Controlling Combustion Characteristics Using a Slit Nozzle in a Direct-Injection Methanol Engine

A new type of fuel injection nozzle, called a `slit nozzle,` has been developed to improve poor ignitability and to stabilize combustion under low load conditions in direct-injection methanol diesel engines manufactured for medium-duty trucks. This nozzle has a single oblong vent like a slit. Engine test results indicate that the slit nozzle can improve combustion and thermal efficiency, especially at low loads and no load. This can be explained by the fact that the slit nozzle forms a more highly concentrated methanol spray around the glow-plug than do multi-hole nozzles. As a result, this nozzle improves flame propagation. 3 refs., 12 figs., 4 tabs.