Pressure model based coordinated control of VGT and dual-loop EGR in a diesel engine air-path system

This paper describes a pressure-model-based coordinated control method of a variable geometry turbine (VGT) and dual-loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in a diesel engine air-path system. Conventionally, air fraction or burnt gas fraction states are controlled for the control of dual-loop EGR systems, but fraction control is not practical since sensors for fractions are not available on production engines. In fact, there is still great controversy over how best to select control outputs for dual-loop EGR systems. In this paper, pressure and mass flow states are chosen as control outputs without fraction states considering the availability and reliability of sensors. A coordinated controller based on the simple control-oriented model is designed with practical aspects, which is applicable for simultaneous operations of high pressure (HP) EGR, low pressure (LP) EGR, and VGT. In addition, the controller adopts the method of input-output linearization using back-stepping to solve the chronic problems of conventional pressure-based controllers such as coupling effects between operations of HP EGR, and VGT. The control performance is verified by simulation based on the proven GT-POWER model of a heavy-duty 6000cc diesel engine air-path.     

Enhancement of NOx-PM trade-off in a diesel engine adopting bio-ethanol and EGR

For realizing a premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) engine, the effects of bio-ethanol blend oil and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on PM-NOx trade-off have been investigated in a single cylinder direct injection diesel engine with the compression ratio of 17.8. In the present experiment, the ethanol blend ratio and the EGR ratio were varied focusing on ignition delay, premixed combustion, diffusive combustion, smoke, NOx and the thermal efficiency. Very low levels of 1.5 [g/kWh] NOx and 0.02 [g/kWh] PM, which is close to the 2009 emission standards imposed on heavy duty diesel engines in Japan, were achieved without deterioration of the thermal efficiency in the PCCI engine operated with the 50% ethanol blend fuel and the EGR ratio of 0.2. It is found that this improvement can be achieved by formation of the premixed charge condition resulting from a longer ignition delay. A marked increase in ignition delay is due to blending ethanol with low cetane number and large latent heat, and due to lowering in-cylinder gas temperature on compression stroke based on the EGR. It is noticed that smoke can be reduced even by increasing the EGR ratio under a highly premixed condition.     

Model based burnt gas fraction controller design of diesel engine with VGT/Dual loop EGR system

-Recently, regulation of NOx and PM emission in diesel engines has become stricter and the EGR system has been expanded into a dual loop EGR system to increase EGR rate as well as to utilize exhaust gas strategically. In terms of engine combustion characteristics, burnt gas fraction is becoming an important factor of solving the NOx and PM emission reduction problem more efficiently but conventional controller focused only pressure and air flow rate targets. Unlike the previous studies, this paper describes a model based burnt gas fraction control structure for a diesel engine with a dual loop EGR and a turbocharger. Feedforward control inputs based on burnt gas fraction states aids in the precise control of diesel engines, especially in transient states by considering coupled behavior within the system. For the controller validation, a control oriented reduced order model of a diesel engine air management system is established to simplify the control input computation and its stability is proved by analysing the internal dynamics stability. Then, a sliding mode controller is designed and controller robustness at certain operating points is validated using an HiLS bench.     

Experimental study on the characteristics of nano-particle emissions from a heavy-duty diesel engine using a urea-SCR system

Particulate matter in diesel engine exhaust, particularly nano-particles, can cause serious human health problems including diseases such as lung cancer. Because diesel nano-particle issues are of global concern, regulations on particulate matter emissions specify that not only the weight of particulate matter emitted but also the concentration of nanoparticles must be controlled. This study aimed to determine the effects on nano-particle and PM emissions from a diesel engine when applying a urea-SCR system for NO_x reduction. We found that PM weight increases by approximately 90% when urea is injected in ND-13 mode over the emission without urea injection. Additionally, PM weight increases as the NH₃/NO_x mole ratio is increased at 250 °C. In SEM scans of the collected PM, spherical particles were observed during urea injection, with sizes of approximately 200 nm to 1 μm. This study was designed to determine the conditions under which nano-particles and PM are formed in a urea-SCR system and to relate these conditions to particle size and shape via a quantitative analysis in ND-13 mode.     

Investigation on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of diesel engine EGR coolers

An important goal in diesel engine research is the development of a means to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The use of a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is one of the most effective techniques currently available for reducing nitrogen oxides. Since PM (Particulate Matter) fouling reduces the efficiency of an EGR cooler, a tradeoff exists between the amount of NOx and PM emissions, especially at high engine loads. In the present study, we performed engine dynamometer experiments and numerical analyses to investigate how the internal shape of an EGR cooler affects the heat exchanger efficiency. Heat exchanger efficiencies were examined for plain and spiral EGR coolers. The temperature and pressure distributions inside these EGR coolers were obtained in three dimensions using the numerical package program FLUENT.     

Study of strategy for model-based cooperative control of EGR and VGT in a diesel engine

There is a mutual influence between the effects of controlling exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). This paper presents an approach through the application of a control system CAD program and rapid prototyping tools to improve transient operating states by referring to a model-based exhaust recirculation and variable geometry turbocharger control algorithm. The operation model for estimating the state conditions of EGR and a VGT was built on the controller. Simulation and experimental results demonstrating the effectiveness of optimized transient control are also described.     

Effect of operating parameters on diesel/propane dual fuel premixed compression ignition in a diesel engine

In this research, the effects of three operating parameters (Diesel injection timing, propane ratio, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rates) in a diesel-propane dual fuel combustion were investigated. The characteristics of dual-fuel combustion were analyzed by engine parameters, such as emission levels (Nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and particulate matter (PM)), gross indicated thermal efficiency (GIE) and gross IMEP Coefficient of Variance (CoV). Based on the results, improving operating strategies of the four main operating points were conducted for dual-fuel PCCI combustion with restrictions on the emissions and the maximum pressure rise rate. The NOx emission was restricted to below 0.21 g/kWh in terms of the indicated specific NO_x (ISNO_x), PM was restricted to under 0.2 FSN, and the maximum pressure rise rate (MPRR) was restricted to 10 bar/deg. Dual-fuel PCI combustion can be available with low NO_x, PM emission and the maximum pressure rise rate in relatively low load condition. However, exceeding of PM and MPRR regulation was occurred in high load condition, therefore, design of optimal piston shape for early diesel injection and modification of hardware optimizing for dual-fuel combustion should be taken into consideration.     

Numerical study of the early injection parameters on wall wetting characteristics of an HCCI diesel engine using early injection strategy

Wall wetting in the early injection period has been proved to be unavoidable in the HCCI (Homogeneous charge compression ignition) diesel engine using early injection strategy, which directly affects in-cylinder fuel-air mixture formation. In this study, the effects of the early injection parameters (injection timing, injection angle and injection pressure) on wall wetting characteristics of an HCCI diesel engine using early injection strategy have been numerically investigated. The variations of maximum wall film mass, evaporated wall film mass and residual wall film mass have been summarized. The concept of MHI (Mixture Homogenous Index) is introduced to evaluate the homogeneity of fuel-air mixture in the wall wetting region. In additions, the effects of the early injection parameters on the HC (Hydrocarbon Compounds) and CO (Carbon Monoxide) emissions have also been discussed. Results showed that in order to decrease the HC and CO emission caused by wall wetting as low as possible, it was better to increase the injection pressure and to advance the injection timing. The most effective method was to narrow the injection angle, In addition, the impingement target should be considered for choosing the injection timing and injection angle, and the impingement target of the piston bowl lip was recommended due to the enhancement of the atomization and the higher surface temperature.     

Study on pilot injection of DI diesel engine using common-rail injection system

In recent DI diesel engines designed to achieve high output and meet future exhaust regulation, the pilot injection control using a common-rail injection system is adopted. In this research, we developed visualization equipment for pilot combustion behavior of non-luminous flame to clarify the influence of pilot injection parameters (timing and quantity) on engine performance. As a result of this analysis, we clarified the influence of pilot injection parameters on pilot-main combustion and found the optimum pilot injection controlling method.     

Model-based optimization of parameters for a diesel engine SCR system

A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system simulation model for diesel engines was established based on MATLAB/Simulink. The model includes four subsystems: signal acquisition, DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) dosing control, catalytic chemistry reaction and NO_X emissions reduction. The SCR control strategy was optimized based on ETC simulation results. Simulation and test results indicate that the model developed in this paper can predict ETC NO_X emissions accurately.     

汽车发动机气门间隙异常的故障诊断

通过对DA 462型发动机特征信号的分析,提出了利用气缸盖表面振动波形信号诊断发动机气门间隙异常故障的方法。通过大量试验,从气缸盖表面的振动信号得到气门间隙异常状态信息,在此基础上,提出了一种简单有效的时域分析诊断方法。     

Effects of split injection,oxygen enriched air and heavy EGR on soot emissions in a diesel engine

The effects of split injection, oxygen enriched air, and heavy exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on soot emissions in a direct injection diesel engine were studied using the KIVA-3V code. When split injection is applied, the second injection of fuel into a cylinder results in two separate stoichiometric zones, which helps soot oxidation. As a result, soot emissions are decreased. When oxygen enriched air is applied together with split injection, a higher concentration of oxygen causes higher temperatures in the cylinder. The increase in temperature promotes the growth reaction of acetylene with soot. However, it does not improve acetylene formation during the second injection of fuel. As more acetylene is consumed in the growth reaction with soot, the concentration of acetylene in the cylinder is decreased, which leads to a decrease in soot formation and thus soot emissions. A combination of split injection, a high concentration of oxygen, and a high EGR ratio shows the best results in terms of diesel emissions. In this paper, the split injection scheme of 75.8.25, in which 75% of total fuel is injected in the first pulse, followed by 8°CA of dwell time, and 25% of fuel is injected in the second pulse, with an oxygen concentration of 23% in volume and an EGR ratio of 30% shows a 45% reduction in soot emissions, with the same NOx emissions as in single injection.     

Development of engine control using the in-cylinder pressure signal in a high speed direct injection diesel engine

Emission regulations are becoming more stringent and remain a principal issue for vehicle manufacturers. Many engine subsystems and control technologies have been introduced to meet the demands of these regulations. For diesel engines, combustion control is one of the most effective approaches for reducing not only engine exhaust emissions but also cylinder-by-cylinder variation. However, the high cost of pressure sensors and the complex engine head design for additional equipment present difficulties for manufacturers. In this paper, cylinder pressure-based engine control logic is introduced for a multi-cylinder high speed direct injection (HSDI) diesel engine. The time for 50% of the mass fraction to be burned (MFB50) and the IMEP are valuable for determining the combustion status. These two in-cylinder quantities are measured and applied to the engine control logic. Fuel injection timing is controlled to adjust the operating MFB50 to the target MFB50 using PID control logic, and the fuel injection quantity is controlled to adjust the measured IMEP to the desired IMEP. The control logic is demonstrated at steady state and during transient conditions and is applied to an NEDC mode test.     

Reduction of emissions with propane addition to a diesel engine

Recent studies on dual-fuel combustion in compression-ignition (CI) engines, also known as diesel engines, fall into two categories. In the first category are studies focused on the addition of small amounts of gaseous fuel to CI engines. In these studies, gaseous fuel is regarded as a secondary fuel and diesel fuel is regarded as the main fuel for combustion. The objectives of these studies typically involve reducing particulate matter (PM) emissions by using gaseous fuel as a partial substitution for diesel fuel. However, the addition of gaseous fuel raises the combustion temperature, which increases emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO_x). In the second category are studies focused on reactivity-controlled compression-ignition (RCCI) combustion. RCCI combustion can be implemented by early diesel injection with a large amount of low-reactivity fuel such as gasoline or gaseous fuel. Although RCCI combustion promises lower NO_x and PM emissions and higher thermal efficiency than conventional diesel combustion, it requires a higher intake pressure (usually more than 1.7 bars) to maintain a lean fuel mixture. Therefore, in this study, practical applications of dual-fuel combustion with a low air-fuel ratio (AFR), which implies a low intake pressure, were systemically evaluated using propane in a diesel engine. The characteristics of dualfuel combustion for high and low AFRs were first evaluated. The proportion of propane used for four different operating conditions was then increased to decrease emissions and to identify the optimal condition for dual-fuel combustion. Although the four operating conditions differ, the AFR was maintained at 20 (? approximately equal to 0.72) and the 50% mass fraction burned (MFB 50) was also fixed. The results show that dual-fuel combustion can reduce NO_x and PM emissions in comparison to conventional diesel combustion.     

Influence of rail pressure on a two-stage turbocharged heavy-duty diesel engine under transient operation

The demand for continually improving the transient performance of diesel engines requires higher rail pressure and more efficient turbocharger. Before the test, a two-stage turbocharger with a turbine by-pass valve (TBV) had been matched reasonably with the base engine. In order to reduce smoke emission under the typical 5-second transient process of constant speed and increasing torque, the influence of rail pressure on combustion, emissions and performance characteristics was experimentally investigated. The results showed that the two-stage turbocharger was helpful in improving transient performance. Moreover, the full-stage rail pressure (FSRP) strategies (increasing rail pressure during the whole transient process) could reduce smoke emission when the TBV was closed. However, smoke deteriorated once TBV opening got larger. Then the sectional-stage rail pressure (SSRP) strategies (increasing rail pressure from a pre-set load to 100 % load) were presented under small TBV opening to improve in-cylinder thermal condition. Hence, the air-fuel mixing process was improved at medium and large loads. Then the maximum decline of smoke opacity peak was 56.3 %, which happened under 10 % TBV opening. In addition, fuel consumption of FSRP strategies got worse under larger TBV opening. However, this deterioration situation could be effectively restrained by the utilization of SSRP strategies.     

Investigation of particle emission characteristics from a diesel engine with a diesel particulate filter for alternative fuels

Particle number measurement is a new approach to determine emission, which may be more accurate at very low emission levels than when using gravimetric measurements. An experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of fuel properties on the performance, combustion process, regulated gaseous emissions and particle number emissions of a diesel engine with an uncatalyzed diesel particulate filter (DPF). The effect of the filter on the particle size distribution was reported. The DPF number-based filtration efficiency in terms of number efficiency and fractional efficiency for petroleum diesel fuel and two alternative fuels, BTL and GTL, were analyzed. For nearly all test modes, the filter had a higher number efficiency for diesel than for BTL and GTL. The DPF fractional efficiency showed it was highly dependent on fuel type and varied widely at each size range. For diesel, the filter fractional efficiency was sufficiently high and behaved as predicted by filtration theory. For BTL and GTL, the fractional performance of the filter decreased when unexpectedly low efficiencies within the nuclei mode were exhibited. This research will be helpful in understanding DPF number-based filtration performance for alternative fuels and will provide information for the development of particulate emission control technology.     

Combustion and emission characteristics of BD20 reformed by ultrasonic energy for different injection delay and EGR rate in a diesel engine

The purpose of this study is to understand the operational characteristics of a diesel engine that uses BD20 reformed by ultrasonic energy irradiation. In particular we study the effects of tuning injection delay and EGR rate. BD containing about 10% oxygen has attracted attention due to soaring crude oil prices and environmental pollution. This oxygen decreases soot by promoting combustion, but it also increases NOx. To solve this problem, injection timing may be delayed or an EGR system may be applied. These adjustments normally lower engine power and increase exhaust emission but, in using fuel reformed by ultrasonic energy irradiation (which is changed physically and chemically to promote combustion), we may hope to circumvent this problem. To control the duration of the ultrasonic energy irradiation, the capacity of the chamber in an ultrasonic energy fuel supply system was tested at 550cc and 1100cc capacities. As for the results of the experiment, we could identify the optimum EGR rate by investigating the engine performance and the characteristics of exhaust emissions according to the injection timing and the EGR rate while ultrasonically irradiated BD20 was fed to a commercial diesel engine. With UBD20 (at an injection timing of BTDC 16°), the optimum EGR rate, giving satisfactory engine performance and exhaust emissions characteristics, was in the range of 15∼20%.     

发动机进气调节系统的研究与应用

从发动机试验建立标准进气的必要性入手,结合排放试验室的进气调节系统,分析了确定工艺误差的可行性,并介绍了发动机进气调节系统的设计思想及系统的运行情况,最终实现了发动机进气温度、进气压力、进气湿度三参数的标准状态调控目标。