Numerical investigation of turbolag reduction in HD CNG engines by means of exhaust valve variable actuation and spark timing control

Turbocharging port-injected Natural Gas (NG) engines allows them to recover gaseous-fuel related power gap with respect to gasoline engines. However, turbolag reduction is necessary to achieve high performance during engine transient operations and to improve vehicle fun-to-drive characteristics. Significant support for the study of turbocharged Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines and guidelines for the turbo-matching process can be provided by 1-D numerical simulation tools. However, 1-D models are predictive only when a careful tuning procedure is set-up and carried out on the basis of the experimental data. In this paper, a 1-D model of a Heavy-Duty (HD) turbocharged CNG engine was set up in the GT-POWER (Gamma Technologies Inc., Westmont, IL, US) environment to simulate transient operations and to evaluate the turbolag. An extensive experimental activity was carried out to provide experimental data for model tuning. The model buildup and tuning processes are described in detail with specific reference to the turbocharger model, whose correct calibration is a key factor in accounting for the effects of turbine flow pulsations. The second part of the paper focuses on the evaluation of different strategies for turbolag reduction, namely, exhaust valve variable actuation and spark timing control. Such strategies were aimed at increasing the engine exhaust-gas power transferred to the turbine, thus reducing the time required to accelerate the turbocharger group. The effects of these strategies were examined for tip-in maneuvers at a fixed engine speed. Depending on the engine speed and the applied turbolag reduction strategy, turbolag reductions from 70% to 10% were achieved.     

Cycle-simulation turbulence modelling of IC engines

Numerical simulations of IC engines are of high interest for automotive engineers worldwide. The simulation models should be as fast as possible, low-computational effort and predictive tool. The correct prediction of turbulence level inside the combustion chamber of spark ignition engines is the most important factor influencing to the engine working cycle. This paper presents a development of the k-ε turbulence model applied to the commercial cycle-simulation software with the high emphasis on the intake part. The validation was performed on two engine geometries with the variation of engine speed and load comparing the cycle-simulation results of the turbulent kinetic energy and in-cylinder temperature with 3-D CFD results. In order to apply the cycle-simulation turbulence model for the simulation of entire engine map, the parameterization model of turbulence constants was proposed. The parameterized turbulence model was optimized using NLPQL optimization algorithm where the single set of turbulence model parameters for each engine was found. A good agreement of the turbulent kinetic energy during the expansion was achieved when the turbulence affects the flame front propagation and combustion rate as well.     

Emission analysis of a compressed natural gas directinjection engine with a homogenous mixture

In an era in which environmental pollution and depletion of world oil reserves are of major concern, emissions produced by automotive vehicles need to be controlled and reduced. An ideal solution is to switch to a cleaner fuel such as natural gas, which generates cleaner emissions. In addition, control over the in-cylinder air-fuel mixture can be best achieved through a direct-injection mechanism, which can further improve combustion efficiency. This need for cleaner automobiles provides the motivation for this paper’s examination of the use of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations to analyze the concentrations of the exhaust gases produced by a compressed natural gas engine with a direct-fuel-injection system. In this work, a compressed natural gas direct-injection engine has been designed and developed through a numerical simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to provide an insight into complex in-cylinder behavior. The emissions analyzed in this study were carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), i.e. the main pollutants produced by natural gas combustion. Based on a stoichiometric mixture, the concentrations of CO and NO were computed using the dissociation of carbon dioxide and the extended Zeldovich mechanism. CO₂ was calculated using a mass balance of the species involved in the combustion process. The simulation results were then compared with the experimental data generated by a single-cylinder research engine test rig. A good agreement was obtained with the experimental data for the engine speeds considered for all emissions concentrations.     

换气与压缩过程对汽油机燃烧特性的影响研究

针对增压气道喷射汽油机进行了发动机换气与压缩过程对燃烧特性的影响研究,对比了两种状态下的气门升程与配气正时,基于发动机试验台架测试数据,重点分析了发动机动力性、经济性和燃烧特性。试验数据表明了配气相位的改变对燃烧有较大的影响,可使燃烧效率大幅度提高,爆震倾向减小。同时基于AVL-fire软件进行发动机进气与压缩过程三维CFD分析,分析结果表明:对燃烧特性的影响不能仅靠瞬态滚流比和缸内平均湍动能进行判断,真正影响燃烧的是火花塞附近湍动能的变化,即发动机换气与压缩过程对燃烧特性的影响来自压缩上止点火花塞附近的湍动能。     

汽油缸内二阶段喷雾参数的优化

用三维计算流体力学(CFD)软件模拟了点火时刻、喷雾方向和喷雾锥角等参数对汽油缸内二阶段喷射发动机缸内压力、放热规律和排放特性的影响。研究表明,点火时刻和喷雾方向对发动机性能有较大影响,而喷雾锥角对发动机性能影响不大。     

高压共轨柴油机燃烧与排放模型的研究

利用高速闪光摄影技术,对高压喷射喷雾体空间发展规律进行了试验分析,提出了一个计算高压喷射喷雾体发展的数学公式;在正确描述高压燃油喷雾的基础上,建立了一个能预测高压共轨柴油机性能和排放的准维燃烧模型,此模型改进了燃油喷射模型及碳烟的生成与氧化模型,考虑到燃烧区的区间传热和缸内工质的对流辐射传热,对一台高压共轨柴油机进行了仿真计算。计算与试验结果对比分析表明,改进后的燃烧与排放模型能较好地反映缸内各区的燃烧与排放情况。     

Soot and temperature distribution in a diesel diffusion flame: 3-D CFD simulation and measurement with laser diagnostics

In this study, a 3-D CFD simulation and laser diagnostics were developed to understand the characteristics of soot generation in a diesel diffusion flame. The recently developed RANS (Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations) hybrid combustion model (Extended Coherent Flame Model — 3 Zones, ECFM-3Z model) was used. This industrial, state-ofthe-art model of the diffusion flame is commonly used in diesel combustion models as well as for propagating (premixed) flame combustion. The simulation results were validated with measurements from a constant volume combustion chamber. The experiment revealed that soot accumulated in the chamber where the temperature decreased. Where the temperature increased rapidly, only a little soot accumulated. The temperature and soot distribution were independently examined using both the two-color method and a 3-D CFD simulation for a turbulent diesel diffusion flame.     

Development of an idle speed engine model using in-cylinder pressure data and an idle speed controller for a small capacity port fuel injected SI engine

An idle speed engine model has been proposed and applied for the development of an idle speed controller for a 125 cc two wheeler spark ignition engine. The procedure uses the measured Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEP) at different speeds at a constant fuel rate and throttle position obtained by varying the spark timing. At idling conditions, IMEP corresponds to the friction mean effective pressure. A retardation test was conducted to determine the moment of inertia of the engine. Using these data, a model for simulating the idle speed fluctuations, when there are unknown torque disturbances, was developed. This model was successfully applied to the development of a closed loop idle speed controller based on spark timing. The controller was then implemented on a dSPACE Micro Autobox on the actual engine. The Proportional Derivative Integral (PID) controller parameters obtained from the model were found to match fairly well with the experimental values, indicating the usefulness of the developed idle speed model. Finally, the optimized idle speed control algorithm was embedded in and successfully demonstrated with an in-house built, low cost engine management system (EMS) specifically designed for two-wheeler applications.     

基于AVL BOOST的氢燃料内燃机稀燃过程研究

应用AVL BOOST软件建立了氢燃料内燃机在稀燃状况下的计算模型,并在不同燃空当量比和点火时刻下,对氢内燃机燃烧过程进行了数值模拟,模拟结果和试验结果吻合较好。在此基础上,进行了点火提前角和燃空当量比对氢内燃机燃烧过程的影响研究,为合理组织氢内燃机的燃烧过程研究提供了依据。     

改善火花助然甲醇发动机小负荷经济性的研究

小负荷时经济性差，是火花助燃甲醇发动机存在的主要问题。以1130立式水冷直喷柴油单缸机为对象，研究了点火系统、压缩比、喷油嘴油线分布和喷油嘴针阀开启压力等因素对火花助燃甲醇发动机小负荷时经济性的影响，并将之与柴油发动机进行了对比分析。     

进气道对增压汽油机流动特性及性能的影响

基于某款增压发动机,通过C FD软件对不同进气道的进气组织及燃烧过程进行模拟计算,并分析了气道对发动机着火特性和燃烧参数的影响。研究结果表明：减小气道拐角半径 R或进气门直径,均可提高发动机滚流比和湍流强度;火花塞处较低的湍动能强度不利于火焰中心的形成;湍动能较强区域位于燃烧室中间区域更有利于点火之后火焰向四周迅速传播,优化了发动机的燃烧过程。     

Combustion instabilities and nanoparticles emission fluctuations in GDI spark ignition engine

The main challenge facing the concept of gasoline direct injection is the unfavourable physical conditions at which the premixed charge is prepared and burned. These conditions include the short time available for gasoline to be sprayed, evaporated, and homogeneously mixed with air. These conditions most probably affect the combustion process and the cycle-by-cycle variation and may be reflected in overall engine operation. The aim of this research is to analyze the combustion characteristics and cycle-by-cycle variation including engine-out nanoparticulates of a turbocharged, gasoline direct injected spark ignition (DISI) engine at a wide range of operating conditions. Gasoline DISI, turbo-intercooled, 1.6L, 4 cylinder engine has been used in the study. In-cylinder pressure has been measured using spark plug mounted piezoelectric transducer along with a PC based data acquisition. A single zone heat release model has been used to analyze the in-cylinder pressure data. The analysis of the combustion characteristics includes the flame development (0–10% burned mass fraction) and rapid burn (10–90% burned mass fraction) durations at different engine conditions. The cycle-by-cycle variations have been characterized by the coefficient of variations (COV) in the peak cylinder pressure, the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), burn durations, and particle number density. The combustion characteristics and cyclic variability of the DISI engine are compared with data from throttle body injected (TBI) engine and conclusions are developed.     

Combustion and emission characteristics of a lean burn natural gas engine

Lean burn is an effective way to improve spark ignition engine fuel economy. In this paper, the combustion and emission characteristics of a lean burn natural gas fuelled spark ignition engine were investigated at various throttle positions, fuel injection timings, spark timings and air fuel ratios. The results show that ignition timings, the combustion duration, the coefficient of variation (COV) of the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and engine-out emissions are dependent on the overall air fuel ratio, spark timings, throttle positions and fuel injection timings. With the increase of the air fuel ratio, the ignition delays and combustion duration increases. Fuel injection timings affect ignition timings, combustion duration, IMEP, and the COV of the IMEP. Late fuel injection timings can decrease the COV of the IMEP. Moreover, the change in the fuel injection timings reduces the engine-out CO, total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions. Lean burn can significantly reduce NOx emissions, but it results in high cyclic variations.     

基于GT-Power的天然气发动机动力性能恢复研究

利用GT-Power软件建立了4缸火花点火天然气发动机的一维仿真模型,并与试验结果进行了对比,仿真与试验结果一致性较好,证明了模型的准确性。在此基础上为天然气发动机匹配了涡轮增压及中冷系统,计算结果显示,增压后天然气发动机的动力性能明显提高,最大功率和扭矩较原汽油机分别提高了23%和9%,中低转速的有效燃气消耗率明显下降。进行了点火提前角的优化计算,得出了节气门全开条件下的MBT角—转速—空燃比三维MAP图。     

Effect of fuel injection strategies on the combustion process in a PFI boosted SI engine

A low-cost solution based on fuel injection strategies was investigated to optimize the combustion process in a boosted port fuel injection spark ignition (PFI SI) engine. The goal was to reduce the fuel consumption and pollutant emissions while maintaining performance. The effect of fuel injection was analyzed for the closed and open valve conditions, and the multiple injection strategies (MIS) based on double and triple fuel injection in the open-valve condition. The tests were performed on an optical accessible single-cylinder PFI SI engine equipped with an external boost device. The engine was operated at full load and with a stoichiometric ratio equivalent to that of commercial gasolines. Optical techniques based on 2D-digital imaging were used to follow the flame propagation from the flame kernel to late combustion phase. In particular, the diffusion-controlled flames near the valves and cylinder walls, due to fuel deposition, were studied. In these conditions, the presence of soot was measured by two-color pyrometry, and correlated with engine parameters and exhaust emissions measured by conventional methods. The open valve fuel injection strategies demonstrated better combustion process efficiency than the closed ones. They provided very low soot levels in the combustion chamber and engine exhaust, and a reduction in specific fuel consumption. The multiple injection strategies proved to be the best solution in terms of performance, soot concentration, and fuel consumption.     

Combustion stabilization of a spark ignition natural gas engine

Natural gas is very different from liquid fuels, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, in ignition characteristics, mixture formation process, combustion speed and so on. These characteristics greatly influence the cycle variation in the engine. The influence on lean-burn combustion is larger than that on stoichiometric combustion and the influence has not yet been sufficiently studied. In this paper, several factors for the stabilization of combustion of spark ignition natural gas lean-burn engines are clarified by means of experimental investigations using such parameters as ignition condition, swirl and compression ratio.     

Combined effect of boost pressure and injection timing on the performance and combustion of CNG in a DI spark ignition engine

There is an increasing interest in supercharging spark ignition engines operating on CNG (compressed natural gas) mainly due to its superior knock resisting properties. However, there is a penalty in volumetric efficiency when directly injecting the gaseous fuel at early and partial injection timings. The present work reports the combined effects of a small boost pressure and injection timing on performance and combustion of CNG fueled DI (direct injection) engine. The experimental tests were carried out on a 4-stroke DI spark ignition engine with a compression ratio of 14. Early injection timing, when inlet valves are still open (at 300°BTDC), and partial injection timing, in which part of the injection occurs after the inlet valves are closed (at 180°BTDC), were varied at each operating speed with variation of the boost pressure from 2.5 to 10 kPa. A narrow angle injector (NAI) was used to increase the mixing rate at engine speeds between 2000 and 5000 rpm. Similar experiments were conducted on a naturally aspirated engine and the results were then compared with that of the boosting system to examine the combined effects of boost pressure and injection timing. It was observed that boost pressure above 7.5 kPa resulted in an improvement of performance and combustion of CNG DI engine at all operating speeds. This was manifested in the faster heat release rates and mass fraction burned that in turn improved combustion efficiency of the boosting system. An increased in cylinder pressure and temperature was also observed with boost pressure compared to naturally aspirated engine. Moreover, the combustion duration was reduced due to concentration of the heat release near to the top dead center as the result of the boost pressure. Supercharging was also found to reduce the penalty of volumetric efficiency at both the simulated port and partial injection timings.     

点火位置对汽油转子发动机燃烧过程的影响

以点燃式汽油转子发动机为研究对象,建立了相应的湍流和燃烧模型,实现了发动机工作过程的三维动态模拟,并利用试验结果进行对比验证。在此模型基础上,模拟计算和分析了4种不同点火位置对缸内压力、温度、火焰传播及NO_x生成的影响。结果表明:点火位置选择在燃烧室中轴线上,与转子凹坑中心位置重合,能优化燃烧,获取较大的功率;在燃烧室后部点火时,燃烧初期火焰传播速度快,压力升高率大,但是受限于燃烧室后部燃料少,压力峰值不高,且NO_x的生成量偏高;在燃烧室前部点火时,在补燃期阶段燃烧速度最快,但是点燃后压力升高阶段的燃烧效率一般;点火位置位于燃烧中轴线两侧错位排布时,燃烧效率低下导致压力峰值最低,同时NO_x的生成量稍高;一定工况下,双点火位置的坐标分别为(10 mm,-56 mm,-37.2 mm)和(-10 mm,-56 mm,-37.2mm)时,该发动机能获得最大的功率且NO_x生成量较少。