Currently Funded Projects
EPSRC F/031351/1
'High EGR Diesel Combustion'
This project is funded by the EPSRC (link to EPSRC announcement here) and is supported by Ford and Cambustion. The main objective of the study is to develop an improved understanding of low-temperature diesel combustion processes during transient operation. To achieve this objective, the new AVL research engine in the powertrains lab will be operated at high-EGR rates (in excess of 50%) to provide the conditions encountered in the low-temperature combustion regime. Combustion stability will be evaluated through thermodynamic techniques, including high-speed gas analysis and pressure measurements, as well as through endoscope-based optical evaluation of the combustion event. The operating conditions, including engine speed and load and air and EGR quantities, will be selected to be representative of those encountered during transient operation. The final phase of the project will be an evaluation of whether optimization of multiple-injection strategies can be used as a technique to minimize emissions during the transient run.