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CFD Modelling and Experimental Validation of an Ethanol Spark-Ignition Heavy-Duty Engine

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Cristina Cameretti

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy)

  • Roberta De Robbio

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy)

  • Raffaele Tuccillo

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy)

  • Diego Perrone

    (Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy)

  • Teresa Castiglione

    (Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy)

Abstract

The activity of the present work is part of a research project aimed at proposing a solution for off-grid charging stations relying on the adoption of a reciprocating engine fuelled with alternative renewable fuels. This technology has as its main advantage the zero-carbon emissions impact of biofuels with small modifications to current ICE technology and refuelling infrastructure. This research is founded on preliminary experimental tests carried out on a six-cylinder spark-ignition engine adapted to pure ethanol fuelling with a single-point injection system. The experimental results obtained at different engine loads have been useful to build and validate a CFD model by testing several kinetic mechanisms and for the proper calibration of a flame speed model. Nevertheless, due to the chemical and physical properties of alcohols such as ethanol, this type of fuelling system leads to a significant non-uniformity of the mixture among the cylinders, and in some cases, to rich air-to-fuel ratio; numerical simulations are performed to address such an issue, and to evaluate performance and exhaust emissions, in terms of CO, CO 2 , and NO x . Finally, a study on spark timing variation is presented as well, to study its effect on performance and pollutants.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Cristina Cameretti & Roberta De Robbio & Raffaele Tuccillo & Diego Perrone & Teresa Castiglione, 2025. "CFD Modelling and Experimental Validation of an Ethanol Spark-Ignition Heavy-Duty Engine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-31, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:13:p:3349-:d:1687964
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    References listed on IDEAS

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