The main barrier to efficient starting in cold conditions is the low volatility and high autoignition temperature of diesel fuel. This study proposes a systematic approach to address the fundamental chemical kinetics of the cold start problem in compression ignition engines and yield a turn-key starting aid module which could be added to an existing diesel engine. There are four fundamental ways to improve the kinetics of combustion processes: (1) increase the system temperature; (2) use a catalyst; (3) use more reactive fuel components; and (4) increase the oxygen supply. The proposed appproach involves technology that impacts three of these principal components of the combustion process, that is (a) enhancement of the ignition process using catalytic glow plugs, (b) in-situ enhancement of the existing fuel to produce more volatile fractions, and (c) in-situ oxygen enrichment during cold starts. These processes will not be studied independently, but as pieces of one process to improve the overall combustion kinetics during cold starts. Potential Commercial Application: Improved performance and energy efficiency of diesel direct injection engines in cold conditions. This module can be used on military or commercial diesel engines.
