The Potential of Using Natural Gas in HCCI Engines

The Potential of Using Natural Gas in HCCI Engines PDF Author: Junnian Zheng
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
With the depletion of petroleum based fuels and the corresponding concerns of national energy security issues, natural gas as an alternative fuel in IC engine applications has become an attractive option. Natural gas requires minimum mixture preparation, and is chemically stable, both of which make it a suitable fuel for homogeneous charged compression ignition (HCCI) engines. Compared to petroleum based fuels, natural gas produces less green-house emissions. However, natural gas is hard to auto-ignite and therefore requires a higher compression ratio, some amount of intake heating, or some type of pre-ignition. In addition, natural gas usually has large differences in fuel composition from field to field, which adds more uncertainties for engine applications. The current study determines the auto-ignition characteristics, engine performance, and nitric oxides emissions as functions of major operating parameters for a natural gas fueled HCCI engine, and determines differences relative to gasoline fueled HCCI engines which have been studied for many years. These tasks have been done using both zero- and multi-dimensional engine simulations. By zero-dimensional simulation, the effects of varying equivalence ratios, engine speeds, compression ratio, EGR level, intake pressure and fuel compositions are determined and analyzed in detail. To be able to account for the in-cylinder inhomogeneous effect on the HCCI combustion, multi-zone models coupled with cold-flow CFD simulations are employed in addition to the single-zone model. The effects of non-homogeneous temperature and equivalence ratio stratification on the ignition timing, combustion phasing, and emissions formation have been studied and discussed. Finally, the preliminary two-dimensional axial-symmetric CFD simulations have been conducted to study the in-cylinder temperature and the species distributions, which provide better visualization of the natural gas auto-ignition process.

The Potential of Using Natural Gas in HCCI Engines

The Potential of Using Natural Gas in HCCI Engines PDF Author: Junnian Zheng
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
With the depletion of petroleum based fuels and the corresponding concerns of national energy security issues, natural gas as an alternative fuel in IC engine applications has become an attractive option. Natural gas requires minimum mixture preparation, and is chemically stable, both of which make it a suitable fuel for homogeneous charged compression ignition (HCCI) engines. Compared to petroleum based fuels, natural gas produces less green-house emissions. However, natural gas is hard to auto-ignite and therefore requires a higher compression ratio, some amount of intake heating, or some type of pre-ignition. In addition, natural gas usually has large differences in fuel composition from field to field, which adds more uncertainties for engine applications. The current study determines the auto-ignition characteristics, engine performance, and nitric oxides emissions as functions of major operating parameters for a natural gas fueled HCCI engine, and determines differences relative to gasoline fueled HCCI engines which have been studied for many years. These tasks have been done using both zero- and multi-dimensional engine simulations. By zero-dimensional simulation, the effects of varying equivalence ratios, engine speeds, compression ratio, EGR level, intake pressure and fuel compositions are determined and analyzed in detail. To be able to account for the in-cylinder inhomogeneous effect on the HCCI combustion, multi-zone models coupled with cold-flow CFD simulations are employed in addition to the single-zone model. The effects of non-homogeneous temperature and equivalence ratio stratification on the ignition timing, combustion phasing, and emissions formation have been studied and discussed. Finally, the preliminary two-dimensional axial-symmetric CFD simulations have been conducted to study the in-cylinder temperature and the species distributions, which provide better visualization of the natural gas auto-ignition process.

Natural Gas Engines

Natural Gas Engines PDF Author: Kalyan Kumar Srinivasan
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9811333076
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 428

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Book Description
This book covers the various advanced reciprocating combustion engine technologies that utilize natural gas and alternative fuels for transportation and power generation applications. It is divided into three major sections consisting of both fundamental and applied technologies to identify (but not limited to) clean, high-efficiency opportunities with natural gas fueling that have been developed through experimental protocols, numerical and high-performance computational simulations, and zero-dimensional, multizone combustion simulations. Particular emphasis is placed on statutes to monitor fine particulate emissions from tailpipe of engines operating on natural gas and alternative fuels.

Development and Testing of a 6-Cylinder HCCI Engine for Distributed Generation

Development and Testing of a 6-Cylinder HCCI Engine for Distributed Generation PDF Author: R. Dibble
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 23

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Book Description
This paper describes the technical approach for converting a Caterpillar 3406 natural gas spark ignited engine into HCCI mode. The paper describes all stages of the process, starting with a preliminary analysis that determined that the engine can be operated by preheating the intake air with a heat exchanger that recovers energy from the exhaust gases. This heat exchanger plays a dual role, since it is also used for starting the engine. For start-up, the heat exchanger is preheated with a natural gas burner. The engine is therefore started in HCCI mode, avoiding the need to handle the potentially difficult transition from SI or diesel mode to HCCI. The fueling system was modified by replacing the natural gas carburetor with a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) carburetor. This modification sets an upper limit for the equivalence ratio at {phi} {approx} 0.4, which is ideal for HCCI operation and guarantees that the engine will not fail due to knock. Equivalence ratio can be reduced below 0.4 for low load operation with an electronic control valve. Intake boosting has been a challenge, as commercially available turbochargers are not a good match for the engine, due to the low HCCI exhaust temperature. Commercial introduction of HCCI engines for stationary power will therefore require the development of turbochargers designed specifically for this mode of operation. Considering that no appropriate off-the-shelf turbocharger for HCCI engines exists at this time, we are investigating mechanical supercharging options, which will deliver the required boost pressure (3 bar absolute intake) at the expense of some reduction in the output power and efficiency. An appropriate turbocharger can later be installed for improved performance when it becomes available or when a custom turbocharger is developed. The engine is now running in HCCI mode and producing power in an essentially naturally aspirated mode. Current work focuses on developing an automatic controller for obtaining consistent combustion in the 6 cylinders. The engine will then be tested for 1000 hours to demonstrate durability. This paper presents intermediate progress towards development of an HCCI engine for stationary power generation and next steps towards achieving the project goals.

Chemical Kinetics and Mechanism

Chemical Kinetics and Mechanism PDF Author: M Mortimer
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1847557805
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 266

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Book Description
Chemical Kinetics and Mechanism considers the role of rate of reaction. It begins by introducing chemical kinetics and the analysis of reaction mechanism, from basic well-established concepts to leading edge research. Organic reaction mechanisms are then discussed, encompassing curly arrows, nucleophilic substitution and E1 and E2 elimination reactions. The book concludes with a Case Study on Zeolites, which examines their structure and internal dimensions in relation to their behaviour as molecular sieves and catalysts. The accompanying CD-ROM contains the "Kinetics Toolkit", a graph-plotting application designed for manipulation and analysis of kinetic data, which is built into many of the examples, questions and exercises in the text. There are also interactive activities illustrating reaction mechanisms. The Molecular World series provides an integrated introduction to all branches of chemistry for both students wishing to specialise and those wishing to gain a broad understanding of chemistry and its relevance to the everyday world and to other areas of science. The books, with their Case Studies and accompanying multi-media interactive CD-ROMs, will also provide valuable resource material for teachers and lecturers. (The CD-ROMs are designed for use on a PC running Windows 95, 98, ME or 2000.)

Which Fuels for Low CO2 Engines?

Which Fuels for Low CO2 Engines? PDF Author: Pierre Duret
Publisher: Editions TECHNIP
ISBN: 9782710808510
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 252

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Book Description
Throughout the world, research and development in the field of vehicle transportation is increasingly focusing on engine and fuel combinations. The conventional and alternative fuels of the future are seen as fundamental to the development of a new generation of internal combustion engines that attain low well-to-wheel CO2 emissions along with near-zero pollutant emissions. These issues were debated during an international conference whose proceedings are presented in this book. This international conference attracted specialists in the field, including participants from universities, research centres and industry.Contents : Future of liquid fuels, Engine and fuel-related issues in HCCI & CAI combustion, Energy conversion in engines from natural gas, Use of hydrogen in IC engines, Which fuels for low CO2 engines?

HCCI and CAI Engines for the Automotive Industry

HCCI and CAI Engines for the Automotive Industry PDF Author: Hua Zhao
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 562

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Book Description
Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI)/controlled auto-ignition (CAI) has emerged as one of the most promising engine technologies with the potential to combine fuel efficiency and improved emissions performance, offering reduced nitrous oxides and particulate matter alongside efficiency comparable with modern diesel engines. Despite the considerable advantages, its operational range is rather limited and controlling the combustion (timing of ignition and rate of energy release) is still an area of on-going research. Commercial applications are, however, close to reality. HCCI a.

Evaluation of Technical Feasibility of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engine Fueled with Hydrogen, Natural Gas, and DME.

Evaluation of Technical Feasibility of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engine Fueled with Hydrogen, Natural Gas, and DME. PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The objective of the proposed project was to confirm the feasibility of using blends of hydrogen and natural gas to improve the performance, efficiency, controllability and emissions of a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine. The project team utilized both engine simulation and laboratory testing to evaluate and optimize how blends of hydrogen and natural gas fuel might improve control of HCCI combustion. GTI utilized a state-of-the art single-cylinder engine test platform for the experimental work in the project. The testing was designed to evaluate the feasibility of extending the limits of HCCI engine performance (i.e., stable combustion, high efficiency and low emissions) on natural gas by using blends of natural gas and hydrogen. Early in the project Ricardo provided technical support to GTI as we applied their engine performance simulation program, WAVE, to our HCCI research engine. Modeling support was later provided by Digital Engines, LLC to use their proprietary model to predict peak pressures and temperatures for varying operating parameters included in the Design of Experiments test plan. Digital Engines also provided testing support for the hydrogen and natural gas blends. Prof. David Foster of University of Wisconsin-Madison participated early in the project by providing technical guidance on HCCI engine test plans and modeling requirements. The main purpose of the testing was to quantify the effects of hydrogen addition to natural gas HCCI. Directly comparing straight natural gas with the hydrogen enhanced test points is difficult due to the complexity of HCCI combustion. With the same air flow rate and lambda, the hydrogen enriched fuel mass flow rate is lower than the straight natural gas mass flow rate. However, the energy flow rate is higher for the hydrogen enriched fuel due to hydrogen's significantly greater lower heating value, 120 mJ/kg for hydrogen compared to 45 mJ/kg for natural gas. With these caveats in mind, an analysis of test results indicates that hydrogen enhanced natural gas HCCI (versus neat natural gas HCCI at comparable stoichiometry) had the following characteristics: (1) Substantially lower intake temperature needed for stable HCCI combustion; (2) Inconclusive impact on engine BMEP and power produced; (3) Small reduction in the thermal efficiency of the engine; (4) Moderate reduction in the unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust; (5) Slight increase in NOx emissions in the exhaust; (6) Slight reduction in CO2 in the exhaust; and (7) Increased knocking at rich stoichiometry. The major accomplishments and findings from the project can be summarized as follows: (1) A model was calibrated for accurately predicting heat release rate and peak pressures for HCCI combustion when operating on hydrogen and natural gas blends. (2) A single cylinder research engine was thoroughly mapped to compare performance and emissions for micro-pilot natural gas compression ignition, and HCCI combustion for neat natural gas versus blends of natural gas and hydrogen. (3) The benefits of using hydrogen to extend, up to a limit, the stable operating window for HCCI combustion of natural gas at higher intake pressures, leaner air to fuel ratios or lower inlet temperatures was documented.

Hcci and Cai Engines for the Automotive Industry

Hcci and Cai Engines for the Automotive Industry PDF Author: H Zhao
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 184569354X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 557

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Book Description
Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI)/controlled auto-ignition (CAI) has emerged as one of the most promising engine technologies with the potential to combine fuel efficiency and improved emissions performance, offering reduced nitrous oxides and particulate matter alongside efficiency comparable with modern diesel engines. Despite the considerable advantages, its operational range is rather limited and controlling the combustion (timing of ignition and rate of energy release) is still an area of on-going research. Commercial applications are, however, close to reality.HCCI and CAI engines for the automotive industry presents the state-of-the-art in research and development on an international basis, as a one-stop reference work. The background to the development of HCCI / CAI engine technology is described. Basic principles, the technologies and their potential applications, strengths and weaknesses, as well as likely future trends and sources of further information are reviewed in the areas of gasoline HCCI / CAI engines; diesel HCCI engines; HCCI / CAI engines with alternative fuels; and advanced modelling and experimental techniques. The book provides an invaluable source of information for scientific researchers, R&D engineers and managers in the automotive engineering industry worldwide. - Presents the state-of-the-art in research and development on an international basis - An invaluable source of information for scientific researchers, R&D engineers and managers in the automotive engineering industry worldwide - Looks at one of the most promising engine technologies around

Control and Robustness Analysis of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Using Exhaust Recompression

Control and Robustness Analysis of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Using Exhaust Recompression PDF Author: Hsien-Hsin Liao
Publisher: Stanford University
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 201

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Book Description
There has been an enormous global research effort to alleviate the current and projected environmental consequences incurred by internal combustion (IC) engines, the dominant propulsion systems in ground vehicles. Two technologies have the potential to improve the efficiency and emissions of IC engines in the near future: variable valve actuation (VVA) and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI). IC engines equipped with VVA systems are proven to show better performance by adjusting the valve lift and timing appropriately. An electro-hydraulic valve system (EHVS) is a type of VVA system that possesses full flexibility, i.e., the ability to change the valve lift and timing independently and continuously, making it an ideal rapid prototyping tool in a research environment. Unfortunately, an EHVS typically shows a significant response time delay that limits the achievable closed-loop bandwidth and, as a result, shows poor tracking performance. In this thesis, a control framework that includes system identification, feedback control design, and repetitive control design is presented. The combined control law shows excellent performance with a root-mean-square tracking error below 40 [Mu]m over a maximum valve lift of 4 mm. A stability analysis is also provided to show that the mean tracking error converges to zero asymptotically with the combined control law. HCCI, the other technology presented in this thesis, is a combustion strategy initiated by compressing a homogeneous air-fuel mixture to auto-ignition, therefore, ignition occurs at multiple points inside the cylinder without noticeable flame propagation. The result is rapid combustion with low peak in-cylinder temperature, which gives HCCI improved efficiency and reduces NOx formation. To initiate HCCI with a typical compression ratio, the sensible energy of the mixture needs to be high compared to a spark ignited (SI) strategy. One approach to achieve this, called recompression HCCI, is by closing the exhaust valve early to trap a portion of the exhaust gas in the cylinder. Unlike a SI or Diesel strategy, HCCI lacks an explicit combustion trigger, as autoignition is governed by chemical kinetics. Therefore, the thermo-chemical conditions of the air-fuel mixture need to be carefully controlled for HCCI to occur at the desired timing. Compounding this challenge in recompression HCCI is the re-utilization of the exhaust gas which creates cycle-to-cycle coupling. Furthermore, the coupling characteristics can change drastically around different operating points, making combustion timing control difficult across a wide range of conditions. In this thesis, a graphical analysis examines the in-cylinder temperature dynamics of recompression HCCI and reveals three qualitative types of temperature dynamics. With this insight, a switching linear model is formulated by combining three linear models: one for each of the three types of temperature dynamics. A switching controller that is composed of three local linear feedback controllers can then be designed based on the switching model. This switching model/control formulation is tested on an experimental HCCI testbed and shows good performance in controlling the combustion timing across a wide range. A semi-definite program is formulated to find a Lyapunov function for the switching model/control framework and shows that it is stable. As HCCI is dictated by the in-cylinder thermo-chemical conditions, there are further concerns about the robustness of HCCI, i.e., the boundedness of the thermo-chemical conditions with uncertainty existing in the ambient conditions and in the engine's own characteristics due to aging. To assess HCCI's robustness, this thesis presents a linear parameter varying (LPV) model that captures the dynamics of recompression HCCI and possesses an elegant model structure that is more amenable to analysis. Based on this model, a recursive algorithm using convex optimization is formulated to generate analytical statements about the boundedness of the in-cylinder thermo-chemical conditions. The bounds generated by the algorithm are also shown to relate well to the data from the experimental testbed.

Combustion Timing Control of Natural Gas HCCI Engines Using Physics-based Modeling and LQR Controller

Combustion Timing Control of Natural Gas HCCI Engines Using Physics-based Modeling and LQR Controller PDF Author: Marwa Abdelgawad
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engines hold promises of being the next generation of internal combustion engines due to their ability to produce high thermal efficiencies and low emission levels. HCCI combustion is achieved through the auto-ignition of a compressed homogenous fuel-air mixture, thus making it a "fusion" between spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines. The main challenge in developing HCCI engines is the absence of a combustion trigger hence making it difficult to control its combustion timing. The aim of this research project is to model and control a natural gas HCCI engine. Since HCCI depends primarily on temperature and chemical composition of the mixture, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is used to control ignition timing. In this research, a thermodynamical, physics-based nonlinear model is developed to capture the main features of the HCCI engine. In addition, the Modified Knock Integral Model (MKIM), used to predict ignition timing, is optimized. To validate the nonlinear model, ignition timing under varying conditions using the MKIM approach is shown to be in accordance with data acquired from a model developed using a sophisticated engine simulation program, GT-Power. Most control strategies are based on a linear model, therefore, the nonlinear model is linearized using the perturbation method. The linear model is validated by comparing its performance with the nonlinear model about a suitable operating point. The control of ignition timing can be defined as a regulation process where the goal is to force the nonlinear model to track a desired ignition timing by controlling the EGR ratio. Parameters from the linear model are used to determine the gains of the LQR controller. The performance of the controller is validated by implementing it on the nonlinear model and observing its ability to track the desired timing with 0.5% error within a certain operating range. To increase the operating range of the controller and reduce steady-state error, an integrator is added to the LQR. Finally, it is shown that the LQR controller is able to successfully reject disturbance, parameter variation, as well as noise.