesized that diesel fuel as an oil contaminant increases the risk of an explosion in the crankcase of an engine due to the independent interaction of two factors: (1) changes in the oil’s combustible properties, and (2) deterioration of the lubrication conditions of the engine’s tribological nodes, such as main bearings, piston pins, or crank bearings. An experiment was performed to evaluate the rheological, ignition, and lubrication properties of two oils (SAE 30 and SAE 40) commonly used for the recirculation lubrication of marine trunk piston engines for different levels of diesel contamination. The hypothesis was partially confirmed, and the results show that contamination of the lubricating oil with diesel fuel in an amount of no more than 10% does not significantly affect the risk of explosion in the crankcase. However, diesel concentrations above 10% call for corrective action because the viscosity index, lubricity, coefficient of friction and oil film resistance change significantly. Deterioration of the tribological conditions of the engine bearings, as seen in the change in viscosity, viscosity index, and lubricity of the oil, causes an increase in bearing temperature and the possibility of hot spots leading to crankcase explosion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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14 pages, 5092 KiB  
Article
Numerical Optimization of Spray-Guided Spark Assistance for Cold Idle Operation in a Heavy-Duty Gasoline Compression Ignition Engine
by Le Zhao, Yu Zhang, Yuanjiang Pei, Anqi Zhang and Muhsin M. Ameen
Energies 2023, 16(2), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020637 - 5 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 873
Abstract
This article describes the results of a response surface model (RSM)-based numerical optimization campaign for spray-guided spark assistance at cold operations in a heavy-duty gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine. On the basis of an earlier work on spark-assisted GCI cold combustion, a space-filling [...] Read more.
This article describes the results of a response surface model (RSM)-based numerical optimization campaign for spray-guided spark assistance at cold operations in a heavy-duty gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine. On the basis of an earlier work on spark-assisted GCI cold combustion, a space-filling design of experiments (DoE) method was first undertaken to investigate a multitude of hardware design variables and engine operating parameters. The main design variables included the number of injector nozzles, fuel split quantities and injection timings, and spark timing. The objective variables were engine combustion efficiency (ŋc), maximum pressure rise rate (MPRR), and engine-out nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. A total of 150 design candidates were automatically generated using the Sobol sequence method provided by the commercial software package, CAESES. Then, closed-cycle computational fluid dynamic (CFD) spark-assisted GCI simulations under cold idling operations were performed. The outcomes from the CFD-DoE design campaign were utilized to construct high-fidelity RSMs that allowed for further design optimization of the spark plug- and fuel injector-related design variables, along with fuel injection strategy parameters. A merit function with respect to objective variables was formulated with an appropriate weight assignment on each objective variable. Finally, the best design candidate was identified from the RSM-based optimization process and further validated in the CFD analysis. The best design candidate showed the potential to significantly improve combustion efficiency (ŋc > 90%) over the baseline at cold idle while satisfying MPRR and NOx emissions constraints (MPRR < 5 bar/CAD and NOx < 4.5 g/kWh). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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14 pages, 4347 KiB  
Article
Experimental Assessment of the Performance and Fine Particulate Matter Emissions of a LPG-Diesel Dual-Fuel Compression Ignition Engine
by Eliezer Toledo, Fabián Guerrero, German Amador and Mario Toledo
Energies 2022, 15(23), 9035; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15239035 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
The present work is focused on the assessment of the performance and fine particulate matter emissions (PM2.5) of a turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection diesel engine operating under dual-fuel mode with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). For load levels of 30%, 60% and [...] Read more.
The present work is focused on the assessment of the performance and fine particulate matter emissions (PM2.5) of a turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection diesel engine operating under dual-fuel mode with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). For load levels of 30%, 60% and 100%, measurements were taken, keeping the engine speed constant at 2200, 2500 and 3200 rpm, while the engine knock detonation was detected through a non-invasive internal system. According to experimental measurements, the abnormal knock combustion occurred at full load operation with a maximum LPG energy fraction of ~60%. The brake fuel conversion efficiency increased by 2.6% with an LPG energy fraction of 10%, where a fuel saving of 11.9% was achieved with respect to the diesel-only operation. The reduction of diesel consumption was around 50% with respect to 100% diesel operation at full load operations, where the highest brake fuel conversion efficiency was achieved. The brake fuel conversion efficiency decreased as LPG addition increased for all the engine loads. Regarding emissions, PM2.5 decreased with the addition of LPG. However, HC and CO emissions increased as LPG injection was higher. NOx emissions and exhaust gas temperatures were reduced for operation with higher LPG fractions, except for full load levels at 2200 and 2500 rpm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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16 pages, 3634 KiB  
Article
Structural Performance of Additively Manufactured Cylinder Liner—A Numerical Study
by Ahmad Alshwawra, Ahmad Abo Swerih, Ahmad Sakhrieh and Friedrich Dinkelacker
Energies 2022, 15(23), 8926; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238926 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1380
Abstract
Climate change is exacerbated by vehicle emissions. Furthermore, vehicle pollution contributes to respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases, as well as lung cancer. This requires a drastic reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions for the automobile industry. To address this issue, researchers are required to [...] Read more.
Climate change is exacerbated by vehicle emissions. Furthermore, vehicle pollution contributes to respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases, as well as lung cancer. This requires a drastic reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions for the automobile industry. To address this issue, researchers are required to reduce friction, which is one of the most important aspects of improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines. One of the most important parts of an engine that contributes to friction is the piston ring cylinder liner (PRCL) coupling. Controlling the linear deformation enhances the performance of the engine and, as a result, contributes positively to its performance. The majority of the tests to study the conformability between cylinder liner and piston were carried out on cylinder liners made of cast iron. It is possible to improve the performance of piston ring cylinder liner couplings by implementing new and advanced manufacturing techniques. In this work, a validated finite element model was used to simulate the performance when advanced manufactured materials were adapted. The deformation of the cylinder liner due to thermal and mechanical loads is simulated with five different additive manufactured materials (Inconel 625, Inconel 718, 17-4PH stainless steel, AlSi10Mg, Ti6Al4V). Simulated roundness and straightness errors, as well as maximum deformation, are compared with conventional grey cast iron liner deformation. Some additive manufactured materials, especially Ti6Al4V, show a significant reduction in deformation compared to grey cast iron, both in bore and circumferential deformation. Results show that Ti6Al4V can reduce maximum liner deformation by 36%. In addition, the roundness improved by 36%. The straightness error when Ti6Al4V was used also improved by 44% on one side, with an average of 20% over the four sides. Numerical results indicate that additive manufactured materials have the potential to reduce friction within the piston liner arrangement of internal combustion engines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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13 pages, 3845 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Structure Characterization and Study of a New Kind of Catalyst: A Monolith of Nickel Made by Additive Manufacturing Coated with Platinum
by Ahmad O. Hasan, Khamis Essa and Mohamed R. Gomaa
Energies 2022, 15(20), 7575; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207575 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 893
Abstract
The monitoring of environmental contamination is an important issue to protect human health and the atmospheric environment. In this study, the optical imaging of mesh structures not coated and coated with platinum was performed to analyze the optical characteristics of the lattices. A [...] Read more.
The monitoring of environmental contamination is an important issue to protect human health and the atmospheric environment. In this study, the optical imaging of mesh structures not coated and coated with platinum was performed to analyze the optical characteristics of the lattices. A nickel monolith catalyst was manufactured via additive manufacturing and coated with platinum, and it was presented to characterize the catalyst properties. The analysis focused on the process of coating using hydrazine bath as a reducing agent. The results showed an increase in the thickness of the coating with baths with durations of 1.5 h, 2.0 h and 2.5 h. The coating thickness was strongly dependent on time duration. The SEM images and EDX were used to confirm the process of coating and analyze the presence of platinum on the catalyst. Coating layers were very thin, and others were not homogeneous over the surface. When the catalyst was exposed to platinum for 2.5 h, the catalyst showed an efficiency of 0.06% for NOx, 0.10%, for CO and 0.09% for HC reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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14 pages, 4162 KiB  
Article
Influence of Glycerol on Methanol Fuel Characteristics and Engine Combustion Performance
by Chao Jin, Tianyun Sun, Teng Xu, Xueli Jiang, Min Wang, Zhao Zhang, Yangyi Wu, Xiaoteng Zhang and Haifeng Liu
Energies 2022, 15(18), 6585; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186585 - 8 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1603
Abstract
Methanol derived from solar energy is a carbon-neutral alternative fuel for engines. The low viscosity of methanol is one of the problems that restrict its direct compression ignition application in engines. Glycerol is a renewable resource derived from biomass, and its viscosity is [...] Read more.
Methanol derived from solar energy is a carbon-neutral alternative fuel for engines. The low viscosity of methanol is one of the problems that restrict its direct compression ignition application in engines. Glycerol is a renewable resource derived from biomass, and its viscosity is more than 1700 times that of methanol. In this study, glycerol was mixed with methanol in different volume fractions (1–50%), and a methanol-glycerol mixture with similar viscosity to diesel was prepared. Then, the particle size, electrical conductivity, viscosity, swelling and corrosion characteristics of the mixed fuel were measured. Finally, the combustion and emission tests of methanol-glycerol mixed fuel were carried out on a heavy-duty multi-cylinder diesel engine. The results show that glycerol can effectively adjust the viscosity of the mixed fuel. The viscosity of the mixed fuel can reach 3.19 mm2/s at 20 °C when blended with 30% glycerol by volume, which meets the requirements of the national standard for diesel fuel. The addition of glycerol can alleviate the corrosion of methanol to the polymer. The test of the mixed fuel in the direct compression ignition engine shows that the thermal efficiency of methanol mixed with 5% glycerol was further improved than that of pure methanol, both of which were significantly higher than the thermal efficiency of diesel compression ignition engines. Methanol and 5% glycerol by volume blends can reduce soot and nitrogen oxide emissions while maintaining low HC and CO emissions. Therefore, proper blending of glycerol in methanol fuel can optimize the fuel properties of methanol and achieve higher thermal efficiency and lower pollutant emissions than pure methanol direct compression ignition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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32 pages, 18865 KiB  
Article
Visualisation and Thermovision of Fuel Combustion Affecting Heat Release to Reduce NOx and PM Diesel Engine Emissions
by Jerzy Cisek, Szymon Leśniak, Andrzej Borowski, Włodzimierz Przybylski and Vitaliy Mokretskyy
Energies 2022, 15(13), 4882; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134882 - 2 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1424
Abstract
Research was conducted on fuels with additives that selectively affect the rate of kinetic (dQk/dα) and diffusion (dQd/dα) combustion in the diesel engine cylinder. In addition to the base fuel (DFB), DFKA fuel with an additive reducing dQk [...] Read more.
Research was conducted on fuels with additives that selectively affect the rate of kinetic (dQk/dα) and diffusion (dQd/dα) combustion in the diesel engine cylinder. In addition to the base fuel (DFB), DFKA fuel with an additive reducing dQk/dα, DFDA fuel with an additive increasing dQd/dα, and DFS fuel with both additives were tested. The main purpose of such dQ/dα course control in the engine cylinder was to simultaneously reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), and to increase the efficiency of the combustion process. Similar to the course of the dQ/dα, the course of the combustion temperature (Tc(α)) affects the NOx produced and the number of afterburned solid particles; the influence of the fuel additives on the functional curves was analysed. In addition to analysis of the temperature Tc(α) calculated from the indicator diagrams, Tc(α) analysis was conducted using the two-colour method, which allows the analysis of the isotherm distributions locally and temporarily. The two-colour method required prior endoscopic visualisation of the fast-changing processes inside the engine cylinder. Parameters defined by pressure, temperature, heat release rate, and visualisation and thermovision in the engine cylinder (as a function of the crank angle) allowed for an in-depth cause and effect analysis. It was determined why combustion of DFS fuel with both additives produced a synergy resulting in the simultaneous reduction in NOx and PM emissions in the exhaust gas and an increase in combustion efficiency. This publication relates to the field of Mechanical Engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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17 pages, 8531 KiB  
Article
Study on Chemical Kinetics Mechanism of Ignition Characteristics of Dimethyl Ether Blended with Small Molecular Alkanes
by Kai Niu, Baofeng Yao, Yonghong Xu, Hongguang Zhang, Zhicheng Shi and Yan Wang
Energies 2022, 15(13), 4652; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134652 - 24 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
Dimethyl ether (DME)/C1-C4 alkane mixtures are ideal fuel for homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines. The comparison of ignition delay and multi-stage ignition for DME/C1-C4 alkane mixtures can provide theoretical guidance for expanding the load range and controlling the ignition time of DME [...] Read more.
Dimethyl ether (DME)/C1-C4 alkane mixtures are ideal fuel for homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines. The comparison of ignition delay and multi-stage ignition for DME/C1-C4 alkane mixtures can provide theoretical guidance for expanding the load range and controlling the ignition time of DME HCCI engines. However, the interaction mechanism between DME and C1-C4 alkane under engine relevant high-pressure and low-temperature conditions remains to be revealed, especially the comprehensive comparison of the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) and multi-stage ignition characteristic. Therefore, the CHEMKIN-PRO software is used to calculate the ignition delay process of DME/C1-C4 alkane mixtures (50%/50%) at different compressed temperatures (600–2000 K), pressures (20–50 bar), and equivalence ratios (0.5–2.0) and the multi-stage ignition process of DME/C1-C4 alkane mixtures (50%/50%) over the temperature of 650 K, pressure of 20 bar, and equivalence ratio range of 0.3–0.5. The results show that the ignition delay of the mixtures exhibits a typical NTC characteristic, which is more prominent at a low equivalence ratio and pressure range. The initial temperature of DME/CH4 mixtures of the NTC region is the highest. In the NTC region, the ignition delay DME/CH4 mixtures are the shortest, whereas DME/C3H8 mixtures are the longest. At low-temperature and lean-burn conditions, DME/C1-C4 alkane mixtures exhibit a distinct three-stage ignition characteristic. The time corresponding to heat release rate and pressure peak is the shortest for DME/CH4 mixtures, and it is the longest for DME/C3H8 mixtures. Kinetic analysis indicates that small molecular alkane competes with the OH radical produced in the oxidation process of DME, which inhibits the oxidation of DME and promotes the oxidation of small molecular alkane. The concentration of active radicals and the OH radical production rate of elementary reactions are the highest for DME/CH4 mixtures, and they are the lowest for DME/C3H8 mixtures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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21 pages, 7887 KiB  
Article
Modelling Study of Cycle-To-Cycle Variations (CCV) in Spark Ignition (SI)-Controlled Auto-Ignition (CAI) Hybrid Combustion Engine by Using Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES)
by Xinyan Wang and Hua Zhao
Energies 2022, 15(12), 4478; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15124478 - 20 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1235
Abstract
The spark ignition (SI)-controlled auto-ignition (CAI) hybrid combustion is characterized by early flame propagation combustion and subsequent auto-ignition combustion. The application of combined SI–CAI hybrid combustion can be used to effectively extend the operating range of CAI combustion and achieve smooth transitions between [...] Read more.
The spark ignition (SI)-controlled auto-ignition (CAI) hybrid combustion is characterized by early flame propagation combustion and subsequent auto-ignition combustion. The application of combined SI–CAI hybrid combustion can be used to effectively extend the operating range of CAI combustion and achieve smooth transitions between SI and CAI combustion modes. However, SI–CAI hybrid combustion can produce significant cycle-to-cycle variations (CCV). In order to better understand the sources of CCV and minimize its occurrence, the large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approaches were employed in this study to model and understand the cyclic phenomenon of SI–CAI hybrid combustion. Both the multi-cycle LES and RANS simulations were analyzed against the experimental measurements in a single cylinder engine at 1500 rpm and a 5.43 bar average indicated the mean effective pressure (IMEP). The detailed analysis of the in-cylinder pressure traces, IMEP, in-cylinder peak pressure (PP), peak pressure rise rate (PPRR) and the crank angles with fuel mass burned fraction at 10%, 50%, 90% and mode transition was performed. The results indicate that overall, the adopted LES simulations could effectively predict the cyclic variations in the hybrid combustion observed in the experiments, while the RANS simulations failed to reproduce the cyclic characteristics at the chosen engine operating conditions. Based on the LES results, the correlation and visualization studies indicate that the cyclic variations in the local velocity around the spark plug lead to the variations in the early flame propagation, which in turn produce temperature fluctuations among the cycles and result in greater variations in the subsequent auto-ignition combustion events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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17 pages, 3848 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Air Flow on the Combustion Process and Preheating Effect of the Intake Manifold Burner
by Zhishuang Li, Ziman Wang, Haoyang Mo and Han Wu
Energies 2022, 15(9), 3260; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093260 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2435
Abstract
Diesel engines show poor performance and high emissions under cold-start conditions. The intake manifold burner is an effective method to increase the intake air temperature and improve engine performance. In this paper, a visualization system was employed to investigate the combustion process of [...] Read more.
Diesel engines show poor performance and high emissions under cold-start conditions. The intake manifold burner is an effective method to increase the intake air temperature and improve engine performance. In this paper, a visualization system was employed to investigate the combustion process of the intake manifold burner. The effects of diesel flow rate and airflow velocity on combustion performance were investigated. The combustion process of the intake manifold burner showed four stages: preparing stage A, rapid development stage B, steady-development stage C, and stable stage D. Flame stripping was found in stages C and D, presenting the instability of the combustion process. With the increase in air flow velocity from 1.4 m/s to 3.0 m/s, the flame stripping was enhanced, leading to the increasing combustion instability and regular flame penetration fluctuations. The average temperature rise and combustion efficiency increased with the increasing diesel flow rate, indicating the combustion enhancement. Comparison of temperature rise and combustion efficiency under 2.0 m/s and 10.0 m/s showed that stronger cross wind enhances the heat convection, improving the temperature uniformity and combustion efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

36 pages, 11847 KiB  
Review
Interpretative Review of Diesel Spray Penetration Normalized by Length and Time of Breakup (Similarity Law of Diesel Spray and Its Application)
by Masataka Arai
Energies 2022, 15(13), 4926; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134926 - 5 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2872
Abstract
Tip penetration of diesel spray is one of the most useful parameters to evaluate diesel combustion dynamics. It has strong relationships with ignition delay, premix/diffusion combustion and engine performance, including exhaust emissions. To discuss general combustion physics in various size sprays, non-dimensional expression [...] Read more.
Tip penetration of diesel spray is one of the most useful parameters to evaluate diesel combustion dynamics. It has strong relationships with ignition delay, premix/diffusion combustion and engine performance, including exhaust emissions. To discuss general combustion physics in various size sprays, non-dimensional expression of spray tip penetration is reviewed. Length and time of injected fuel jet breakup can be considered as characteristic length and timescale of diesel spray. Then, normalized penetration by length and time of breakup was proposed for the scaling of various diesel sprays. Using the proposed scaling method and similarity law, tip penetrations of various size sprays are collapsed into one simple expression. It becomes a base of similarity law of diesel spray. For example, local or average A/F is uniquely expressed by the normalized length and time of breakup. Penetration of a wall impingement spray is also expressed uniquely by this normalization method and physical parameters affecting the wall impingement spray are explained. Injection rate shaping effect at an initial stage of injection is clearly demonstrated by using this scaling. Further, mixing degrees of diesel spray at an ignition timing and in a combustion phase can be reasonably explained by the equivalence ratio change with non-dimensional elapsed time after injection start. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels)
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