Progress and recent trends in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines

Advanced compression-ignition (CI) engines can deliver both high efficiencies and very low NOX and particulate (PM) emissions. Efficiencies are comparable to conventional diesel engines, but unlike conventional diesel engines, the charge is highly dilute and premixed (or partially premixed) to achieve low emissions. Dilution is accomplished by operating either lean or with large amounts of EGR. The development of these advanced CI engines has evolved mainly along two lines. First, for fuels other than diesel, a combustion process commonly known as homogeneous charge compression-ignition (HCCI) is generally used, in which the charge is premixed before being compression ignited. Although termed “homogeneous,” there are always some thermal or mixture inhomogeneities in real HCCI engines, and it is sometimes desirable to introduce additional stratification. Second, for diesel fuel (which autoignites easily but has low volatility) an alternative low-temperature combustion (LTC) approach is used, in which the autoignition is closely coupled to the fuel-injection event to provide control over ignition timing. To obtain dilute LTC, this approach relies on high levels of EGR, and injection timing is typically shifted 10–15° CA earlier or later than for conventional diesel combustion so temperatures are lower, which delays ignition and provides more time for premixing. Although these advanced CI combustion modes have important advantages, there are difficulties to implementing them in practical engines. In this article, the principles of HCCI and diesel LTC engines are reviewed along with the results of research on the in-cylinder processes. This research has resulted in substantial progress toward overcoming the main challenges facing these engines, including: improving low-load combustion efficiency, increasing the high-load limit, understanding fuel effects, and maintaining low NOX and PM emissions over the operating range.

https://www.engr.colostate.edu/~marchese/combustion10/1.pdf

Advanced compression-ignition engines—understanding the in-cylinder processes

Review of high efficiency and clean reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion in internal combustion engines

Microscale combustion: Technology development and fundamental research

Conceptual models for partially premixed low-temperature diesel combustion

An experimental study has been carried out to provide qualitative and quantitative insight into gas to wall heat transfer in a gasoline fueled Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine. Fast response thermocouples are embedded in the piston top and cylinder head surface to measure instantaneous wall temperature and heat flux. Heat flux measurements obtained at multiple locations show small spatial variations, thus confirming relative uniformity of incylinder conditions in a HCCI engine operating with premixed charge. Consequently, the spatially-averaged heat flux represents well the global heat transfer from the gas to the combustion chamber walls in the premixed HCCI engine, as confirmed through the gross heat release analysis. Heat flux measurements were used for assessing several existing heat transfer correlations. One of the most popular models, the Woschni expression, was shown to be inadequate for the HCCI engine. The problem is traced back to the flame propagation term which is not appropriate for the HCCI combustion. Subsequently, a modified model is proposed which significantly improves the prediction of heat transfer in a gasoline HCCI engine and shows very good agreement over a range of conditions.

/pdf/new-heat-transfer-correlation-for-an-hcci-engine-derived-tsfkkbztm3.pdf

New Heat Transfer Correlation for an HCCI Engine Derived from Measurements of Instantaneous Surface Heat Flux

The homogeneous charge, compression-ignition (HCCI) combustion process has the potential to significantly reduce NOx and particulate emissions, while achieving high thermal efficiency and the capability of operating with a wide variety of fuels. This makes the HCCI engine an attractive technology that can ostensibly provide diesel-like fuel efficiency and very low emissions, which may allow emissions compliance to occur without relying on lean aftertreatment systems. A profound increase in the level of research and development of this technology has occurred in the last decade. This book gathers contributions from experts in both industry and academia, providing a basic introduction to the state-of-the-art of HCCI technology, a critical review of current HCCI research and development efforts, and perspective for the future. Chapters cover: Gasoline-Fueled HCCI Engines; Diesel-Fueled HCCI Engines; Alternative Fuels and Fuel Additives for HCCI Engines; HCCI Control and Operating Range Extension; Kinetics of HCCI Combustion; HCCI Engine Modeling Approaches. In addition to the extensive overview of terminology, physical processes, and future needs, each chapter also features select SAE papers (a total of 41 are included in the book), as well as a comprehensive list of references related to the subjects. Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engines: Key Research and Development Issues provides a valuable base of information for those interested in learning about this rapidly-progressing technology which has the potential to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions.

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines : key research and development issues

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engines

Part load operating point for a controlled auto-ignition four-stroke internal combustion engine is reduced without compromising combustion stability through load dependent valve controls and fueling strategies. Optimal fuel economy is achieved by employing negative valve overlap to trap and re-compress combusted gases below a predetermined engine load and employing exhaust gas re-breathing above the predetermined engine load. Split-injection fuel controls are implemented during low and intermediate part load operation whereas a single-injection fuel control is implemented during high part load operation. Split-injections are characterized by lean fuel/air ratios and single-injections are characterized by either lean or stoichiometric fuel/air ratios. Controlled autoignition is thereby enabled through an extended range of engine loads while maintaining acceptable combustion stability and emissions at optimal fuel economy.

Valve and fueling strategy for operating a controlled auto-ignition four-stroke internal combustion engine

An experimental study was performed to provide qualitative and quantitative insight into the thermal effects on a gasoline-fuelled homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine combustion. The single-cylinder engine utilized exhaust gas rebreathing to obtain large amounts of hot residual gas needed to promote ignition. In-cylinder pressure, heat release analysis, and exhaust emission measurement were employed for combustion diagnostics. Fast response thermocouples were embedded in the piston top and cylinder head surface to measure instantaneous wall temperature and heat flux, thus providing critical information about the thermal boundary conditions and a thorough understanding of the heat transfer process.Two parameters determining thermal conditions in the cylinder, i.e. intake charge temperature and wall temperature, were considered and their effect on ignition and burning rate in an HCCI engine was investigated through systematic experimentation. The approach allowed quantitative analy...

Characterizing the thermal sensitivity of a gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition engine with measurements of instantaneous wall temperature and heat flux

Paul M. Najt

Papers

New Heat Transfer Correlation for an HCCI Engine Derived from Measurements of Instantaneous Surface Heat Flux

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines : key research and development issues

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engines

Valve and fueling strategy for operating a controlled auto-ignition four-stroke internal combustion engine

Characterizing the thermal sensitivity of a gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition engine with measurements of instantaneous wall temperature and heat flux