Combustion characteristics of stratified mixture in lean-burn LPG direct-injection engine with spray-guided combustion system

Abstract

Today, we are faced with the problems of global warming and fossil fuel depletion, and they have led to the enforcement of new emissions regulations. Direct-injection spark-ignition engines are a very promising technology that can comply with the new regulations. These engines offer the advantages of better fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional port-injection engines. The use of LPG as the fuel reduces carbon emissions because of its vaporization characteristics and the fact that it has lower carbon content than gasoline. An experimental study was carried out to investigate the combustion process and emission characteristics of a 2-liter spray-guided LPG direct-injection engine under lean operating conditions. The engine was operated at a constant speed of 2000 rpm under 0.2-MPa brake mean effective pressure, which corresponds to a common operation point of a passenger vehicle. Combustion stability, which is the most important component of engine performance, is closely related to the operation strategy and it significantly influences the degree of fuel consumption reduction. In order to achieve stable combustion with a stratified LPG mixture, an inter-injection spark ignition (ISI) strategy, which is an alternative control strategy to two-stage injection, was employed. The effects of the compression ratio on fuel economy were also assessed; due to the characteristics of the stratified LPG mixture, the fuel consumption did not reduce when the compression ratio was increased.