Integrated gas dynamic computational modelling and thermodynamic combustion diagnostics of multicylinder four-stroke spark ignition engine using compressed natural gas as a fuel

Abstract

A comprehensive computational simulation model has been developed to describe the performance, efficiency and emission characteristics of the four-stroke multi-cylinder spark ignition engine which uses compressed natural gas as a fuel. This model performs an integrated simulation of thermodynamic, gas dynamic, and chemical kinetics of the whole engine system coupling with intake and exhaust manifolds. The thermodynamic combustion process is modelled by using the turbulent flame propagation process with a two-zone chamber (burned and unburned). Gas dynamics in the manifold system are modelled by using unsteady compressible hyperbolic partial differential equations. These equations contain heat transfer, friction, area change in pipe and empirical constants, which are used to determine boundary conditions at pipe junctions, valves and open ends. These equations are transferred into a set of ordinary differential equations by applying the method of characteristics and are solved by the finite difference method. Regarding exhaust emissions, nitric oxide concentrations have been predicted by using the rate kinetic model in the power cycle and along the exhaust pipes. Carbon monoxide is computed under the chemical equilibrium condition and then the empirical adjustment is made for kinetic behaviours based upon experimental results. Finally, predicted results of this model have been compared with experimental results and are found to be compatible. The parametric studies have been conducted with the equivalence ratio and the engine RPM, to predict engine performance. Also, the variations of pressure, temperature, and gas compositions in the exhaust system have been studied.