Exhaust pulse energy harvesting - an experimental investigation on a single cylinder research engine

Abstract

This paper discusses the theoretical potential of direct exhaust pulse energy harvesting, specifically through a proposed theoretical expander device. A detailed review of pertinent literature determined that there has been little focus specifically on directly converting exhaust pulse energy into useful power. Crank position resolved exhaust pressure was measured as engine load and speed were varied in a single cylinder research (diesel) engine. Potential theoretical improvements average a 12% reduction in overall indicated specific fuel consumption with respect to baseline for the tested operating conditions. Additional parametric studies quantify the effects of intake manifold pressure, exhaust manifold pressure, engine speed and load on measured instantaneous exhaust pressures. Together, these observations are expected to provide a wide range of experimental data to anchor CFD and phenomenological models, which can be used to design viable expander geometries to optimally harness exhaust waste energy in light and heavy-duty engines.