Engine Efficiency Research Articles

Optimization methodology combining Taguchi design and response surface method to maximize a compression ignition engine efficiency fueled with oxygenated synthetic fuel

This research examines the potential of a synthetic e-diesel and oxymethylene dimethyl ether blend in a heavy-duty single-cylinder engine. The main purpose is to find the optimal engine settings that maximize engine efficiency and minimize emissions. As the first step, a methodology was developed and applied to simplify the engine’s map into five characteristic points to be representative of the World Harmonized Transient Cycle, assigning weights to each load region. This simplification reported low error estimations for fuel consumption and NOx emissions over the cycle. After obtaining the five points, a drop-in analysis was assessed, where the fuel was evaluated with the same settings as diesel, revealing more advanced and shorter combustion with great reductions in soot emissions. Then, a group of three air management and three injection parameters was selected for optimization. A novel methodology combining Taguchi Design and Response Surface Methodology is developed and applied to find the best engine settings. By integrating these two methods, the research reduced the number of required experiments if only one method were used and maintained the goal of achieving higher thermal efficiencies with the new fuel blend compared to the diesel baseline. Significant statistical results were obtained in the Taguchi design, revealing the air management factors that most affected the responses; meanwhile, second-order models with high accuracy helped in finding the best injection parameters. Subsequently, the best settings were experimentally evaluated, and optimal conditions determined by the two methods were validated, confirming the effectiveness of the methodology. Optimization results revealed an improvement of around 2% higher efficiencies for the five tested points while achieving important average reductions of 28% less in NOx with additional decreases in CO, HC, and soot levels, all outperforming traditional diesel benchmarks. Finally, a well-to-wheel analysis using the simplified cycle confirmed a substantial reduction in carbon impact when replacing diesel with this alternative fuel. The successful application of this methodology to recalibrate an engine with an alternative fuel blend shows the potential of using these fuels in existing engines and offers a novel methodology that can be escalated and applied under the engine calibration context.

Effect of tool orientation on surface roughness and dimensional accuracy in ball end milling of thin-walled blades

AbstractIn the aerospace industry, high-precision components like impellers and blisks present considerable challenges in machining due to their intricate geometries and the need for reliable performance. Blades, often classified as thin-walled parts with complex, free-form surfaces, are crucial in ensuring the efficiency and safety of aircraft engines. Their geometries and materials require strict control over cutting parameters, such as tool path and orientation, to avoid deformation and maintain surface integrity. This study investigates the impact of tilt angle variation during ball end milling of Ti6Al4V thin-walled parts. Four different tilt angles (15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°) were analysed to evaluate their effect on dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. The results show that tilt angle significantly influences surface quality and dimensional precision. A tilt angle of 30° achieved the best balance between surface finish and dimensional tolerances, with flatness values ranging from 0.038 mm at 30° to 0.101 mm at 60°, representing a 152.5% increase in flatness. The findings provide practical guidelines for optimizing ball end milling of thin-walled components, emphasizing the importance of tool orientation in reducing deformation and enhancing surface quality.

Experimental Investigation on Performance Characteristics o f Diesel Engine Using Various Blended Biodiesels

Objectives: To evaluate the performance characteristics of diesel engines through experimental research with various biodiesel blends. Method: Three types of oils were chosen for this study: waste cooking oil, waste chicken oil, and palm oil. The methyl esters were produced from waste chicken oil (COME), waste cooking oil (WCOME), and palm oil (POME). The test runs were done on a 4.5 kW direct injection, air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, and constant-speed diesel engine using varied fuel at maximum load. Findings: This study finds performance analysis for a variety of methyl esters and diesel. The Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) was found to be: for Diesel (33.36%), POME (30.53%), WCOME (27.5%), COME (25.0%) at rated power (4.5) K.W. The brake thermal efficiency for palm oil methyl esters is similar to the diesel compared to the other methyl esters. Novelty: This research study provides a comparison between the diesel and methyl esters of break thermal efficiency for diesel engines. Keywords: Diesel Engine, Trans esterification, Biodiesels, Performance characteristics

Enhancing Ignition Reliability with Tail-Groove Strut Designs in Cavity-Based Combustors

As the flight envelopes of turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engines expand, ensuring reliable ignition and flame stability under varying conditions becomes increasingly critical. Previous work has shown a significantly changed ignition performance and flow pattern in cavity-based combustors when strut structure parameters were altered, indicating a strong correlation between the ignition process, flame structure, and the strut configuration. This suggests that further investigation is required to determine the optimal strut design. Therefore, this study examines the impact of various strut configurations through numerical simulations, validated by high-speed imaging. Findings show that the tail-groove strut designs improve the flame propagation performance compared to the normal struts, with a critical depth beyond which further increases do not enhance performance. Changes in strut length have a lesser impact than depth. Flow analysis indicates that tail-groove struts create additional recirculation zones that enhance fuel atomization and flame stability. These results suggest that optimizing strut configurations is vital for achieving reliable ignition and flame stability, advancing the development of efficient engines across a wide range of operational conditions.

Fuel blend combustion for decarbonization

The utilization of fossil fuels is currently transforming to low-carbon or zero-carbon fuels, which is one of the solutions to global warming. Hydrogen and ammonia are regarded as promising zero-carbon fuels in power supply and transportation scenarios but the availability of hydrogen and their distinctly different chemical activity constrain their large-scale direct utilizations. Fuel blends with physical and chemical complementary are considered as the effective approaches in the utilization of hydrogen and ammonia because no significant modification to the existing end-user infrastructures is needed. This paper reports recent progress in the fundamental combustion behaviors of fuel blends, focusing on hydrogen-hydrocarbon blends and ammonia-hydrocarbon blends. Firstly, laminar flame behaviors, auto- and forced-ignition characteristics, and pollutant emissions of binary fuels containing hydrogen are reviewed, all of which are supplemented with a discussion on the governing hydrogen-enriched combustion chemistry. Subsequently, the hydrogen-enriched flame responses to the flow conditions are discussed, including the turbulent burning velocity and statistical structures, the flashback swirl flames, thermoacoustic instabilities, and the jet ignition characteristics; Furthermore, with the increasing concern over ammonia as a zero carbon fuel and its extremely weak reactivity, recent progress on combustion of fuel blends containing ammonia are also reviewed. The fundamental combustion chemistry studies including laminar burning velocity, the ignition delay times data collection, as well as the attempts for chemical kinetic modeling development for fuel blend with ammonia are presented. The literature reported ammonia containing blends of turbulent flame characteristics are presented. Finally, from an engineering point of view, examples using hydrogen blends in practical internal combustion engines and in gas turbines are introduced, including the topic of engine efficiency performance and pollutant emissions and different combustors for gas turbines. It is suggested that fuel blends with hydrogen or ammonia that potentially monitors the overall reactivity will be one realistic solution to de-carbonization, on the basis of current transportation and power generation systems.

Enhancing engine performance, combustion, and emissions characteristics through CeO2-modified cottonseed biodiesel with hydrogen enrichment: A comprehensive investigation

This investigation delves into the combined use of nanoparticles added biodiesel blends and hydrogen as secondary fuels in CI engines, intending to minimize the reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Calcined wood ash (CWA) has been used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the preparation of cottonseed biodiesel. XRD, SEM and BET analysis was performed to characterize the catalyst. This study evaluates the impact of adding hydrogen and Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles to cottonseed biodiesel on a CRDI engine. It showed that H2 at an intake rate of 10 L/min improved the engine's overall performance and reduced hazardous emissions. By incorporating the CeO2 nanoparticles (75 ppm) in a cottonseed biodiesel blend and injecting H2 in the engine the BTE was enhanced by 27.8% and BSFC was decreased by 4.41%. There was a reduction of 24%, 22.8%, 6.42%, and 69.5% for HC, CO, CO2 and smoke emissions. On the other hand, NOx rose by 9.3% compared to diesel. The combustion characteristics, such as cylinder pressure showed 26.5% improvement at full load on inclusion of H2. Additionally, under maximum load, the blend C20 + CeO2+H2 has the shortest ignition delay and combustion duration leading to higher engine efficiency. The results of this investigation offer valuable insights into the potential of biodiesel-hydrogen dual-fuel strategies to reduce the environmental impact of CI engines while promoting sustainable energy practices.

Evaluation of heat transfer enhancement effect at the hot/cold end of a Stirling engine using performance improvement factor

The driving force of a Stirling engine comes from the heating expansion and cooling compression of working medium. The enhancement of heat transfer capacity of the hot/cold end is the key to improve the Stirling engine performance, while how to objectively evaluate the heat transfer enhancement effect is a precondition. Herein, a polytropic model of a Stirling engine thermal cycle process was firstly established. A method for evaluating the heat transfer enhancement performance under oscillating flow was proposed based on the efficiency and power improvement of a Stirling engine. This method was further used to evaluate the heat transfer enhancement effect of a novel four-leaf helical heating tube under oscillating flow, the efficiency and power improvement factor of which was reached 13.5 % and 6.1 %, respectively. The results show that the efficiency and power improvement evaluation criterion was more comprehensive and intuitive in evaluating the heat transfer enhancement performance under oscillating flow compared with the conventional evaluation indictor like performance evaluation criterion and equivalent tube length and tube number criterion.

Effects of hydrogen enrichment on the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine with the addition of Syzygium cumini (Jamun) biodiesel

ABSTRACT Biofuel made from Syzygium cumini, often known as Jamun, has the potential to be a low-cost, sustainable, and emission-free alternative. In this work, we experimentally explore the performance of a compression ignition (CI) engine that burns a blend of hydrogen and biodiesel. Hydrogen is pumped into the air intake manifold by means of a hydrogen gaseous supplement that, when exposed to atmospheric conditions, co-combusts with a pilot flame ignited by Jamun oil. To investigate the impact of hydrogen supplementation on performance and exhaust emission, a variety of hydrogen–Jamun fuel mixture proportions are provided to the engine. The research demonstrates that adding hydrogen improves the thermal efficiency (5%) of diesel engines whereas lowering specific energy fuel consumption (4%) at fixed Jamun flow rates. The gas emission data demonstrates that when hydrogen (HC) emission (12%) supplements decreases, NOx emission (10%) increases somewhat but opacity (8%) increases significantly. The experiment demonstrates that hydrogen and Jamun duel fuel in compression ignition engines burn smoothly.

Climb Performance Prediction in High Drag Configuration Middle-Class Transportation Aircraft: An Ensemble Learning Approach

This study addresses the application of machine learning and artificial neural network models for predicting the climb speed of the C-130H military transport aircraft. Random Forest, Neural Network, and Ensemble models were developed to overcome limitations of traditional chart reading and interpolation methods. Models were trained on flight manual data, considering factors such as gross weight, pressure altitude, drag index, temperature deviation, and engine efficiency. Comparative analysis revealed the Ensemble approach, combining Random Forest and Neural Network techniques, provided the highest accuracy (R² ≈ 0.4532), followed by Random Forest (R² ≈ 0.4303) and Neural Network (R² ≈ 0.3765) models. All significantly outperformed the traditional Young Method (R² = -1.2673). Feature importance analysis identified pressure altitude, gross weight, and engine efficiency as critical factors influencing climb speed. The ensemble approach demonstrated more reliable and accurate results in predicting C-130H climb rates, reducing risks associated with single-model reliance. This research highlights the potential of machine learning in aircraft performance prediction, offering possibilities for improving pre-flight preparation, reducing workload, and enhancing flight safety. Implications for the aviation industry and future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the role of advanced predictive models in shaping future flight operations and aircraft performance management.

Ammonia diffusion combustion and emission formation characteristics in a single cylinder two stroke engine

Liquid ammonia diffusion combustion (LADC) is an effective approach to achieving high ammonia energy ratio (AER) and combustion efficiency in engines. However, there is a lack of simulation studies of LADC mode in ammonia/diesel dual direct injection engines. To address this gap, the study develops a numerical model based on an independently modified marine two-stroke engine. This model analyzes the combustion performance of ammonia in LADC mode and the pollutant generation mechanisms in LADC mode across various AER conditions. The findings indicate that in the LADC mode, the liquid phase ammonia spray exhibits a concentrated distribution area, facilitating thorough combustion of ammonia fuel. The diesel mixture and flame are entrained into the liquid phase ammonia spray, facilitating multi point ignition. This process notably enhances combustion speed, thereby reducing overall combustion duration. In comparison to pure diesel combustion, soot emissions are reduced by 99 % under the LADC mode, and CA90 advanced by 11.8 °C A. In addition, when the AER range is from 50 % to 70 %, the engine exhibits favorable combustion and emission characteristics. By appropriately adjusting the liquid ammonia injection quantity, the indicated thermal efficiency improves by 10.7 %, the equivalent indication specific fuel consumption decreases by 13.9 %, and the emission such as NOx and soot can be also reduced effectively.

The influence of longitudinal duct profiling on unsteady gas dynamics and the heat transfer of pulsating gas flows in the outlet system of reciprocating-engine

Heat machines based on reciprocating-engines remain in demand in various fields of engineering and technology. Therefore, further research is needed to improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental friendliness of engines. The thermomechanical improvement of non-stationary processes in outlet systems is an appropriate way to improve engine performance. The purpose of this research is to obtain and analyse the gas-dynamic and heat transfer characteristics of pulsating gas flows in an outlet system with ducts of various designs, using a laboratory model to simulate the outlet process in an engine. Thermal anemometry is used to receive data on the instant velocity values and local heat transfer coefficient of unsteady flows in ducts. The article examines two designs of outlet ducts, namely cylindrical (basic) and conical (with a taper of 0.0225) ducts. Spectral analysis of velocity, pressure and heat transfer coefficient pulsations, assessment of turbulence intensity, and calculation of flow characteristics of pulsating flows were performed to obtain detailed information on gas dynamics in the outlet system. The use of a conical duct (in comparison with a cylindrical one) leads to a slight increase in the turbulence intensity by up to 12 %, a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient by 15–20 %, and a change in volumetric gas flow within ± 7.5 %. Thus, the use of a conical duct will lead to the stabilisation of the flow in the outlet system, improved cleaning of the cylinder from outlet gases, a reduction in thermal stress, and a slight growth in the specific power of engines.

Investigation of the optimal timing and amount of fuel injection on the efficiency and emissions of a diesel engine through experimentation and numerical analysis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance, in-cylinder combustion, and emissions of the MTE660E heavy-duty diesel engine using 3D CFD simulation. The CFD simulation model based on AVL FIRE software was developed to numerically investigate the performance, in-cylinder combustion, and emissions of the MTE660E engine. The AVL model was validated against empirical data. The 6-cylinder MTE660E engine was operated under a constant excess air ratio of 1.75 and at 1600 rpm engine speed. The geometry and lattice design of the MTE660E engine were simulated to provide a computationally efficient approach. The AVL model was validated against experimental data and the error between the measured and calculated value of combustion characteristics and emissions was acceptable (R2> 90 %), error <5.6 %). Design Expert software was used to optimize the dependent variables (peak chamber temperature, brake mean effective pressure, engine torque, engine thermal efficiency and emissions of NOx) according to the studied variables (injection time and fuel injection quantity) based on response surface methodology. The results show that the recommended injecting time of 342 °C and the specific amount of fuel lead to better combustion efficiency, resulting in high engine performance and low emissions. The specific fuel consumption was highest at 2200 rpm with a 50 % load, while the lowest SFC level was observed at 1750 rpm with a 100 % load. The maximum value of NOx emissions was observed at full load. The findings show that the optimization of the injection timing and fuel injection quantity can effectively enhance the performance of the MTE660E engine. The study provides valuable insights into improving combustion efficiency, resulting in greater performance and reduced emissions without requiring expensive overhaul. It has potential applications in automotive and commercial transportation industries, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Numerical Analysis of the Structure of an Aluminium Alloy Piston: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract In this research, our focus centers on investigating the stress distribution across various piston materials employed in internal combustion (IC) engines. Recognizing the pivotal role of the piston as a critical and intricate component within the engine, its sustained optimal condition is imperative to ensure the engine’s proper functionality. Mechanical stress emerges as a primary factor leading to piston failure. Consequently, our study delves into the analysis of mechanical stress exhibited by different piston materials, aiming to gain insights into their performance under various conditions. The exploration of stress distribution across diverse materials contributes valuable information for enhancing the durability and reliability of pistons, thereby advancing the overall efficiency and longevity of IC engines.

Evaporation of stable microemulsion droplets

Emulsion fuels have the potential to reduce both particulate matter and NOx emissions and can potentially improve the efficiency of combustion engines. However, their limited stability remains a critical barrier to practical use as an alternative fuel. In this study, we explore the evaporation behavior of thermodynamically stable water-in-oil microemulsions. The water-in-oil microemulsion droplets prepared from different types of oil were acoustically levitated and heated using a continuous laser at different irradiation intensities. We show that the evaporation characteristics of these microemulsions can be controlled by varying water-to-surfactant molar ratio (ω) and volume fraction of the dispersed phase (ϕ). The emulsion droplets undergo three distinct stages of evaporation, namely preheating, steady evaporation, and unsteady evaporation. During the steady evaporation phase, increasing ϕ reduces the evaporation rate for a fixed ω. It is observed that the evaporation of microemulsion is governed by the complex interplay between its constituents and their properties. We propose a parameter (η) denoting the volume fraction ratio between volatile and nonvolatile components, which indicates the cumulative influence of various factors affecting the evaporation process. The evaporation of microemulsions eventually leads to the formation of solid spherical shells, which may undergo buckling. The distinction in the morphology of these shells is explored in detail using scanning electron microscopy imaging.

Parametric study of combustion characteristics of diesel/methanol dual fuel engine using global sensitivity analysis and multi-objective optimization

The pursuit of clean and efficient internal combustion engine power necessitates the substitution of fossil fuels with methanol and the adoption of advanced combustion strategies. This study examines the combustion and emission characteristics of methanol/diesel dual-fuel compression ignition engines. To understand the intricate interplay between critical parameters and engine performance, the global sensitivity analysis (GSA) method is employed, utilizing Sobol sensitivity as the quantitative metric. The investigated parameters include methanol substitution rate, diesel injection parameters, and five thermodynamics parameters concerning in-cylinder conditions. A validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, coupled with a chemical kinetic mechanism, is developed to predict the combustion behavior of the dual-fuel engine accurately. This predictive capability forms the basis for utilizing the tree-based process optimization (TPOT) algorithm. By implementing TPOT, a significant reduction in the mean square error (MSE) of the predicted characteristics model is achieved, averaging a decrease of 73.59%. Subsequently, a multi-objective optimization is conducted, exploring the impact of varying target weights on the optimal outcomes. Results show the initial pressure significantly impacts the engine's economy, power and emission characteristics, and NOx formation should be carefully considered in the combustion optimization of dual-fuel engines.

Experimental multiple parameters optimization of the injection strategies for a turbocharged direct injection hydrogen engine to achieve highly efficient and clean performance

Improving the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and reducing NOx emissions are two main goals for hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines to achieve efficient and clean performance. This paper focuses on the multiple parameters optimization of injection and ignition both experimentally and numerically based on a 2.0L turbocharged direct injection hydrogen engine. Firstly, the effects of single and split injection on engine performance, in-cylinder mixing and combustion characteristics are investigated. Secondly, the single-factor effect of split injection parameters and spark timing on engine performance are obtained with different engine speeds. Significant interaction effects are detected between these factors. Thus, a multi-parameter optimization is conducted based on the response surface methodology method to analyze the co-relationship of factors (split injection control parameters and ignition) on responses (BTE, NOx emissions, and knock intensity) at high-load. Finally, a maximum BTE of 43.03% and a reduction in NOx emissions by 71.19% are achieved with the help of model prediction at 2500 rpm and a load of 1.40MPa. Further optimization of other engine speeds is conducted, and the boundary of high-efficiency region (BTE>40%) covers over 50% of the load map after optimization. These results can provide valuable support for the performance improvement of efficiency and clean hydrogen engines.

Sb-anchoring single-crystal engineering enables ultra-high-Ni layered oxides with high-voltage tolerance and long-cycle stability

Ni-rich layered oxides are promising cathodes for Li-ion batteries, but the inherent structural defects result in severe surface/bulk degradation during long cycling, especially at high cutoff voltage. Herein we propose a Sb-anchoring single-crystalline engineering to enhance the microstructural and electrochemical stability of ultra-high-Ni layered oxides, where the surface-enriched Sb doping inhibits Li-Ni mixing, suppressing the undesired layered to mixed/rock-salt phase transformation; the bulk-doped Sb rivets into Ni sites, reinforcing the bulk phase stability; the single-crystal endows enhanced crack resistance and reduced surface area, preventing surface parasitic reactions and the subsequent proliferation of cathode electrolyte interfaces. In-situ XRD reveals an essential correlation between cycle stability and phase reversibility, whereas Sb doping into both surface and bulk structures showcases a continuous anchoring effect, largely enhancing the phase transformation reversibility. DFT calculations prove a high oxidation tolerance, as Ni2+ diffusion barrier is higher than the pure cathode. A representative Li(Ni0.9Co0.05Mn0.05)0.99Sb0.01O2 cathode exhibits a high-voltage up to 4.6V, and a Li(Ni0.9Co0.05Mn0.05)0.99Sb0.01O2//graphite full-cell demonstrates an ultra-high capacity retention of 93.4% after 1000 cycles at 1C in 3.0−4.2V. This simple and efficient cathode engineering will promote the promising application of Ni-rich layered oxides in high-energy Li-ion batteries.

Vanadium doped in-plane 1T-2H molybdenum disulfide heterostructure as efficient electrocatalyst for lithium-sulfur batteries

The active electronic states in 1T-MoS2 are highly desirable for catalyzing polysulfides conversion. However, stable 1T-MoS2 is difficult to produce using common approaches. Herein, V uniformly doped in-plane 1T-2H heterostructured MoS2 nanosheets (V-MoS2) are prepared by a facile hydrothermal method with a polyoxometalate precursor containing periodic Mo and V atomic arrangement. The doping of V induces the phase transition from semiconducting 2H-MoS2 to metallic 1T-MoS2 and stabilizes the resulted 1T phase. Importantly, the incorporation of V not only modifies the surface electronic property of MoS2, enhancing the active site density, but also improves the adsorption of polysulfides and the catalytic efficiency for sulfur redox reactions. With these advantages, the Li-S batteries using V-MoS2 electrocatalyst achieve accelerated reaction kinetics and superior electrochemical performance. When the S loading of the cathode is 5.41 mg cm−2, a favorable discharge capacity of 4.98 mAh cm−2 is obtained with satisfying cycle stability. This work provides an efficient atomic engineering approach for the design of high performance electrocatalyst for Li-S batteries.

Performance analysis of dual-fuel engines using acetylene and microalgae biodiesel: The role of fuel injection timing

This study evaluates the impact of varying fuel injection timing (FIT) and dual-fuel modes on the performance and emissions of a compression ignition (CI) engine under different load conditions. The biodiesel used was derived from Chlorella protothecoides microalgae through a two-step transesterification process, and its elemental composition was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acetylene gas was introduced into the engine intake manifold at a rate of 3 L per minute (LPM), while a blend of 20 % methyl ester from Chlorella protothecoides (B20 MEOA) served as the primary injected fuel. To predict engine performance and emission characteristics, advanced machine learning models were employed and evaluated using four statistical criteria, including R-squared, mean absolute error (MAE), and mean squared error (MSE). Experimental results indicated that the optimal configuration involved a dual-fuel mode combining B20 MEOA with acetylene gas and an advanced FIT of 25° before top dead center (bTDC). Performance analysis revealed that under all load conditions, the specific fuel consumption (SFC) decreased by 7.3 %, while brake thermal efficiency (BTE) increased by 1.6 % compared to conventional diesel. Emission testing showed a 7.6 % rise in nitrogen oxide emissions, alongside significant reductions in unburned hydrocarbons (12.5 %), carbon monoxide (25.6 %), and smoke intensity (7.5 %) relative to standard diesel operation. Optimization of the engine parameters ensured that key metrics, such as brake power (BP) and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), remained within acceptable limits. The random forest model outperformed other machine learning models, demonstrating superior accuracy in predicting performance and emissions across all statistical measures. This study underscores the potential of combining advanced biodiesel blends with optimized FIT strategies to improve engine efficiency and emissions control, offering a promising approach for sustainable dual-fuel engine operations.

Influence of the flame jet on heat loss and thermal efficiency of lean burn pre-chamber natural gas engine with various geometrical combustion chambers

Due to relatively high thermal efficiency and low NOx emission, the pre-chamber type lean burn natural gas engine for cogeneration is expected to be spread rapidly in the near future. To offer a guidance for designing the pre-chamber natural gas engines, in the present study, the influence of the flame jets on combustion process and thermal efficiency of pre-chamber type lean burn natural gas engine was investigated with various pre-chamber orifice diameters and angles and piston bowl shapes by numerical simulation. The presented results showed that when the orifice diameter is smaller, it results in higher heat loss with the stronger gas flame jets impinging on piston top and cylinder liner walls, but the higher degree of constant volume heat release can be also obtained. Consequently, there is no significant difference in the thermal efficiency for these four orifice diameters. Increasing the angle of the orifice and the depth of the piston bowl can avoid the heat loss caused by the early impact of flame jets on the piston top wall. In addition, compared to the diameter of piston bowl, the depth of piston bowl, which is related to the distance from the orifice to the piston bowl, should have more effect on the combustion process and thermal efficiency. For wider orifice angle, the heat loss was also increased, particularly to cylinder head. Finally, the optimal thermal efficiency obtained by balancing heat loss and the degree of constant volume heat release is 44.73%.