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Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines
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Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines

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 (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 40098

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

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Fabio Bozza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Claudio, 21, 80125 Napoli NA, Italy
Interests: internal combustion engines; combustion; turbulence
Prof. Dr. Vincenzo De Bellis

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Claudio, 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
Interests: internal combustion engines; turbocharging; fluid machines; powertrain electrification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Enrica Malfi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Claudio, 21, 80125 Naples, NA, Italy
Interests: internal combustion engines; advanced combustion modes; pollutant emissions; powertrain electrification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

The debate on how to face the impact of Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) on atmospheric air pollution and climate change remains open. Hybrid vehicles represent the most suitable option for addressing these issues in the medium term, since hybridization allows us to overcome the major disadvantages of ICEs, electric units, and energy storage devices and merge their respective benefits. In this scenario, ICEs remain the core component of automotive propulsion systems in the years to come. Of course, further efforts to improve the efficiency and reduce the pollutant and CO2 emissions of ICEs are necessary. This Special Issue will focus on the study and application of advanced techniques for spark-ignition ICE improvement, with particular emphasis on simulations of, and experiments on, in-cylinder phenomena, thermodynamics, and noxious emission formation. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • advanced boosting systems;
  • advanced knock mitigation techniques;
  • lean, ultra-lean, and unconventional combustion concepts;
  • advanced ignition and injection systems; and
  • waste heat recovery systems.

Prof. Dr. Fabio Bozza
Dr. Vincenzo De Bellis
Dr. Enrica Malfi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • boosting
  • knock
  • efficiency improvement
  • CO2 emissions
  • HCCI
  • ultra-lean
  • ORC
  • waste heat

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1859 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Use of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters as an Additive to Diesel Fuel for Internal Combustion Engines
by Łukasz Muślewski, Marietta Markiewicz, Michał Pająk, Tomasz Kałaczyński and Davor Kolar
Energies 2021, 14(21), 7057; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14217057 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1333
Abstract
This study presents pro-ecological activities focused on an analysis of the use of biofuels as an environmentally friendly fuel. The research objects were different concentration mixtures of diesel fuel and fatty acid methyl esters, that is, transesterified plant oils. The tests involved an [...] Read more.
This study presents pro-ecological activities focused on an analysis of the use of biofuels as an environmentally friendly fuel. The research objects were different concentration mixtures of diesel fuel and fatty acid methyl esters, that is, transesterified plant oils. The tests involved an assessment of the performance parameters of a drive unit in a vehicle powered by diesel fuel for different mixtures of diesel oil and fatty acid methyl esters in the following proportions: 10%, 30%, 50% and 50% with chemical additives. The tests were comparative and were conducted for ‘pure’ diesel (ON). The study presents test results of selected performance parameters of the analyzed power unit. The object of the tests was a self-injection engine with a maximum power of 81 kW. The main tests which were most important for assessment of the mixtures, from the point of view of their effect on the analyzed performance parameters, involved measuring power and torque, and the toxic components of exhaust gases. Based on the obtained results, a statistical analysis was carried out, and a model for the evaluation of how the research object functions when fed with different fuel mixtures was developed. The research found which mixture can be considered the most optimal, and what the influence of individual fuel mixtures is on the analyzed performance parameters of the tested power unit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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27 pages, 60106 KiB  
Article
Development and Experimental Validation of an Adaptive, Piston-Damage-Based Combustion Control System for SI Engines: Part 1—Evaluating Open-Loop Chain Performance
by Alessandro Brusa, Nicolò Cavina, Nahuel Rojo, Jacopo Mecagni, Enrico Corti, Vittorio Ravaglioli, Matteo Cucchi and Nicola Silvestri
Energies 2021, 14(17), 5367; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175367 - 28 Aug 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1972
Abstract
This work is focused on the development and validation of a spark advance controller, based on a piston “damage” model and a predictive knock model. The algorithm represents an integrated and innovative way to manage both the knock intensity and combustion phase. It [...] Read more.
This work is focused on the development and validation of a spark advance controller, based on a piston “damage” model and a predictive knock model. The algorithm represents an integrated and innovative way to manage both the knock intensity and combustion phase. It is characterized by a model-based open-loop algorithm with the capability of calculating with high accuracy the spark timing that achieves the desired piston damage in a certain period, for knock-limited engine operating conditions. Otherwise, it targets the maximum efficiency combustion phase. Such controller is primarily thought to be utilized under conditions in which feedback is not needed. In this paper, the main models and the structure of the open-loop controller are described and validated. The controller is implemented in a rapid control prototyping device and validated reproducing real driving maneuvers at the engine test bench. Results of the online validation process are presented at the end of the paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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21 pages, 52808 KiB  
Article
Development and Experimental Validation of an Adaptive, Piston-Damage-Based Combustion Control System for SI Engines: Part 2—Implementation of Adaptive Strategies
by Alessandro Brusa, Nicolò Cavina, Nahuel Rojo, Jacopo Mecagni, Enrico Corti, Davide Moro, Matteo Cucchi and Nicola Silvestri
Energies 2021, 14(17), 5342; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175342 - 27 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1238
Abstract
This work focuses on the implementation of innovative adaptive strategies and a closed-loop chain in a piston-damage-based combustion controller. In the previous paper (Part 1), implemented models and the open loop algorithm are described and validated by reproducing some vehicle maneuvers at the [...] Read more.
This work focuses on the implementation of innovative adaptive strategies and a closed-loop chain in a piston-damage-based combustion controller. In the previous paper (Part 1), implemented models and the open loop algorithm are described and validated by reproducing some vehicle maneuvers at the engine test cell. Such controller is further improved by implementing self-learning algorithms based on the analytical formulations of knock and the combustion model, to update the fuel Research Octane Number (RON) and the relationship between the combustion phase and the spark timing in real-time. These strategies are based on the availability of an on-board indicating system for the estimation of both the knock intensity and the combustion phase index. The equations used to develop the adaptive strategies are described in detail. A closed-loop chain is then added, and the complete controller is finally implemented in a Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) device. The controller is validated with specific tests defined to verify the robustness and the accuracy of the adaptive strategies. Results of the online validation process are presented in the last part of the paper and the accuracy of the complete controller is finally demonstrated. Indeed, error between the cyclic and the target combustion phase index is within the range ±0.5 Crank Angle degrees (°CA), while the error between the measured and the calculated maximum in-cylinder pressure is included in the range ±5 bar, even when fuel RON or spark advance map is changing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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14 pages, 509 KiB  
Article
A New Method to Determine the Impact of Individual Field Quantities on Cycle-to-Cycle Variations in a Spark-Ignited Gas Engine
by Clemens Gößnitzer and Shawn Givler
Energies 2021, 14(14), 4136; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144136 - 08 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1632
Abstract
Cycle-to-cycle variations (CCV) in spark-ignited (SI) engines impose performance limitations and in the extreme limit can lead to very strong, potentially damaging cycles. Thus, CCV force sub-optimal engine operating conditions. A deeper understanding of CCV is key to enabling control strategies, improving engine [...] Read more.
Cycle-to-cycle variations (CCV) in spark-ignited (SI) engines impose performance limitations and in the extreme limit can lead to very strong, potentially damaging cycles. Thus, CCV force sub-optimal engine operating conditions. A deeper understanding of CCV is key to enabling control strategies, improving engine design and reducing the negative impact of CCV on engine operation. This paper presents a new simulation strategy which allows investigation of the impact of individual physical quantities (e.g., flow field or turbulence quantities) on CCV separately. As a first step, multi-cycle unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (uRANS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of a spark-ignited natural gas engine are performed. For each cycle, simulation results just prior to each spark timing are taken. Next, simulation results from different cycles are combined: one quantity, e.g., the flow field, is extracted from a snapshot of one given cycle, and all other quantities are taken from a snapshot from a different cycle. Such a combination yields a new snapshot. With the combined snapshot, the simulation is continued until the end of combustion. The results obtained with combined snapshots show that the velocity field seems to have the highest impact on CCV. Turbulence intensity, quantified by the turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate, has a similar value for all snapshots. Thus, their impact on CCV is small compared to the flow field. This novel methodology is very flexible and allows investigation of the sources of CCV which have been difficult to investigate in the past. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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17 pages, 4797 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Simulation of Diesel Engine Fueled with Biodiesel with Variations in Heat Loss Model
by Daniel Romeo Kamta Legue, Zacharie Merlin Ayissi, Mahamat Hassane Babikir, Marcel Obounou and Henri Paul Ekobena Fouda
Energies 2021, 14(6), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14061622 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2131
Abstract
This study presents an experimental investigation and thermodynamic 0D modeling of the combustion of a compression-ignition engine, fueled by an alternative fuel based on neem biodiesel (B100) as well as conventional diesel (D100). The study highlights the effects of the engine load at [...] Read more.
This study presents an experimental investigation and thermodynamic 0D modeling of the combustion of a compression-ignition engine, fueled by an alternative fuel based on neem biodiesel (B100) as well as conventional diesel (D100). The study highlights the effects of the engine load at 50%, 75% and 100% and the influence of the heat loss models proposed by Woschni, Eichelberg and Hohenberg on the variation in the cylinder pressure. The study shows that the heat loss through the cylinder wall is more pronounced during diffusion combustion regardless of the nature of the fuels tested and the load range required. The cylinder pressures when using B100 estimated at 89 bars are relatively higher than when using D100, about 3.3% greater under the same experimental conditions. It is also observed that the problem of the high pressure associated with the use of biodiesels in engines can be solved by optimizing the ignition delay. The net heat release rate remains roughly the same when using D100 and B100 at 100% load. At low loads, the D100 heat release rate is higher than B100. The investigation shows how wall heat losses are more pronounced in the diffusion combustion phase, relative to the premix phase, by presenting variations in the curves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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24 pages, 4577 KiB  
Article
Development of an Efficient Thermal Electric Skipping Strategy for the Management of a Series/Parallel Hybrid Powertrain
by Vincenzo De Bellis, Enrica Malfi and Jean-Marc Zaccardi
Energies 2021, 14(4), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14040889 - 08 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
In recent years, the development of hybrid powertrain allowed to substantially reduce the CO2 and pollutant emissions of vehicles. The optimal management of such power units represents a challenging task since more degrees of freedom are available compared to a conventional pure-thermal [...] Read more.
In recent years, the development of hybrid powertrain allowed to substantially reduce the CO2 and pollutant emissions of vehicles. The optimal management of such power units represents a challenging task since more degrees of freedom are available compared to a conventional pure-thermal engine powertrain. The a priori knowledge of the driving mission allows identifying the actual optimal control strategy at the expense of a quite relevant computational effort. This is realized by the off-line optimization strategies, such as Pontryagin minimum principle—PMP—or dynamic programming. On the other hand, for an on-vehicle application, the driving mission is unknown, and a certain performance degradation must be expected, depending on the degree of simplification and the computational burden of the adopted control strategy. This work is focused on the development of a simplified control strategy, labeled as efficient thermal electric skipping strategy—ETESS, which presents performance similar to off-line strategies, but with a much-reduced computational effort. This is based on the alternative vehicle driving by either thermal engine or electric unit (no power-split between the power units). The ETESS is tested in a “backward-facing” vehicle simulator referring to a segment C car, fitted with a hybrid series-parallel powertrain. The reliability of the method is verified along different driving cycles, sizing, and efficiency of the power unit components and assessed with conventional control strategies. The outcomes put into evidence that ETESS gives fuel consumption close to PMP strategy, with the advantage of a drastically reduced computational time. The ETESS is extended to an online implementation by introducing an adaptative factor, resulting in performance similar to the well-assessed equivalent consumption minimization strategy, preserving the computational effort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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20 pages, 9623 KiB  
Article
Study of the Radar Cross-Section of Turbofan Engine with Biaxial Multirotor Based on Dynamic Scattering Method
by Zeyang Zhou and Jun Huang
Energies 2020, 13(21), 5802; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215802 - 05 Nov 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2595
Abstract
With the continuous advancement of rotor dynamic electromagnetic scattering research, the radar cross-section (RCS) of turbofan engines has attracted more and more attention. In order to solve the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of a biaxial multirotor turbofan engine, a dynamic scattering method (DSM) based [...] Read more.
With the continuous advancement of rotor dynamic electromagnetic scattering research, the radar cross-section (RCS) of turbofan engines has attracted more and more attention. In order to solve the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of a biaxial multirotor turbofan engine, a dynamic scattering method (DSM) based on dynamic simulation and grid transformation is presented, where the static RCS of the engine and its components is calculated by physical optics and physical theory of diffraction. The results show that the electromagnetic scattering of the engine is periodic when the engine is working stably, while the rotors such as fans and turbines are the main factors affecting the dynamic electromagnetic scattering and the ducts greatly increase the overall RCS level of the engine. The proposed DSM is effective and efficient for studying the dynamic electromagnetic scattering characteristic of the turbofan engine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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21 pages, 5685 KiB  
Article
Methodological Approach for 1D Simulation of Port Water Injection for Knock Mitigation in a Turbocharged DISI Engine
by Federico Millo, Fabrizio Gullino and Luciano Rolando
Energies 2020, 13(17), 4297; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13174297 - 19 Aug 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3394
Abstract
In the upcoming years, more challenging CO2 emission targets along with the introduction of more severe Real Driving Emissions limits are expected to foster the development and the exploitation of innovative technologies to further improve the efficiency of automotive Spark Ignition (SI) [...] Read more.
In the upcoming years, more challenging CO2 emission targets along with the introduction of more severe Real Driving Emissions limits are expected to foster the development and the exploitation of innovative technologies to further improve the efficiency of automotive Spark Ignition (SI) engines. Among these technologies, Water Injection (WI), thanks to its knock mitigation capabilities, can represent a valuable solution, although it may significantly increase the complexity of engine design and calibration. Since, to tackle such a complexity, reliable virtual development tools seem to be mandatory, this paper aims to describe a quasi-dimensional approach to model a Port Water Injection (PWI) system integrated in a Turbocharged Direct Injection Spark Ignition (T-DISI) engine. Through a port-puddling model calibrated with 3D-CFD data, the proposed methodology was proven to be able to properly replicate transient phenomena of water wall film formation, catching cycle by cycle the amount of water that enters into the cylinder and is therefore available for knock mitigation. Moreover, when compared with experimental measurements under steady state operating conditions, this method showed good capabilities to predict the impact of the water content on the combustion process and on the knock occurrence likelihood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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19 pages, 1402 KiB  
Article
Validation of a RANS 3D-CFD Gaseous Emission Model with Space-, Species-, and Cycle-Resolved Measurements from an SI DI Engine
by Stefania Esposito, Max Mally, Liming Cai, Heinz Pitsch and Stefan Pischinger
Energies 2020, 13(17), 4287; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13174287 - 19 Aug 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2706
Abstract
Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of gaseous emissions from combustion engines are very demanding due to the complex geometry, the emissions formation mechanisms, and the transient processes inside the cylinders. The validation of emission simulation is challenging because [...] Read more.
Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of gaseous emissions from combustion engines are very demanding due to the complex geometry, the emissions formation mechanisms, and the transient processes inside the cylinders. The validation of emission simulation is challenging because of modeling simplifications, fundamental differences from reality (e.g., fuel surrogates), and difficulty in the comparison with measured emission values, which depend on the measuring position. In this study, detailed gaseous emission data were acquired for a spark ignition (SI) direct-injection (DI) single-cylinder engine (SCE) fueled with a toluene reference fuel (TRF) surrogate to allow precise comparison with simulations. Multiple devices in different sampling locations were used for the measurement of average emission concentration, as well as hydrocarbon (HC) cycle- and species-resolved values. A RANS 3D-CFD methodology to predict gaseous pollutants was developed and validated with this experimental database. For precise validation, the emission comparison was performed in the exact same locations as the pollutants were measured. Additionally, the same surrogate fuel used in the measurements was defined in the simulation. To focus on the emission prediction, the pressure and heat release traces were reproduced by calibrating a G-equation flame propagation model. The differences of simulation results with measurements were within 4% for CO2, while for O2 and NO, the deviations were within 26%. CO emissions were generally overestimated probably because of inaccuracies in mixture formation. For HC emissions, deviations up to 50% were observed possibly due to inexact estimation of the influence of the piston-ring crevice geometry. The reasonable prediction accuracy in the RANS context makes the method a useful framework for the analysis of emissions from SI engines, as well as for mechanism validation under engine relevant conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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25 pages, 4441 KiB  
Article
Optimal Calibration Strategy of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle Equipped with an Ultra-Lean Pre-Chamber SI Engine for the Minimization of CO2 and Pollutant Emissions
by Fabio Bozza, Vincenzo De Bellis, Enrica Malfi, Luigi Teodosio and Daniela Tufano
Energies 2020, 13(15), 4008; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13154008 - 03 Aug 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3453
Abstract
The complexity of modern hybrid powertrains poses new challenges for the optimal control concerning, on one hand, the thermal engine to maximize its efficiency, and, on the other hand, the vehicle to minimize the noxious emissions and CO2. In this context, [...] Read more.
The complexity of modern hybrid powertrains poses new challenges for the optimal control concerning, on one hand, the thermal engine to maximize its efficiency, and, on the other hand, the vehicle to minimize the noxious emissions and CO2. In this context, the engine calibration has to be conducted by considering simultaneously the powertrain management, the vehicle characteristics, and the driving mission. In this work, a calibration methodology for a two-stage boosted ultra-lean pre-chamber spark ignition (SI) engine is proposed, aiming at minimizing its CO2 and pollutant emissions. The engine features a flexible variable valve timing (VVT) control of the valves and an E-compressor, coupled in series to a turbocharger, to guarantee an adequate boost level needed for ultra-lean operation. The engine is simulated in a refined 1D model. A simplified methodology, based on a network of proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers, is presented for the calibration over the whole operating domain. Two calibration variants are proposed and compared, characterized by different fuel and electric consumptions: the first one aims to exclusively maximize the brake thermal efficiency, and the second one additionally considers the electric energy absorbed by the E-compressor and drained from the battery. After a verification against the outcomes of an automatic optimizer, the calibration strategies are assessed based on pollutant and CO2 emissions along representative driving cycles by vehicle simulations. The results highlight slightly lower CO2 emissions with the calibration approach that minimizes the E-compressor consumption, thus revealing the importance of considering the engine calibration phase, the powertrain management, the vehicle characteristics, and its mission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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18 pages, 6140 KiB  
Article
New Design of Copper–Inconel 601 Ground Electrode Spark Plug Based on a Thermo-Mechanical Model
by Chawki Tahri, Helmut Klocker, Bernard Beaugiraud, Christophe Bertoni, Eric Feulvarch and Jean-Michel Bergheau
Energies 2020, 13(15), 3798; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13153798 - 24 Jul 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3370
Abstract
Inconel 601 is one material of choice for intermediate- to high-temperature protective coatings for spark plugs’ ground electrodes. Production of ground electrodes of spark plugs implies the following operations: the tamping of the copper core in an Inconel 601 cup, cold-forming of the [...] Read more.
Inconel 601 is one material of choice for intermediate- to high-temperature protective coatings for spark plugs’ ground electrodes. Production of ground electrodes of spark plugs implies the following operations: the tamping of the copper core in an Inconel 601 cup, cold-forming of the assembly, annealing, welding, and bending of the final spark plug. On the production line, the use of Inconel 601 as a protective coating for ground electrodes leads to possible cracking in the welded area after bending. In the present paper, possible causes of cracking are analyzed. It is clearly shown that a combination of Copper –Inconel interface oxidation, Inconel yielding during the heat treatment, and micro-movements during bending lead to cracks in the welded area of the ground electrode. First, the detrimental effect of gaps, between Copper and Inconel 601, is shown experimentally. Second, a thermo-mechanical analysis combined with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) observations identified the annealing treatment and interface oxidation as the main cause of gaps. Third, bending simulations show the relation between these gaps and cracking. Finally, a new ground electrode design, preventing cracks, is suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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16 pages, 8431 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Intake Valve Lift and Closing Angle on Part Load Efficiency of a Spark Ignition Engine
by Michelangelo Balmelli, Norbert Zsiga, Laura Merotto and Patrik Soltic
Energies 2020, 13(7), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13071682 - 03 Apr 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2915
Abstract
This study provides an experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of Miller cycles with various combinations of lift and intake valve closing angle for a passenger car engine with premixed combustion in naturally aspirated operation. A fully variable electro-hydraulic valve train provided different valve [...] Read more.
This study provides an experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of Miller cycles with various combinations of lift and intake valve closing angle for a passenger car engine with premixed combustion in naturally aspirated operation. A fully variable electro-hydraulic valve train provided different valve lift profiles. Six load points, from 1.5 up to 5 bar brake mean effective pressure at a constant engine speed of 2000 min−1, were tested with 6 different intake valve lift/intake valve closing angle combinations. The intake valve closing angle was always set before bottom dead center to achieve the desired load with unthrottled operations. Experimental comparison with throttled operation outlines an indicated efficiency increase of up to 10% using high intake lift with early valve closing angle. Furthermore, this analysis outlines the influences that early intake valve closing angle has on fuel energy disposition. Longer combustion duration occurs using early intake valve closing angle because of turbulence dissipation effects, leading to slight reductions in the heat-to-work efficiency. However, overall pressure and temperature levels decrease and consequently heat losses and losses due to incomplete combustion decrease as well. Overall, we found that combustion deterioration is compensated/mitigated by the reduction of the heat losses so that reductions of pumping losses using early intake valve closing can be fully exploited to increase the engine’s efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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22 pages, 9937 KiB  
Article
Application of a Model-Based Controller for Improving Internal Combustion Engines Fuel Economy
by Teresa Castiglione, Pietropaolo Morrone, Luigi Falbo, Diego Perrone and Sergio Bova
Energies 2020, 13(5), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13051148 - 03 Mar 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2721
Abstract
Improvements in internal combustion engine efficiency can be achieved with proper thermal management. In this work, a simulation tool for the preliminary analysis of the engine cooling control is developed and a model-based controller, which enforces the coolant flow rate by means of [...] Read more.
Improvements in internal combustion engine efficiency can be achieved with proper thermal management. In this work, a simulation tool for the preliminary analysis of the engine cooling control is developed and a model-based controller, which enforces the coolant flow rate by means of an electrically driven pump is presented. The controller optimizes the coolant flow rate under each engine operating condition to guarantee that the engine temperatures and the coolant boiling levels are kept inside prescribed constraints, which guarantees efficient and safe engine operation. The methodology is validated at the experimental test rig. Several control strategies are analyzed during a standard homologation cycle and a comparison of the proposed methodology and the adoption of the standard belt-driven pump is provided. The results show that, according to the control strategy requirements, a fuel consumption reduction of up to about 8% with respect to the traditional cooling system can be achieved over a whole driving cycle. This proves that the proposed methodology is a useful tool for appropriately cooling the engine under the whole range of possible operating conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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19 pages, 4451 KiB  
Article
Improving Fuel Economy of Spark Ignition Engines Applying the Combined Method of Power Regulation
by Yurii Gutarevych, Vasyl Mateichyk, Jonas Matijošius, Alfredas Rimkus, Igor Gritsuk, Oleksander Syrota and Yevheniy Shuba
Energies 2020, 13(5), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13051076 - 01 Mar 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4125
Abstract
One of the disadvantages of spark ignition engines, whose power is regulated by throttling, is the increased fuel consumption at low loads and when the engine is idle. The combined method of engine power regulation by switching off the cylinder group and throttling [...] Read more.
One of the disadvantages of spark ignition engines, whose power is regulated by throttling, is the increased fuel consumption at low loads and when the engine is idle. The combined method of engine power regulation by switching off the cylinder group and throttling working cylinders is one of the effective ways to improve fuel economy in the above-mentioned modes. This article presents the research results of the combined method of engine power regulation which can be realized by minor structural changes in operating conditions. The method implies the following: at low loads and at idle speed of the engine. Fuel supply to the group of cylinders is switched off with the simultaneous increase of the cyclic fuel supply in the working cylinders. The adequacy of the calculated results has been checked by the indication of operating processes in switched off and working cylinders. The research results of a six-cylinder spark ignition engine with the distributed gasoline injection using the combined power regulation system have been shown. The angles of opening the throttle which provides a non-shock transition from the operation with all cylinders to the operation with the cylinder group switched off have been determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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9 pages, 2537 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Washcoat Composition on Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) Performance
by Junjun Wang, Fuwu Yan, Na Fang, Dong Yan, Guoqing Zhang, Yu Wang and Wulin Yang
Energies 2020, 13(3), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13030693 - 05 Feb 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
The forthcoming implementation of the China VI emission regulations, which are currently the most stringent around the world targeted at light-duty gasoline engine vehicles, will not only further restrict the emissions of gaseous pollutants, but also put forward, for the first time, the [...] Read more.
The forthcoming implementation of the China VI emission regulations, which are currently the most stringent around the world targeted at light-duty gasoline engine vehicles, will not only further restrict the emissions of gaseous pollutants, but also put forward, for the first time, the requirements of particulate number (PN) emissions with a limit set at 6 × 1011#/km. To achieve the stringent emission targets, the ceramic wall-flow gasoline particulate filter (GPF) will be effective to achieve the reduction of the particulate number tailpipe emissions in a way similar to the widely applied diesel particulate filter (DPF) in diesel engines. This paper investigated the effect of a coated gasoline particulate filter (GPF) on the PN emission and engine performance. The effects of two factors, including the washcoat powder material bulk density and type of coating, were studied with regard to three primary performances of GPF, including high three-way catalytic performance, low pressure drop, and high PN filtration efficiency, according to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements. The outcomes show that the use of high bulk density materials resulted in a low washcoat volume and hence a decrease of flow resistance and backpressure, in addition to high PN filtration efficiency. The type of coating had notable influence on the backpressure and PN filtration efficiency. The coating length and coating amount both had notable influence on the backpressure and PN filtration efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spark-Ignition Engines)
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