Combustion Analysis of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition in a Motorcycle Engine Using a Dual-Fuel with Exhaust Gas Recirculation

Abstract

Exhaust emissions from the large population of motorcycles are a major issue in Asian countries. The regulation of exhaust emissions is therefore becoming increasingly stringent, with those relating to nitrogen oxides (NOx) the most difficult to pass. The homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) has special combustion characteristics and hence produces low NOx emissions and exhibits high thermal efficiency. This study developed an HCCI system for a 150 cc motorcycle engine. The target engine was modified using a dual-fuel of dimethyl ether (DME) and gasoline with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). It was tested at 2000–4000 rpm and the analysis was focused on 2000 rpm. The DME was supplied continuously at an injection pressure of 1.5 kg/cm2. The gasoline injection rate was adjusted at a pressure of 2.5 kg/cm2. A brake-specific fuel consumption of <250 g/kW·h was achieved under a condition of air–fuel equivalence ratio (λ) < 2 and an EGR of 25%. The nitric oxide concentration was too low to measure. The brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) increased by 65.8% from 2.93 to 4.86 bar when the EGR was 0% to 25%. The combustion efficiency was close to 100% when the BMEP was >3 bar.