Gasoline Compression Ignition Combustion Strategies and Recent Engine System Developments for Commercial and Passenger Transport Applications

Abstract

AbstractRising regulatory demand around the world for lower exhaust pollutants and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the commercial transport and passenger car sectors motivates the development of highly efficient and clean internal combustion engines. In recent years, by harnessing gasoline’s low autoignition reactivity and unique spray characteristics, gasoline compression ignition (GCI) has shown the potential as a cost-effective engine technology to achieve high fuel efficiency with low engine-out NOx and soot emissions. This chapter began with an overview of gasoline’s autoignition behavior and spray characteristics. Then, building on an-in-depth understanding of the fundamental gasoline combustion knowledge, the basic principles, benefits, and challenges of varying GCI combustion strategies were discussed based on the level of in-cylinder fuel stratification, encompassing homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI), partially-premixed compression ignition (PPCI), and mixing-controlled compression ignition (MCCI). To reach the full performance potential for GCI, it is essential to develop tailored combustion and air-handling system concepts. Harnessing these learnings, recent efforts towards developing advanced, production-intent heavy-duty and light-duty GCI engines were reviewed. Finally, the benefits and the key technical areas for commercializing GCI engines were reviewed.KeywordsGasoline compression ignitionPartially-premixed combustionMixing-controlled combustionCombustion system developmentFuel efficiencyEmissionsCommercial transportPassenger car