A quasi-dimensional model for performance and emissions predictions in a dual fuel engine

A new quasi-dimensional, multi-zone model has been developed to describe the combustion processes occurring inside a dual fuel engine. A dual fuel engine is a compression ignition engine in which a homogeneous lean premixed charge of gaseous fuel and air is ignited by a pilot fuel spray. The atomisation and preparation of the pilot leads to the formation of multiple ignition centres from which turbulent flame fronts develop. The energy release in a dual fuel engine is therefore a combination of that from the combustion of the pilot fuel spray and lean premixed charge. Hence, the dual fuel combustion process is complex, combining elements of both conventional spark and compression ignition engines. The dual fuel engine is beneficial as it can achieve significant reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as reducing emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). [Continues.]