An advanced development project is proposed for testing a thermal injection method to improve overall combustion efficiency in compression ignition engines, and to provide a method for using alternate fuels. His method allows controlling combustion in two distinct stages and is suitable for insertion in current CI engines. A portion of the compressed air from the cylinder with fuel added is delivered to a thermal injector to form a homogeneous mixture. The heat by compression ignites the mixture which is then isolated by a control system; this system also controls a valve to open near TDC to discharge the burning fuel into the cylinder and complete the combustion process. Earlier experiments confirmed the feasibility of this concept. Computer modeling with the KIVA-3 code will be used to simulate the basic features of this combustion method and to provide relevant data on the physical processes involved and on the operational features: control issues; fuel preparation; mixing; overall efficiency. This will include a study of the design of the control system; testing of the thermal injector component; and a study for selecting and retrofitting an engine to be used for experimental testing.
Benefits: The commercialized product of this new technology will cost-effectively address global issues of improved compression ignition engine cold start and combustion efficiency, greaterfuel economy, fuel flexibility, and reduced emission of pollutants. The fuel injector will provide a simple cost effective retrofit for improving compression ignition engine performance.
