A full-parameter computational optimization of both injection parameters and injector layouts for a methanol/diesel dual-fuel direct injection compression ignition engine

Abstract

Both the injection parameters and injector layouts of a methanol/diesel dual-fuel direct injection compression ignition engine operated at low loads were optimized using the genetic algorithm to achieve high fuel efficiency and low emissions simultaneously. The important parameters were identified according to the sensitivity analysis, including the in-cylinder initial temperature at intake valve closing (TIVC), methanol fraction, injection timings, and injector locations. The vaporization cooling effect of the direct-injected methanol can be compensated by elevating TIVC, so the maximum methanol fraction depends on the TIVC level. Diesel should be injected before methanol to create a high-reactivity and high-temperature region to trigger ignition efficiently. Spray included angles of diesel and methanol affect the combustion process by controlling the distributions and Overlap Degree of two fuels, and a relatively high Overlap Degree is beneficial to both combustion efficiency and fuel efficiency by targeting the spray plumes of two fuels toward the piston lip. When the methanol injector is off-center installed, the increased Overlap Degree of two fuels is helpful to improve fuel efficiency with a penalty of higher nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Overall, both injectors are suggested to be centrally mounted, and a small off-center installation is allowed for two injectors without deteriorating engine performance, when the partially premixed combustion is performed with advanced injection timings.