Natural Gas (NG) Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) are a promising alternative to diesel engines for on-road heavy-duty
applications to reduce greenhouse gas and harmful pollutant emissions. NG
engines have not been widely adopted due to the lower thermal efficiency
compared with diesel engine counterparts. To develop the base knowledge
required to reach the desired efficiency, a Single Cylinder Engine (SCE) is the
most effective platform to acquire reliable and repeatable data. A SCE test
cell was developed using a Cummins 15-liter six-cylinder heavy-duty engine
block modified to fire one cylinder (2.5-liter displacement). A Woodward Large
Engine Control Module (LECM) is integrated to permit implementation of
real-time advanced combustion control.
Intake and exhaust characteristics, fuel composition, and exhaust gas
recirculated substitution rate (EGR) are fully adjustable. A high-speed data acquisition system acquires in-cylinder, intake, and exhaust pressure for
combustion analysis. The baseline testing shows reliable and consistent results
for engine thermal efficiency, indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), and
coefficient of variance of the IMEP over a wide range of operating conditions
while achieving effective control of all engine control and operation
variables. This test cell will be used to conduct a research program to develop new and innovative control algorithms and
CFD optimized combustion chamber designs, allowing ultra-high efficiency
and low emissions for NG ICE heavy-duty on-road applications.
References
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