Effect of dual-spark plug arrangements on ignition and combustion processes of a gasoline rotary engine with hydrogen direct-injection enrichment

Abstract

A gasoline rotary engine enriched with directly injected hydrogen could be regarded as an appealing option to improve combustion efficiency while reducing emissions. In this paper, a three-dimensional dynamic simulation model coupling with the chemical kinetic mechanisms was established using CONVERGE software and validated by the experimental data. The numerical model was implemented for evaluating the influences of varying duel-spark plug locations on flow field distributions, combustion processes and major emissions formation of a gasoline rotary engine with hydrogen direct injection enrichment. Simulation results showed that, a mainstream flow field formed during the end period of the compression stoke whose direction was identical to the rotor rotating direction. The variation of trailing-spark plug location resulted in slight influence on the mean flow velocity as well as notable impact on hydrogen concentration and turbulent kinetic energy distribution. It was conducive to initial ignition when the local equivalence ratio was intensified near the duel-spark plug on the leading side of the combustion chamber. Higher hydrogen concentration near spark plugs could effectively improve the combustion intensity. The preferable combustion and emission performance were achieved when the duel-spark plug positioned symmetrically with respect to the minor axis. Compared with the scheme of the closest duel-spark plug, the peak pressure increased by 24.4% and corresponding crank position advanced by 9.2°CA. Despite nitric oxides emissions increased slightly, carbon monoxide emission notably reduced by 57.6% versus the scheme of the farthest duel-spark plug. When the leading-spark plug remained constant, the trailing-spark plug arranged on the major axis of cylinder wall and kept an appropriate offset from the minor axis was recommended in engineering applications.