Russ P. Durrett

Bio: Russ P. Durrett is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Internal combustion engine & Homogeneous charge compression ignition. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 6 publications receiving 725 citations.

Premixed charge compression ignition engine with optimal combustion control

Abstract: A premixed charge compression ignition engine, and a control system, is provided which effectively initiates combustion by compression ignition and maintains stable combustion while achieving extremely low nitrous oxide emissions, good overall efficiency and acceptable combustion noise and cylinder pressures. The present engine and control system effectively controls the combustion history, that is, the time at which combustion occurs, the rate of combustion, the duration of combustion and/or the completeness of combustion, by controlling the operation of certain control variables providing temperature control, pressure control, control of the mixture's autoignition properties and equivalence ratio control. The combustion control system provides active feedback control of the combustion event and includes a sensor, e.g. pressure sensor, for detecting an engine operating condition indicative of the combustion history, e.g. the start of combustion, and generating an associated engine operating condition signal. A processor receives the signal and generates control signals based on the engine operating condition signal for controlling various engine components to control the temperature, pressure, equivalence ratio and/or autoignition properties so as to variably control the combustion history of future combustion events to achieve stable, low emission combustion in each cylinder and combustion balancing between the cylinders.

Fuel injection rate shaping control system

Abstract: A fuel injection rate shaping control system is provided which effectively controls the flow rate of fuel injected into the combustion chamber of an engine to improve combustion and reduce emissions by controlling the rate of pressure increase during injection. The injection rate shaping control system includes a rate shaping control device (10) including a rate shaping transfer passage (22) having a predetermined length and diameter specifically designed to create a desired injection pressure rate shape. In other embodiments of the present invention, two or more rate shaping transfer passages (72, 74) capable of producing distinct rate shapes are packaged in various fuel injection systems to selectively provide various rate shapes depending on operating conditions. Switching valves, i.e. solenoid operated three-way valves (76, 84, 86), may be used to direct the fuel or timing fluid flow to any one of the rate shaping transfer passages. Also, a dampening means in the form of a reverse flow restrictor valve (26) is positioned in the rate shaping transfer passage to dampen reflected pressure waves thereby minimizing the adverse effects thereof.

Homogeneous charge compression ignition engine with optimal combustion control

Abstract: An improved HCCI engine and control scheme is provided which produces stable HCCI combustion while optimally minimizing emissions and maximizing efficiency. In the present invention, the fuel/air mixture is thoroughly mixed to form a very lean homogeneous mixture, or is mixed in a manner to form a desired air/fuel stratification, to ensure relatively even, low flame temperatures which result in extremely low NOx emissions. The control system senses the start of combustion, the combustion rate and/or the combustion duration and, based on the sensed condition, actively controls the temperature, pressure, equivalence ratio and autoignition properties to continuously maintain optimum combustion.

Method for controlling pre-mix charge compression ignition engine and combustion timing

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce exhaust gas and optimize engine operation efficiency by providing an operating condition detection unit for detecting engine operating a condition which indicates combustion history, determining a combustion history value based on an engine operating condition signal, and feeding at least one control signal based on the combustion history value SOLUTION: In a pre-mix charge compression ignition engine 10, most fuel is combusted by compression ignition after being fully pre-mixed with air to create combustible air-fuel mixture Operation of the engine 10 is optimized by controlling combustion history (such as combustion timing, combustion rate, combustion continuation and/or combustion completion) in a combustion chamber of each cylinder by an ECU 20 In other words, an exhaust gas amount is reduced by improving combustion performance through restricting exhaust gas flow in an exhaust system with a throttle valve so as to change a ratio of remaining materials of generated product after combustion in the combustion chamber, and changing a temperature of air-fuel mixture

Multiple operating mode engine and method of operation

Abstract: A multi-mode internal combustion engine and method of operating the engine is provided which is capable of operating in a variety of modes based on engine operating conditions to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The multi-mode engine include a fuel delivery system and control system for permitting the engine to operate in a diesel mode, a homogeneous charge dual fuel transition mode, a spark ignition or liquid spark ignition mode and/or a premixed charge compression ignition mode. The control system and method permits the engine operation to transfer between the various modes in an effective and efficient manner by controlling one or more fuel delivery devices or other engine components so as to move along a continuous transfer path while maintaining engine torque at a substantially constant level.

Method and system for pre-ignition control

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.

Fuel injection strategies for performance improvement and emissions reduction in compression ignition engines—A review

Abstract: The call for reduction in pollution has been mandated by government′s policies worldwide. This challenges the engine manufacturer to strike an optimum between engine performance and emissions. However with growing technology in the field of fuel injection equipment, the task has become realizable. For past few years it has been the hot topic to improve combustion and emissions of compression ignition engines through optimizing the fuel injection strategies. Choosing between various injection strategies are potentially effective techniques to reduce emission from engines as injection characteristics have great influences on the process of combustion. For example, increasing the fuel injection pressure can improve the fuel atomization and subsequently improve the combustion process, resulting in a higher brake thermal efficiency, producing less HC, CO, PM emissions, but more NOx emission. Pilot injection help in reducing combustion noise and NOx emissions and immediate post injection may help in soot oxidation and late post injection helps in regeneration of diesel particulate filter. This article aims at a comprehensive review of various fuel injection strategies viz varying injection pressure, injection rate shapes, injection timing and split/multiple injections for engine performance improvement and emissions control. Although every strategy has its own merits and demerits, they are explained in detail, in view of helping researchers to choose the better strategy or combination for their applications.

Power generation system and method

Abstract: The power generation system and method of the present invention employ a solid oxide fuel cell which reforms fuel to a degree which is controlled by the amount of fuel introduced to the solid oxide fuel cell. The effluent is directed preferably through a heat exchanger and then into an engine. This hybrid system more efficiently produces energy, both mechanical and electrical, over conventional systems.

Spark ignition type internal combustion engine

Abstract: In a spark ignition type internal combustion engine that includes a variable compression ratio mechanism A capable of changing the mechanical compression ratio, and a variable valve mechanism B capable of changing valve characteristics of an intake valve or an exhaust valve, the variable valve mechanism is mechanically coupled to the variable compression ratio mechanism, and the variable valve mechanism is controlled in accordance with the compression ratio-changing operation amount of the variable compression ratio mechanism. The variable valve mechanism is coupled to the variable compression ratio mechanism without intervention of an electronic control unit. Therefore, the possibility of the interference between a piston and an intake valve resulting from an abnormality in a control system that includes an electronic control unit as an intervening unit can be eliminated.