Search

[EN] Dual-mode dual-fuel combustion is a promising combustion concept to achieve the required emissions and CO2 reductions imposed by the next standards. Nonetheless, the fuel formulation requirements are stricter than for the single-fuel combustion concepts as the combustion concept relies on the reactivity of two different fuels. This work investigates the effect of the low reactivity fuel sensitivity (S=RON-MON) and the octane number at different operating conditions representative of the different combustion regimes found during the dual-mode dual-fuel operation. For this purpose, experimental tests were performed using a PRF 95 with three different sensitivities (S0, S5 and S10) at operating conditions of 25% load/950 rpm, 50%/1800 rpm and 100%/2200 rpm. Moreover, air sweeps varying ±10% around a reference air mass were performed at 25%/1800 rpm and 50%/1800 rpm. Conventional diesel fuel was used as high reactivity fuel in all the cases. Moreover, commercial 95 RON gasoline was used as reference to compare the different TRFs. The engine settings were managed to adjust the rate of heat release to that found with 95 RON gasoline. To do this, a quality index imposing a maximum deviation of 5% point-to-point between the HRR curves from both fuels was defined. The results suggest that PRF 95 with S0 has the most similar behavior compared to conventional 95 RON gasoline whatever the engine load. As the engine load increases, the sensitivity effect is more noticeable and iso-HRR operation was only possible for S0. At low and medium load, the TRFs present similar engine-out emissions with equal fuel consumption. At full load, the NOx emissions are increased with respect to the reference 95 RON gasoline without fuel consumption benefits. The results from the air variation for the different octane numbers demonstrated that the greatest differences are obtained for low air mass (i.e, higher EGR). In addition, the decrease of the octane number limits the maximum air increa

[EN] Dual-mode dual-fuel combustion is a promising combustion concept to achieve the required emissions and CO2 reductions imposed by the next standards. Nonetheless, the fuel formulation requirements are stricter than for the single-fuel combustion concepts as the combustion concept relies on the reactivity of two different fuels. This work investigates the effect of the low reactivity fuel sensitivity (S=RON-MON) and the octane number at different operating conditions representative of the different combustion regimes found during the dual-mode dual-fuel operation. For this purpose, experimental tests were performed using a PRF 95 with three different sensitivities (S0, S5 and S10) at operating conditions of 25% load/950 rpm, 50%/1800 rpm and 100%/2200 rpm. Moreover, air sweeps varying ±10% around a reference air mass were performed at 25%/1800 rpm and 50%/1800 rpm. Conventional diesel fuel was used as high reactivity fuel in all the cases. Moreover, commercial 95 RON gasoline was used as reference to compare the different TRFs. The engine settings were managed to adjust the rate of heat release to that found with 95 RON gasoline. To do this, a quality index imposing a maximum deviation of 5% point-to-point between the HRR curves from both fuels was defined. The results suggest that PRF 95 with S0 has the most similar behavior compared to conventional 95 RON gasoline whatever the engine load. As the engine load increases, the sensitivity effect is more noticeable and iso-HRR operation was only possible for S0. At low and medium load, the TRFs present similar engine-out emissions with equal fuel consumption. At full load, the NOx emissions are increased with respect to the reference 95 RON gasoline without fuel consumption benefits. The results from the air variation for the different octane numbers demonstrated that the greatest differences are obtained for low air mass (i.e, higher EGR). In addition, the decrease of the octane number limits the maximum air increa

[EN] A comparison of the flame structure for two different fuels, dodecane and oxymethylene dimethyl ether (OMEX), has been performed under condition of Spray A of the Engine Combustion Network (ECN). The experiments were carried out in a constant pressure vessel with wide optical access, at high pressure and temperature and controlled oxygen concentration. The flame structure analysis has been performed by measuring the formaldehyde and OH radical distributions using planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) techniques. To complement the analysis, this information was combined with that obtained with high-speed imaging of OH* chemiluminescence radiation in the UV. Formaldehyde molecules are excited with the 355-nm radiation from the third harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser, whilst OH is excited with a wavelength of 281.00-nm from a dye laser. In both cases, the beam was transformed into a laser sheet in order to excite an axial flame plane and the fluorescence radiation was collected with an intensified camera (ICCD) and proper filtering. Consequently, two-dimensional maps in the axial flame plane were obtained at different instants after the start of injection (ASOI). Signal from both formaldehyde and OH chemical species can be compared, in order to analyze spatial distribution and interaction. When dodecane and OMEX are compared, several differences arise. The second one presents larger lift-off length but remarkably shorter flame length. Additionally, it has been possible to appreciate for this fuel a lower amount of soot formation during combustion.

[EN] Dual-mode dual-fuel combustion is a promising combustion concept to achieve the required emissions and CO2 reductions imposed by the next standards. Nonetheless, the fuel formulation requirements are stricter than for the single-fuel combustion concepts as the combustion concept relies on the reactivity of two different fuels. This work investigates the effect of the low reactivity fuel sensitivity (S=RON-MON) and the octane number at different operating conditions representative of the different combustion regimes found during the dual-mode dual-fuel operation. For this purpose, experimental tests were performed using a PRF 95 with three different sensitivities (S0, S5 and S10) at operating conditions of 25% load/950 rpm, 50%/1800 rpm and 100%/2200 rpm. Moreover, air sweeps varying ±10% around a reference air mass were performed at 25%/1800 rpm and 50%/1800 rpm. Conventional diesel fuel was used as high reactivity fuel in all the cases. Moreover, commercial 95 RON gasoline was used as reference to compare the different TRFs. The engine settings were managed to adjust the rate of heat release to that found with 95 RON gasoline. To do this, a quality index imposing a maximum deviation of 5% point-to-point between the HRR curves from both fuels was defined. The results suggest that PRF 95 with S0 has the most similar behavior compared to conventional 95 RON gasoline whatever the engine load. As the engine load increases, the sensitivity effect is more noticeable and iso-HRR operation was only possible for S0. At low and medium load, the TRFs present similar engine-out emissions with equal fuel consumption. At full load, the NOx emissions are increased with respect to the reference 95 RON gasoline without fuel consumption benefits. The results from the air variation for the different octane numbers demonstrated that the greatest differences are obtained for low air mass (i.e, higher EGR). In addition, the decrease of the octane number limits the maximum air increa

[EN] A comparison of the flame structure for two different fuels, dodecane and oxymethylene dimethyl ether (OMEX), has been performed under condition of Spray A of the Engine Combustion Network (ECN). The experiments were carried out in a constant pressure vessel with wide optical access, at high pressure and temperature and controlled oxygen concentration. The flame structure analysis has been performed by measuring the formaldehyde and OH radical distributions using planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) techniques. To complement the analysis, this information was combined with that obtained with high-speed imaging of OH* chemiluminescence radiation in the UV. Formaldehyde molecules are excited with the 355-nm radiation from the third harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser, whilst OH is excited with a wavelength of 281.00-nm from a dye laser. In both cases, the beam was transformed into a laser sheet in order to excite an axial flame plane and the fluorescence radiation was collected with an intensified camera (ICCD) and proper filtering. Consequently, two-dimensional maps in the axial flame plane were obtained at different instants after the start of injection (ASOI). Signal from both formaldehyde and OH chemical species can be compared, in order to analyze spatial distribution and interaction. When dodecane and OMEX are compared, several differences arise. The second one presents larger lift-off length but remarkably shorter flame length. Additionally, it has been possible to appreciate for this fuel a lower amount of soot formation during combustion.

[EN] Knock is a major bottleneck to achieving higher thermal efficiency in spark-ignited (SI) engines. The overall tendency to knock is highly dependent on fuel anti-knock quality as well as engine operating conditions. It is, therefore, critical to gain a better understanding of fuel-engine interactions in order to develop robust knock mitigation strategies. In the present work, a numerical model based on three-dimensional (3-D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was developed to capture knock in a Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine. For combustion modeling, a hybrid approach incorporating the G-equation model to track turbulent flame propagation, and a homogeneous reactor multi-zone model to predict end-gas auto-ignition ahead of the flame front and post-flame oxidation in the burned zone, was employed. In addition, a novel methodology was implemented wherein a laminar flame speed lookup table generated a priori from a chemical kinetic mechanism could be used to provide flame speed as an input to the G-equation model, instead of using conventional empirical correlations. Multi-cycle Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations were performed for two different spark timings (STs) corresponding to non-knocking and knocking conditions, with other operating conditions kept the same as those of a standard Research Octane Number (RON) test. Iso-octane was considered as the fuel for the numerical study. Two different reduced kinetic mechanisms were employed to describe end-gas auto-ignition chemistry and to generate the flame speed lookup table. Experimental data, including intake/exhaust boundary conditions, was provided by a spark timing sweep study conducted in an in-house CFR engine. Moreover, cylinder wall/valve/port surface temperatures and residual gas fraction (RGF) were estimated using a well-calibrated one-dimensional (1-D) model. On the other hand, a novel methodology was also developed to analyze experimental data for the knocking case and identify

[EN] It is challenging to develop highly efficient and clean engines while meeting user expectations in terms of performance, comfort and drivability. One of the critical aspects in this regard is combustion noise control. Combustion noise accounts for about 40 percent of the overall engine noise in typical turbocharged diesel engines. The experimental investigation of noise generation is difficult due to its inherent complexity and measurement limitations. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient numerical strategies in order to gain a better understanding of the combustion noise mechanisms. In this work, a novel methodology was developed, combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and genetic algorithm (GA) technique to optimize the combustion system hardware design of a high-speed direct injection (HSDI) diesel engine, with respect to various emissions and performance targets including combustion noise. The CFD model was specifically set up to reproduce the unsteady pressure field inside the combustion chamber, thereby allowing an accurate prediction of the acoustic response of the combustion phenomena. The model was validated by simulating several steady operating conditions and comparing the numerical results against experimental data, in both temporal and frequency domains. Thereafter, a GA optimization was performed with the goal of minimizing indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC) and combustion noise, while restricting pollutant (soot and NOx) emissions to their respective baseline values. Eight design variables were selected pertaining to piston bowl geometry, nozzle inclusion angle, number of injector nozzle holes and in-cylinder swirl. An objective merit function based on the emissions, ISFC and combustion noise, was constructed to quantify the strength of the engine designs, and was determined using the CFD model as the function evaluator. The in-cylinder noise level was characterized by the total resonance energy of local pressure

[EN] It is challenging to develop highly efficient and clean engines while meeting user expectations in terms of performance, comfort and drivability. One of the critical aspects in this regard is combustion noise control. Combustion noise accounts for about 40 percent of the overall engine noise in typical turbocharged diesel engines. The experimental investigation of noise generation is difficult due to its inherent complexity and measurement limitations. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient numerical strategies in order to gain a better understanding of the combustion noise mechanisms. In this work, a novel methodology was developed, combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and genetic algorithm (GA) technique to optimize the combustion system hardware design of a high-speed direct injection (HSDI) diesel engine, with respect to various emissions and performance targets including combustion noise. The CFD model was specifically set up to reproduce the unsteady pressure field inside the combustion chamber, thereby allowing an accurate prediction of the acoustic response of the combustion phenomena. The model was validated by simulating several steady operating conditions and comparing the numerical results against experimental data, in both temporal and frequency domains. Thereafter, a GA optimization was performed with the goal of minimizing indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC) and combustion noise, while restricting pollutant (soot and NOx) emissions to their respective baseline values. Eight design variables were selected pertaining to piston bowl geometry, nozzle inclusion angle, number of injector nozzle holes and in-cylinder swirl. An objective merit function based on the emissions, ISFC and combustion noise, was constructed to quantify the strength of the engine designs, and was determined using the CFD model as the function evaluator. The in-cylinder noise level was characterized by the total resonance energy of local pressure

[EN] Knock is a major bottleneck to achieving higher thermal efficiency in spark-ignited (SI) engines. The overall tendency to knock is highly dependent on fuel anti-knock quality as well as engine operating conditions. It is, therefore, critical to gain a better understanding of fuel-engine interactions in order to develop robust knock mitigation strategies. In the present work, a numerical model based on three-dimensional (3-D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was developed to capture knock in a Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine. For combustion modeling, a hybrid approach incorporating the G-equation model to track turbulent flame propagation, and a homogeneous reactor multi-zone model to predict end-gas auto-ignition ahead of the flame front and post-flame oxidation in the burned zone, was employed. In addition, a novel methodology was implemented wherein a laminar flame speed lookup table generated a priori from a chemical kinetic mechanism could be used to provide flame speed as an input to the G-equation model, instead of using conventional empirical correlations. Multi-cycle Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations were performed for two different spark timings (STs) corresponding to non-knocking and knocking conditions, with other operating conditions kept the same as those of a standard Research Octane Number (RON) test. Iso-octane was considered as the fuel for the numerical study. Two different reduced kinetic mechanisms were employed to describe end-gas auto-ignition chemistry and to generate the flame speed lookup table. Experimental data, including intake/exhaust boundary conditions, was provided by a spark timing sweep study conducted in an in-house CFR engine. Moreover, cylinder wall/valve/port surface temperatures and residual gas fraction (RGF) were estimated using a well-calibrated one-dimensional (1-D) model. On the other hand, a novel methodology was also developed to analyze experimental data for the knocking case and identify

[EN] In order to improve performance and minimize pollutant emissions in gasoline turbocharged direct-injection (GTDi) engines, different injection strategies and technologies are being investigated. The inclusion of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and the variation of the start of injection (SOI) are some of these strategies that can influence the air-to-fuel (AF) mixture formation and consequently in the combustion process and pollutant emissions. This article presents a complete study of the engine performance, pollutant emissions and aftertreatment efficiency that produces the SOI variation with a fixed EGR rate in a 4-cylinder, turbocharged, gasoline direct-injection engine with 2.0 L displacement. The equipment used in this study are TSI-EEPS for particle measurement and HORIBA MEXA 1230-PM for soot measurement being HORIBA MEXA 7100-DEGR with a heated line selector the system employed for regulated gaseous emission measurement and aftertreatment evaluation. The experimental results confirm how the use of an adequate SOI strategy is indispensable to obtain low exhaust emissions values and a balance between the different pollutants. There was found a slight reduction in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) with the SOI advance. The experiments showed a decrease in CO, a non-sensible variation of THC and an increase in NOx emissions with SOI delay. Additionally, a significant increase in particle emissions was observed with early SOIs. Finally, with the SOI delay the aftertreatment performance revealed an increase in the oxidation of CO and a decrease in the reduction of NOx.

[EN] In order to improve understanding of the primary atomization process for diesel-like sprays, a collaborative experimental and computational study was focused on the near-nozzle spray structure for the Engine Combustion Network (ECN) Spray D single-hole injector. These results were presented at the 5th Workshop of the ECN in Detroit, Michigan. Application of x-ray diagnostics to the Spray D standard cold condition enabled quantification of distributions of mass, phase interfacial area, and droplet size in the near-nozzle region from 0.1 to 14 mm from the nozzle exit. Using these data, several modeling frameworks, from Lagrangian-Eulerian to Eulerian-Eulerian and from Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) to Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS), were assessed in their ability to capture and explain experimentally observed spray details. Due to its computational efficiency, the Lagrangian-Eulerian approach was able to provide spray predictions across a broad range of conditions. In general, this "engineering-level" simulation was able to reproduce the details of the droplet size distribution throughout the spray after calibration of the spray breakup model constants against the experimental data. Complementary to this approach, higher-fidelity modeling techniques were able to provide detailed insight into the experimental trends. For example, interface-capturing multiphase simulations were able to capture the experimentally observed bimodal behavior in the transverse interfacial area distributions in the near-nozzle region. Further analysis of the spray predictions suggests that peaks in the interfacial area distribution may coincide with regions of finely atomized droplets, whereas local minima may coincide with regions of continuous liquid structures. The results from this study highlight the potential of x-ray diagnostics to reveal salient details of the near-nozzle spray structure and to guide improvements to existing primary atomization modeling approaches.

[EN] In order to improve understanding of the primary atomization process for diesel-like sprays, a collaborative experimental and computational study was focused on the near-nozzle spray structure for the Engine Combustion Network (ECN) Spray D single-hole injector. These results were presented at the 5th Workshop of the ECN in Detroit, Michigan. Application of x-ray diagnostics to the Spray D standard cold condition enabled quantification of distributions of mass, phase interfacial area, and droplet size in the near-nozzle region from 0.1 to 14 mm from the nozzle exit. Using these data, several modeling frameworks, from Lagrangian-Eulerian to Eulerian-Eulerian and from Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) to Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS), were assessed in their ability to capture and explain experimentally observed spray details. Due to its computational efficiency, the Lagrangian-Eulerian approach was able to provide spray predictions across a broad range of conditions. In general, this "engineering-level" simulation was able to reproduce the details of the droplet size distribution throughout the spray after calibration of the spray breakup model constants against the experimental data. Complementary to this approach, higher-fidelity modeling techniques were able to provide detailed insight into the experimental trends. For example, interface-capturing multiphase simulations were able to capture the experimentally observed bimodal behavior in the transverse interfacial area distributions in the near-nozzle region. Further analysis of the spray predictions suggests that peaks in the interfacial area distribution may coincide with regions of finely atomized droplets, whereas local minima may coincide with regions of continuous liquid structures. The results from this study highlight the potential of x-ray diagnostics to reveal salient details of the near-nozzle spray structure and to guide improvements to existing primary atomization modeling approaches.

[EN] Visualization of single-hole nozzles into quiescent ambient has been used extensively in the literature to characterize spray mixing and combustion. However in-cylinder flow may have some meaningful impact on the spray evolution. In the present work, visualization of direct diesel injection spray under both non-reacting and reacting operating conditions was conducted in an optically accessible two-stroke engine equipped with a single-hole injector. Two different high-speed imaging techniques, Schlieren and UV-Light Absorption, were applied here to quantify vapor penetration for non-reacting spray. Meanwhile, Mie-scattering was used to measure the liquid length. As for reacting conditions, Schlieren and OH* chemiluminescence were simultaneously applied to obtain the spray tip penetration and flame lift-off length under the same TDC density and temperature. Additionally, PIV was used to characterize in-cylinder flow motion. Results were compared with those from the Engine Combustion Network database obtained under quiescent ambient conditions in a high pressure high temperature vessel. Because of the air flow induced by piston movement, in-cylinder conditions in the two-stroke engine during the spray injection are highly unsteady, which has a significant impact on the spray development and interference on the spray visualization. From the comparison with quiescent data from the Engine Combustion Network, air flow induced by piston movement was found to slow down tip penetration. Moreover, both ignition delay and lift-off length under unsteady flow conditions show less sensitivity with ambient temperature than that of quasi-steady conditions.

[EN] This work investigates the particulates size distribution of reactivity controlled compression ignition combustion, a dual-fuel concept which combines the port fuel injection of low-reactive/gasoline-like fuels with direct injection of highly reactive/diesel-like fuels. The particulates size distributions from 5-250 nm were measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer at six engine speeds, from 950 to 2200 rpm, and 25% engine load. The same procedure was followed for conventional diesel combustion. The study was performed in a single-cylinder engine derived from a stock medium-duty multi-cylinder diesel engine of 15.3:1 compression ratio. The combustion strategy proposed during the tests campaign was limited to accomplish both mechanical and emissions constraints. The results confirms that reactivity controlled compression ignition promotes ultra-low levels of nitrogen oxides and smoke emissions in the points tested. However, in spite of having similar or lower smoke emissions, the number of particles in some conditions is higher for the reactivity controlled compression ignition than for conventional diesel combustion. Nucleation mode dominates the particle formation for the reactivity controlled compression ignition mode, while accumulation mode dominates the particle formation for conventional diesel combustion. Thus, it is confirmed that the smoke measurement in filter smoke number units cannot be used to correlate the total particle mass for the reactivity controlled compression ignition mode, as typically done for conventional diesel combustion.

[EN] This work investigates the particulates size distribution of reactivity controlled compression ignition combustion, a dual-fuel concept which combines the port fuel injection of low-reactive/gasoline-like fuels with direct injection of highly reactive/diesel-like fuels. The particulates size distributions from 5-250 nm were measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer at six engine speeds, from 950 to 2200 rpm, and 25% engine load. The same procedure was followed for conventional diesel combustion. The study was performed in a single-cylinder engine derived from a stock medium-duty multi-cylinder diesel engine of 15.3:1 compression ratio. The combustion strategy proposed during the tests campaign was limited to accomplish both mechanical and emissions constraints. The results confirms that reactivity controlled compression ignition promotes ultra-low levels of nitrogen oxides and smoke emissions in the points tested. However, in spite of having similar or lower smoke emissions, the number of particles in some conditions is higher for the reactivity controlled compression ignition than for conventional diesel combustion. Nucleation mode dominates the particle formation for the reactivity controlled compression ignition mode, while accumulation mode dominates the particle formation for conventional diesel combustion. Thus, it is confirmed that the smoke measurement in filter smoke number units cannot be used to correlate the total particle mass for the reactivity controlled compression ignition mode, as typically done for conventional diesel combustion.

[EN] The dense spray region in the near-field of diesel fuel injection remains an enigma. This region is difficult to interrogate with light in the visible range and difficult to model due to the rapid interaction between liquid and gas. In particular, modeling strategies that rely on Lagrangian particle tracking of droplets have struggled in this area. To better represent the strong interaction between phases, Eulerian modeling has proven particularly useful. Models built on the concept of surface area density are advantageous where primary and secondary atomization have not yet produced droplets, but rather form more complicated liquid structures. Surface area density, a more general concept than Lagrangian droplets, naturally represents liquid structures, no matter how complex. These surface area density models, however, have not been directly experimentally validated in the past due to the inability of optical methods to elucidate such a quantity. Optical diagnostics traditionally measure near-spherical droplet size far downstream, where the spray is optically thin. Using ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements to measure the surface area and x-ray radiography to measure the density, we have been able to test one of the more speculative parts of Eulerian spray modeling. The modeling and experimental results have been combined to provide insight into near-field spray dynamics.

[EN] Visualization of single-hole nozzles into quiescent ambient has been used extensively in the literature to characterize spray mixing and combustion. However in-cylinder flow may have some meaningful impact on the spray evolution. In the present work, visualization of direct diesel injection spray under both non-reacting and reacting operating conditions was conducted in an optically accessible two-stroke engine equipped with a single-hole injector. Two different high-speed imaging techniques, Schlieren and UV-Light Absorption, were applied here to quantify vapor penetration for non-reacting spray. Meanwhile, Mie-scattering was used to measure the liquid length. As for reacting conditions, Schlieren and OH* chemiluminescence were simultaneously applied to obtain the spray tip penetration and flame lift-off length under the same TDC density and temperature. Additionally, PIV was used to characterize in-cylinder flow motion. Results were compared with those from the Engine Combustion Network database obtained under quiescent ambient conditions in a high pressure high temperature vessel. Because of the air flow induced by piston movement, in-cylinder conditions in the two-stroke engine during the spray injection are highly unsteady, which has a significant impact on the spray development and interference on the spray visualization. From the comparison with quiescent data from the Engine Combustion Network, air flow induced by piston movement was found to slow down tip penetration. Moreover, both ignition delay and lift-off length under unsteady flow conditions show less sensitivity with ambient temperature than that of quasi-steady conditions.

[EN] Growing awareness about CO2 emissions and their environmental implications are leading to an increase in the importance of thermal efficiency as criteria to design internal combustion engines (ICE). Heat transfer to the combustion chamber walls contributes to a decrease in the indicated efficiency. A strategy explored in this study to mitigate this efficiency loss is to promote low swirl conditions in the combustion chamber by using low swirl ratios. A decrease in swirl ratio leads to a reduction in heat transfer, but unfortunately, it can also lead to worsening of combustion development and a decrease in the gross indicated efficiency. Moreover, pumping work plays also an important role due to the effect of reduced intake restriction to generate the swirl motion. Current research evaluates the effect of a dedicated injection strategy to enhance combustion process when low swirl is used. For this purpose, a combination of theoretical (0D and 1D models) and experimental tools were used. In particular, experiments were conducted in a single-cylinder direct-injection light-duty diesel engine. The analysis also included theoretical calculations to estimate pumping losses. Results show that an increase in swirl ratio leads to an increase in the gross indicated efficiency (balancing heat transfer losses and combustion improvement) but the higher pumping losses negate this positive benefit. In the lowest swirl ratio case, a suitable injection strategy based on multiple injections, together with an increase in the injection pressure, can provide similar gross indicated efficiency as high swirl ratio case while avoiding high pumping losses.

[EN] The dense spray region in the near-field of diesel fuel injection remains an enigma. This region is difficult to interrogate with light in the visible range and difficult to model due to the rapid interaction between liquid and gas. In particular, modeling strategies that rely on Lagrangian particle tracking of droplets have struggled in this area. To better represent the strong interaction between phases, Eulerian modeling has proven particularly useful. Models built on the concept of surface area density are advantageous where primary and secondary atomization have not yet produced droplets, but rather form more complicated liquid structures. Surface area density, a more general concept than Lagrangian droplets, naturally represents liquid structures, no matter how complex. These surface area density models, however, have not been directly experimentally validated in the past due to the inability of optical methods to elucidate such a quantity. Optical diagnostics traditionally measure near-spherical droplet size far downstream, where the spray is optically thin. Using ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements to measure the surface area and x-ray radiography to measure the density, we have been able to test one of the more speculative parts of Eulerian spray modeling. The modeling and experimental results have been combined to provide insight into near-field spray dynamics.

[EN] Growing awareness about CO2 emissions and their environmental implications are leading to an increase in the importance of thermal efficiency as criteria to design internal combustion engines (ICE). Heat transfer to the combustion chamber walls contributes to a decrease in the indicated efficiency. A strategy explored in this study to mitigate this efficiency loss is to promote low swirl conditions in the combustion chamber by using low swirl ratios. A decrease in swirl ratio leads to a reduction in heat transfer, but unfortunately, it can also lead to worsening of combustion development and a decrease in the gross indicated efficiency. Moreover, pumping work plays also an important role due to the effect of reduced intake restriction to generate the swirl motion. Current research evaluates the effect of a dedicated injection strategy to enhance combustion process when low swirl is used. For this purpose, a combination of theoretical (0D and 1D models) and experimental tools were used. In particular, experiments were conducted in a single-cylinder direct-injection light-duty diesel engine. The analysis also included theoretical calculations to estimate pumping losses. Results show that an increase in swirl ratio leads to an increase in the gross indicated efficiency (balancing heat transfer losses and combustion improvement) but the higher pumping losses negate this positive benefit. In the lowest swirl ratio case, a suitable injection strategy based on multiple injections, together with an increase in the injection pressure, can provide similar gross indicated efficiency as high swirl ratio case while avoiding high pumping losses.

[EN] With ever-demanding emission legislations in Compression Ignition (CI) engines, new premixed combustion strategies have been developed in recent years seeking both, emissions and performance improvements. Since it has been shown that in-cylinder air flow affects the combustion process, and hence the overall engine performance, the study of swirling structures and its interaction with fuel injection are of great interest. In this regard, possible Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) distribution changes after fuel injection may be a key parameter for achieving performance improvements by reducing in-cylinder heat transfer. Consequently, this paper aims to gain an insight into spray-swirl interaction through the analysis of in-cylinder velocity fields measured by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) when PCCI conditions are proposed. Experiments are carried out in a single cylinder optical Diesel engine with bowl-in-piston geometry. A standard 2D PIV system is used for measuring instantaneous velocity fields in a cross section (swirl-plane) inside the combustion chamber. The test matrix is based on an advanced single pilot injection with energizing time and injection pressure sweeps at different crank-angles. Results show that swirl ratio decreases with the increase of injected fuel mass. The decrease in swirl ratio also comes with a homogenization of the flow field. This homogenization along with lower swirl ratios might decrease heat transfer to cylinder walls.

[EN] With ever-demanding emission legislations in Compression Ignition (CI) engines, new premixed combustion strategies have been developed in recent years seeking both, emissions and performance improvements. Since it has been shown that in-cylinder air flow affects the combustion process, and hence the overall engine performance, the study of swirling structures and its interaction with fuel injection are of great interest. In this regard, possible Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) distribution changes after fuel injection may be a key parameter for achieving performance improvements by reducing in-cylinder heat transfer. Consequently, this paper aims to gain an insight into spray-swirl interaction through the analysis of in-cylinder velocity fields measured by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) when PCCI conditions are proposed. Experiments are carried out in a single cylinder optical Diesel engine with bowl-in-piston geometry. A standard 2D PIV system is used for measuring instantaneous velocity fields in a cross section (swirl-plane) inside the combustion chamber. The test matrix is based on an advanced single pilot injection with energizing time and injection pressure sweeps at different crank-angles. Results show that swirl ratio decreases with the increase of injected fuel mass. The decrease in swirl ratio also comes with a homogenization of the flow field. This homogenization along with lower swirl ratios might decrease heat transfer to cylinder walls.

A radiation-based 2-color method (2C) and light extinction imaging (LEI) have been performed simultaneously to obtain twodimensional soot distribution information within a diesel spray flame. All the measurements were conducted in an optically accessible two-stroke engine equipped with a single-hole injector. The fuel used here is a blend of 30% Decane and 70% Hexadecane (in mass). According to previous research, operating conditions with three different flame soot amounts were investigated. The main purpose of this work is to evaluate the two soot diagnostics techniques, after proper conversion of soot-related values from both methods. All the KL extinction values are lower than the saturation limit. As expected, both techniques show sensitivity with the parametric variation. The soot amount increases with higher ambient gas temperature and lower injection pressure. However, the LEI technique presents more sensitivity to the soot quantity. Differences in the KL value on the spray axis between LEI and 2C increase with higher soot quantity.

A radiation-based 2-color method (2C) and light extinction imaging (LEI) have been performed simultaneously to obtain twodimensional soot distribution information within a diesel spray flame. All the measurements were conducted in an optically accessible two-stroke engine equipped with a single-hole injector. The fuel used here is a blend of 30% Decane and 70% Hexadecane (in mass). According to previous research, operating conditions with three different flame soot amounts were investigated. The main purpose of this work is to evaluate the two soot diagnostics techniques, after proper conversion of soot-related values from both methods. All the KL extinction values are lower than the saturation limit. As expected, both techniques show sensitivity with the parametric variation. The soot amount increases with higher ambient gas temperature and lower injection pressure. However, the LEI technique presents more sensitivity to the soot quantity. Differences in the KL value on the spray axis between LEI and 2C increase with higher soot quantity.

[EN] Boosting technologies have been key enablers for automotive engines development through downsizing and downspeeding. In this situation, numerous multistage boosting systems have appeared in the last decade. The complexity arising from multistage architectures requires an efficient matching methodology to obtain the best overall powertrain performance. The paper presents a model aimed to choose the best 2-stage boosting system architecture able to meet required criteria on boosting pressure, EGR ratios for both short and long route loops while respecting the engine thermo-mechanical limits such as in-cylinder pressure, compressor outlet temperature and exhaust manifold temperature. The model includes filling-and-emptying 0D elements together with mean value. The engine model is set in a way that, for given requirements and boosting system layout, calculates in seconds if the requirements will be achieved and the position of variable geometry, waste-gate, EGR and by-pass valves. The model is thus inversed thanks to a new representation of turbine maps that converts the classical iterative matching procedure in straight forward. The model can be also used in a predictive manner to calculate the engine transient response. The model has been calibrated to 3 different turbocharged diesel engines. The model gives good results provided that wave effects are not important. This is the case of compact exhaust manifolds, typically used in turbocharged diesel engines, below 3500 rpm. Tuned intake air lines can be taken into account through a tuning parameter affecting boosting pressure. An example is given in the paper for the matching procedure in a 2-stage, double route EGR, including steady and transient results.

[EN] The generalization of exhaust aftertreatment systems along with the growing awareness about climate change is leading to an increasing importance of the efficiency over other criteria during the design of reciprocating engines. Using experimental and theoretical tools to perform detailed global energy balance (GEB) of the engine is a key issue for assessing the potential of different strategies to reduce consumption. With the objective of improving the analysis of GEB, this paper describes a tool that allows calculating the detailed internal repartition of the fuel energy in DI Diesel engines. Starting from the instantaneous in-cylinder pressure, the tool is able to describe the different energy paths thanks to different submodels for all the relevant subsystems. Hence, the heat transfer from gases to engine walls is obtained with specific convective and radiative models in the chamber and ports; the repartition of the heat flux throughout the engine metal elements towards the oil and coolant is estimated with a lumped capacitance model; finally, the ancillary systems and friction losses are obtained through specific semiempirical submodels. The validation of the tool is performed in a 4- cylinder DI Diesel engine instrumented to perform detailed experimental GEB. Finally, a simple analysis of combined internal and external analysis in the complete engine map shows the effect of operating conditions on each energy term. Thus it is demonstrated the utility of the proposed tool, that complements the experimental heat flow measurements in Diesel engine researches oriented to the reduction of energy consumption.

[EN] Boosting technologies have been key enablers for automotive engines development through downsizing and downspeeding. In this situation, numerous multistage boosting systems have appeared in the last decade. The complexity arising from multistage architectures requires an efficient matching methodology to obtain the best overall powertrain performance. The paper presents a model aimed to choose the best 2-stage boosting system architecture able to meet required criteria on boosting pressure, EGR ratios for both short and long route loops while respecting the engine thermo-mechanical limits such as in-cylinder pressure, compressor outlet temperature and exhaust manifold temperature. The model includes filling-and-emptying 0D elements together with mean value. The engine model is set in a way that, for given requirements and boosting system layout, calculates in seconds if the requirements will be achieved and the position of variable geometry, waste-gate, EGR and by-pass valves. The model is thus inversed thanks to a new representation of turbine maps that converts the classical iterative matching procedure in straight forward. The model can be also used in a predictive manner to calculate the engine transient response. The model has been calibrated to 3 different turbocharged diesel engines. The model gives good results provided that wave effects are not important. This is the case of compact exhaust manifolds, typically used in turbocharged diesel engines, below 3500 rpm. Tuned intake air lines can be taken into account through a tuning parameter affecting boosting pressure. An example is given in the paper for the matching procedure in a 2-stage, double route EGR, including steady and transient results.

[EN] The generalization of exhaust aftertreatment systems along with the growing awareness about climate change is leading to an increasing importance of the efficiency over other criteria during the design of reciprocating engines. Using experimental and theoretical tools to perform detailed global energy balance (GEB) of the engine is a key issue for assessing the potential of different strategies to reduce consumption. With the objective of improving the analysis of GEB, this paper describes a tool that allows calculating the detailed internal repartition of the fuel energy in DI Diesel engines. Starting from the instantaneous in-cylinder pressure, the tool is able to describe the different energy paths thanks to different submodels for all the relevant subsystems. Hence, the heat transfer from gases to engine walls is obtained with specific convective and radiative models in the chamber and ports; the repartition of the heat flux throughout the engine metal elements towards the oil and coolant is estimated with a lumped capacitance model; finally, the ancillary systems and friction losses are obtained through specific semiempirical submodels. The validation of the tool is performed in a 4- cylinder DI Diesel engine instrumented to perform detailed experimental GEB. Finally, a simple analysis of combined internal and external analysis in the complete engine map shows the effect of operating conditions on each energy term. Thus it is demonstrated the utility of the proposed tool, that complements the experimental heat flow measurements in Diesel engine researches oriented to the reduction of energy consumption.

[EN] Calibration of internal combustion engines at different altitudes, above or below sea level, is important to improve engine performance and to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in these conditions. In this work, a flow test rig that reproduces altitude pressure variation is presented. The system stands out by its altitude range, compactness, portability and easy control. It is based on the use of turbomachinery to provide the target pressure to the engine intake and exhaust lines. The core of the system is composed of a variable geometry turbine (VGT) with a waste-gate (WG) and a mechanical compressor. Given a set of turbomachinery systems, the operation pressure and the air mass flow are controlled by the speed of the mechanical compressor and the VGT and WG position. A simple modification in the installation setup makes possible to change the operating mode from vacuum to overpressure. So that simulating altitude increase or decrease with the same flow test rig components. The installation concept has been validated experimentally based on a demonstrator. The experimental data are complemented with the analysis of computational results obtained from fluid-dynamic modeling. The results allow analyzing in detail the pressure and air mass flow operating range, the dependence on required subsystems characteristics, the potential for temperature regulation, the behavior under engine transient operation and the control strategies.

These days many research efforts on internal combustion engines are centred on optimising turbocharger matching and performance on the engine. In the last years a number of studies have pointed out the strong effect on turbocharger behaviour of heat transfer phenomena. The main difficulty for taking into account these phenomena comes from the little information provided by turbocharger manufacturers. In this background, Original Engine Manufacturers (OEM) need general engineering tools able to provide reasonably precise results in predicting the mentioned heat transfer phenomena. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to provide a procedure, applicable to small automotive turbochargers, able to predict the heat transfer characteristics that can be used in a lumped 1D turbocharger heat transfer model. This model must be suitable to work coupled to whole-engine simulation codes (such as GT-Power or Ricardo WAVE) for being used in global engine models by the OEM. Moreover, the procedure must be capable to predict heat transfer effects using available data as external geometrical parameters of the turbocharger. To reach these several purposes, a description of the procedure to obtain correlations for heat transfer behaviour to be used in a lumped model is given. The procedure is based on several generalised correlations obtained from the evaluation of heat transfer properties of different turbochargers. The validity of the procedure is confirmed by simulations performed in GT-Power environment compared to experimental results both in a gas stand and in an engine test bench. The results of the validation show an acceptable level of accuracy using the proposed procedure. Furthermore, the advantages of the procedure are shown by comparing its results with the results of standard GT-Power simulations. In these last simulations only turbocharger maps are used without a turbocharger heat transfer model. Further analysis of these results evidences that the simple procedure of

These days many research efforts on internal combustion engines are centred on optimising turbocharger matching and performance on the engine. In the last years a number of studies have pointed out the strong effect on turbocharger behaviour of heat transfer phenomena. The main difficulty for taking into account these phenomena comes from the little information provided by turbocharger manufacturers. In this background, Original Engine Manufacturers (OEM) need general engineering tools able to provide reasonably precise results in predicting the mentioned heat transfer phenomena. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to provide a procedure, applicable to small automotive turbochargers, able to predict the heat transfer characteristics that can be used in a lumped 1D turbocharger heat transfer model. This model must be suitable to work coupled to whole-engine simulation codes (such as GT-Power or Ricardo WAVE) for being used in global engine models by the OEM. Moreover, the procedure must be capable to predict heat transfer effects using available data as external geometrical parameters of the turbocharger. To reach these several purposes, a description of the procedure to obtain correlations for heat transfer behaviour to be used in a lumped model is given. The procedure is based on several generalised correlations obtained from the evaluation of heat transfer properties of different turbochargers. The validity of the procedure is confirmed by simulations performed in GT-Power environment compared to experimental results both in a gas stand and in an engine test bench. The results of the validation show an acceptable level of accuracy using the proposed procedure. Furthermore, the advantages of the procedure are shown by comparing its results with the results of standard GT-Power simulations. In these last simulations only turbocharger maps are used without a turbocharger heat transfer model. Further analysis of these results evidences that the simple procedure of

[EN] Calibration of internal combustion engines at different altitudes, above or below sea level, is important to improve engine performance and to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in these conditions. In this work, a flow test rig that reproduces altitude pressure variation is presented. The system stands out by its altitude range, compactness, portability and easy control. It is based on the use of turbomachinery to provide the target pressure to the engine intake and exhaust lines. The core of the system is composed of a variable geometry turbine (VGT) with a waste-gate (WG) and a mechanical compressor. Given a set of turbomachinery systems, the operation pressure and the air mass flow are controlled by the speed of the mechanical compressor and the VGT and WG position. A simple modification in the installation setup makes possible to change the operating mode from vacuum to overpressure. So that simulating altitude increase or decrease with the same flow test rig components. The installation concept has been validated experimentally based on a demonstrator. The experimental data are complemented with the analysis of computational results obtained from fluid-dynamic modeling. The results allow analyzing in detail the pressure and air mass flow operating range, the dependence on required subsystems characteristics, the potential for temperature regulation, the behavior under engine transient operation and the control strategies.

Problems in the turbocharger lubrication system can cause serious deterioration in their overall performance and even their complete destruction. The paper describes several tests with different critical lubrication conditions, in order to determine the thresholds at which the operation may be appropriate. In an IC engine, these problems can be produced mainly by several factors: the decreasing in the supply pressure of the oil, a delay in the lubrication oil pressure and an intermittent lubrication interruption. A turbocharger test bench and an IC engine test bench has been used to test the turbocharger, in order to reproduce the conditions and cycles similar to the operation of the turbocharger in an IC engine (pressures, temperatures, mass flows, accelerations, etc..). Thermodynamic variables and mechanic variables measured in the tests help to identify some of the operating limits of lubrication in critical conditions. In addition, optical techniques have been combined with accelerometer measurements, in order to detect modifications in the movement of the turbocharger shaft. The main conclusions obtained from these tests are that accelerations from low rotational speed to 100krpm, without lubrication oil in the bearing system, don’t cause significant problems in the turbocharger, for 20 sec. However, the accelerations to 150krpm can cause critical problems depending on the lubrication delay and the bearing configuration. Finally, higher acceleration rates to 200krpm, without lubrication, cause the turbocharger destruction in a few seconds. By other hand, a low oil inlet pressure given by an oil column, of about 1m in height, allows to the turbo survive during accelerations from low rotational speed to 150 krpm.

Problems in the turbocharger lubrication system can cause serious deterioration in their overall performance and even their complete destruction. The paper describes several tests with different critical lubrication conditions, in order to determine the thresholds at which the operation may be appropriate. In an IC engine, these problems can be produced mainly by several factors: the decreasing in the supply pressure of the oil, a delay in the lubrication oil pressure and an intermittent lubrication interruption. A turbocharger test bench and an IC engine test bench has been used to test the turbocharger, in order to reproduce the conditions and cycles similar to the operation of the turbocharger in an IC engine (pressures, temperatures, mass flows, accelerations, etc..). Thermodynamic variables and mechanic variables measured in the tests help to identify some of the operating limits of lubrication in critical conditions. In addition, optical techniques have been combined with accelerometer measurements, in order to detect modifications in the movement of the turbocharger shaft. The main conclusions obtained from these tests are that accelerations from low rotational speed to 100krpm, without lubrication oil in the bearing system, don’t cause significant problems in the turbocharger, for 20 sec. However, the accelerations to 150krpm can cause critical problems depending on the lubrication delay and the bearing configuration. Finally, higher acceleration rates to 200krpm, without lubrication, cause the turbocharger destruction in a few seconds. By other hand, a low oil inlet pressure given by an oil column, of about 1m in height, allows to the turbo survive during accelerations from low rotational speed to 150 krpm.

[EN] Schlieren/shadowgraphy has been adopted in the combustion research as a standard technique for tip penetration analysis of sprays under diesel-like engine conditions. When dealing with schlieren images of reacting sprays, the combustion process and the subsequent light emission from the soot within the flame have revealed both limitations as well as considerations that deserve further investigation. Seeking for answers to such concerns, the current work reports an experimental study with this imaging technique where, besides spatial filtering at the Fourier plane, both short exposure time and chromatic filtering were performed to improve the resulting schlieren image, as well as the reliability of the subsequent tip penetration measurement. The proposed methodology has reduced uncertainties caused by artificial pixel saturation (blooming). Additionally, an algorithm to calculate Lift-off length from schlieren images has been developed and compared to the more conventional OH* imaging technique. By means of the improved setup, the analysis of transient diesel flame has been performed throughout the ignition and early combustion phases. When compared to a non-reacting vaporizing spray, the temporal evolution of the reacting case departs from the inert one at the start of combustion, when expansion in both axial (i.e. spray tip increase) and radial direction are observed. After that, the tip penetration progressively decreases on a clear transient period where the flow tries to re-organize itself in response to the induced reaction zone. Eventually, the spray undergoes an acceleration period where the reacting spray tip progresses above the non-reacting one. A parametric study has been conducted for three injection pressure levels to investigate the influence of this parameter upon transient flame evolution.

[EN] Nowadays turbocharging the internal combustion engine has become a key point in the reduction on pollutant emissions and the improvement on engine performance. The matching between the turbocharger and the engine is vital due to the highly unsteady flow the turbocharger works with. In the present paper the importance of the heat transfer phenomena inside small automotive turbochargers will be analyzed. This phenomenon will be studied from the point of view of both the turbine and the compressor in one-dimensional modelling. The goodness of the model will be demonstrated predicting turbine and compressor outlet temperatures. An accurate prediction of these parameters will be key designing the intercooler and the after treatment devices. A series of tests in a gas stand with steady and pulsating hot flow in the turbine side will be modeled to show the good agreement in turbocharger enthalpies prediction.

This work presents a study to characterize and quantify the mechanical losses in small automotive turbocharging systems. An experimental methodology to obtain the losses in the power transmission between the turbine and the compressor is presented. The experimental methodology is used during a measurement campaign of three different automotive turbochargers for petrol and diesel engines with displacements ranging from 1.2 l to 2.0 l and the results are presented. With this experimental data, a fast computational model is fitted and used to predict the behaviour of mechanical losses during stationary and pulsating flow conditions, showing good agreement with the experimental results. During pulsating flow conditions, the delay between compressor and turbine makes the mechanical efficiency to fluctuate. These fluctuations are shown to be critical in order to predict the turbocharger behaviour.

This work presents a study to characterize and quantify the mechanical losses in small automotive turbocharging systems. An experimental methodology to obtain the losses in the power transmission between the turbine and the compressor is presented. The experimental methodology is used during a measurement campaign of three different automotive turbochargers for petrol and diesel engines with displacements ranging from 1.2 l to 2.0 l and the results are presented. With this experimental data, a fast computational model is fitted and used to predict the behaviour of mechanical losses during stationary and pulsating flow conditions, showing good agreement with the experimental results. During pulsating flow conditions, the delay between compressor and turbine makes the mechanical efficiency to fluctuate. These fluctuations are shown to be critical in order to predict the turbocharger behaviour.

[EN] Schlieren/shadowgraphy has been adopted in the combustion research as a standard technique for tip penetration analysis of sprays under diesel-like engine conditions. When dealing with schlieren images of reacting sprays, the combustion process and the subsequent light emission from the soot within the flame have revealed both limitations as well as considerations that deserve further investigation. Seeking for answers to such concerns, the current work reports an experimental study with this imaging technique where, besides spatial filtering at the Fourier plane, both short exposure time and chromatic filtering were performed to improve the resulting schlieren image, as well as the reliability of the subsequent tip penetration measurement. The proposed methodology has reduced uncertainties caused by artificial pixel saturation (blooming). Additionally, an algorithm to calculate Lift-off length from schlieren images has been developed and compared to the more conventional OH* imaging technique. By means of the improved setup, the analysis of transient diesel flame has been performed throughout the ignition and early combustion phases. When compared to a non-reacting vaporizing spray, the temporal evolution of the reacting case departs from the inert one at the start of combustion, when expansion in both axial (i.e. spray tip increase) and radial direction are observed. After that, the tip penetration progressively decreases on a clear transient period where the flow tries to re-organize itself in response to the induced reaction zone. Eventually, the spray undergoes an acceleration period where the reacting spray tip progresses above the non-reacting one. A parametric study has been conducted for three injection pressure levels to investigate the influence of this parameter upon transient flame evolution.

[EN] Nowadays turbocharging the internal combustion engine has become a key point in the reduction on pollutant emissions and the improvement on engine performance. The matching between the turbocharger and the engine is vital due to the highly unsteady flow the turbocharger works with. In the present paper the importance of the heat transfer phenomena inside small automotive turbochargers will be analyzed. This phenomenon will be studied from the point of view of both the turbine and the compressor in one-dimensional modelling. The goodness of the model will be demonstrated predicting turbine and compressor outlet temperatures. An accurate prediction of these parameters will be key designing the intercooler and the after treatment devices. A series of tests in a gas stand with steady and pulsating hot flow in the turbine side will be modeled to show the good agreement in turbocharger enthalpies prediction.