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.