Thesis-2009-Panousakis.pdf (57.36 MB)
Ion current sensing for controlled auto ignition in internal combustion engines
thesis
posted on 2011-02-25, 14:30 authored by Dimosthenis PanousakisEnvirom-nental pollution is a subject that needs urgent addressing. Since the internal
combustion engine has its fair share of accountability on this, research on techniques for
increasing engine efficiency and emissions is necessary. Controlled Auto Ignition is a
promising combustion mode, which increases fuel efficiency while also reducing NOx
emissions to negligible levels.
This Thesis concentrates on the implementation of this mode through experimental
research, on an engine equipped with a fully variable valvetrain. Investigation of the
operational window, emissions, fuel consumption, thermodynamic efficiency is carried
out and ways to improve on these are discussed.
The governing consideration, however, is the control method for this rather intricate
combustion mode. As such, experimental data acquisition and analysis of ion current
under the whole operating spectrum, from spark ignition to full autoignition is made.
It is found that the expected gains in fuel consumption and emissions are realized. In
addition, ion current proves to be a very powerful and cost effective tool for engine
monitoring, diagnosis and control.
The author concludes that Controlled Auto Ignition is a viable proposition for mass
production engine designs and that ion current, although not absolutely vital for engine
control, considerably increases engine control thus allowing for greater operating window
under autoignition, without compromising reliability or cost.
History
School
- Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Department
- Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering
Publisher
© Dimosthenis PanousakisPublication date
2009Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.510330Language
- en