SAMPLE PROJECT DESCRIPTION

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Determination of Operational Limits and Stability Analysis of a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine Using 1-D Engine Cycle Simulation Objectives and Methodology

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Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion is under widespread investigation due to its potential for ultra low NOx and soot emissions, while maintaining high thermal efficiency. It accomplishes this by combining the best features of gasoline and diesel engines. Like gasoline engines it employs a relatively uniform mixture of fuel and air to reduce soot and particulates. Like the diesel engine it utilizes a high compression ratio to improve thermodynamic efficiency and employs autoignition to initiate combustion. One of the obstacles in the practical implementation of HCCI combustion in production engines is that HCCI can be used only in a relatively narrow speed and load range. The goal of this project is to investigate the behavior of an HCCI engine at the limits of its operational range and explore methods to extend these limits. Furthermore, the stability of the HCCI engine under thermal transients (load changes) will also be studied. The simulation tools that will be used in this project are GT-Power, a 1-D engine cycle simulation, and Matlab/Simulink.

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Student Tasks and Responsibilities:

 

The project will involve numerous parametric calculations and thorough post-processing of the results so that useful conclusions can be extracted. The software that will be used is GT-Power, a commercial 1-Dimensional engine cycle simulation, and Matlab/Simulink. Minimum Qualifications of Student Assistant: The prospective student would benefit by prior experience with Matlab/Simulink and Excel; however she/he will be guided in the use of GT-Power. The prospective student will be expected to work independently on one of the Autolab computers and have weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss her/his progress. Hours per Week: 9