The influence mechanism of pre-combustion chamber orifice structure on natural gas engines: Combustion, emissions, and thermofluid analysis

Abstract

The pre-combustion chamber (PCC) can enhance ignition stability, promote flame propagation and thus improve thermal efficiency. However, the mechanism by which the structure of the PCC orifice affects the combustion characteristics of engines is still unclear. In this study, thermal fluid simulation was used to investigate the effects of different volume ratios (ratio of PCC to main combustion chamber), apertures, and orifice structures (under stoichiometric and lean-burn conditions) on a PCC-type natural gas engine. The results showed that as the volume ratio and pore size increased, the indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) of the engine first increased and then decreased. Furthermore, the ITE of the engine reached its highest value when a PCC structure with a volume ratio of 1.5% and a pore diameter of 1.6 mm was adopted. As the orifice taper increased, the flame propagation velocity in the W-shaped orifice (Din > Dout) and N-shaped orifice (Din < Dout) decreased. The flame produced by the direct orifice (Din = Dout) had the longest penetration distance and the highest propagation velocity, which increased the cylinder pressure. In addition, under lean-burn conditions, in-cylinder combustion was more complete, with the lowest CO and THC emissions.