Combustion control of direct injection methanol engine using a combination of charge heating and exhaust gas recirculation

Abstract

The feasibility of a highly efficient, low-NOx spark-assisted direct injection methanol engine has been investigated using a combination of charge heating and EGR under light load conditions. The results show that, as the charge temperature is increased, rapid premixed combustion initiated by spark ignition occurs and self-ignition of subsequent fuel spray is induced. Thus the combustion progresses rapidly in a stable state, improving the brake thermal efficiency. It was found that the oxygen concentration in the charge can be reduced by conducting EGR at high rate under high charge temperature, so that effective NOx reduction is possible.