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Experimental study of pre-chamber ignition with asymmetric intake valve timing for performance enhancement in a high compression ratio spark-ignition engine

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Rumin
  • Liu, Jingping
  • Duan, Xiongbo
  • Jia, Dongdong
  • Qiao, Junhao
  • Zhou, Xinyi
  • Yang, Wenming

Abstract

To support the transition toward zero-carbon mobility, this study experimentally investigated the synergistic effects of integrating pre-chamber ignition (PCI) with continuously variable LIVC Miller cycle implemented via asymmetric intake valve timing—termed MCPCI—on the combustion behavior and engine performance of a high compression ratio (CR) spark ignition (SI) engine. MCPCI was compared with Otto-cycle-based PCI (OCPCI) and conventional spark ignition (OCSI) strategies. The results show that delaying intake valve closing reduces the pressure difference between intake and exhaust, significantly lowering pumping loss. It also lowers the effective compression ratio (ECR), enhancing knock resistance at medium and high loads. Additionally, the high ignition energy and turbulent jets from the pre-chamber promote faster and more stable combustion. Specifically, MCPCI advances CA50 and shortens combustion duration across most load conditions, with reductions in COVIMEP mainly observed at medium loads. Across the entire load range, MCPCI achieves lower brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) compared to both baseline strategies. At 10 bar, BSFC decreases by 7.62 %, accompanied by a 9.66 % increase in indicated thermal efficiency (ITE). Additionally, CO2 emission is reduced across the tested load range, with a maximum reduction of 6.45 % relative to OCSI. NOx emissions are suppressed at low and high loads, but an increase is observed under medium-load conditions (4–9 bar). Meanwhile, HC and CO emissions increase, indicating that further optimization of mixture formation and flame propagation is required for more uniform and efficient combustion in future work.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Rumin & Liu, Jingping & Duan, Xiongbo & Jia, Dongdong & Qiao, Junhao & Zhou, Xinyi & Yang, Wenming, 2025. "Experimental study of pre-chamber ignition with asymmetric intake valve timing for performance enhancement in a high compression ratio spark-ignition engine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225044044
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138762
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    References listed on IDEAS

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