Numerical investigation on the effects of load conditions and hydrogen-air ratio on the combustion processes of a HSDI engine

Abstract

Owing to high specific energy and low emissions production, hydrogen is a desirable alternative fuel. The combustion and emission performance can be improved by hydrogen addition injected in-cylinder, intake manifold and aspirated with air. However, engine loads and hydrogen-air ration have a significant effect on the performance, combustion and emission of the diesel-hydrogen (high speed direct injection) HSDI engine. In this paper, the CFD method is used to calculate the combustion process of a diesel-hydrogen dual HSDI engine working at constant speed of 4000 rpm, at different hydrogen added from intake port (hydrogen volume fraction of 0%–10%) and five engine loads (equivalent to 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of its maximum output power), respectively. The modelling results showed that the in-cylinder pressure and temperature under low engine load were more affected by hydrogen addition. With increasing hydrogen volume fraction, the indicated expansion work and in-cylinder peak pressure increased, and combustion duration decreased due to faster fuel-air mixing and spray flame speed.