A single-zone thermodynamic model cycle simulation and optimization of combustion and performance characteristics of a diesel engine

Abstract

A one-cylinder compression ignition engine was investigated for the prediction of engine combustion and performance characteristics such as in-cylinder pressure (CP), rate of pressure rise (ROPR), heat release rate (HRR), ignition delay (ID), and engine performance characteristics such as indicated power (IP), brake power & torque (BP & BT), ISFC, BSFC, and BTE. The thermodynamic model was developed by coding the script in MATLAB software due to its simplicity and less computational time. The speed of the engine varying from 900 to 2400 rpm, compression ratio from 12 to 24, injection timing from 24° CA bTDC to 18° aTDC, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) from 10% to 90% were chosen as engine’s variables against which the combustion and performance parameters were evaluated. The optimization of the performance parameters was done using response surface methodology (RSM) based on BMEP, BTE, and BT. The best results were obtained while the engine was running at 1278 rpm, with a compression ratio of 12 and EGR of 80%, with an injection timing of −24° bTDC.