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CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation

Author

Listed:
  • Soo-Jin Jeong

    (Alternative Fuel Power System R&D Department, Korea Automotive Technology Institute, 303 Pungse-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31214, Republic of Korea)

  • Seokpan Seo

    (STX Engine Co., Ltd., 36, Gongdan-ro, 474 beon-gil, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si 51574, Republic of Korea)

  • Seong-Joon Moon

    (Alternative Fuel Power System R&D Department, Korea Automotive Technology Institute, 303 Pungse-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31214, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

This study develops and validates a three-dimensional CFD model for a 12 L large-bore active-type pre-chamber spark-ignition (PCSI) engine fueled by natural gas. The model incorporates an advanced Extended Coherent Flamelet Model (ECFM-3Z) with a tuned stretch factor to capture complex turbulence–flame interactions, flame propagation, and pollutant formation under ultra-lean conditions. By systematically varying pre-chamber geometries—specifically the orifice diameter, cone angle, diverging tapered nozzle, and volume—the simulations assess their effects on combustion dynamics, heat release rates, turbulent jet penetration, and emissions (NOx and CO). Model predictions of in-cylinder and pre-chamber pressure profiles, combustion phasing, and emission trends are validated against experimental data. The results demonstrate that optimizing pre-chamber and orifice configurations enhances turbulent mixing, accelerates flame development, and reduces local high-temperature zones, thereby suppressing NOx and CO formation. Although some discrepancies in NOx predictions persist due to limitations in current turbulence–chemistry models, the findings offer valuable insights for the design of high-efficiency, low-emission PCSI engines.

Suggested Citation

  • Soo-Jin Jeong & Seokpan Seo & Seong-Joon Moon, 2025. "CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-42, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:7:p:1600-:d:1618637
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simone Bigalli & Iacopo Catalani & Francesco Balduzzi & Nicola Matteazzi & Lorenzo Agostinelli & Michele De Luca & Giovanni Ferrara, 2022. "Numerical Investigation on the Performance of a 4-Stroke Engine with Different Passive Pre-Chamber Geometries Using a Detailed Chemistry Solver," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Tianbo Wang & Lanchun Zhang & Li Li & Jiahui Wu & Hongchen Wang, 2022. "Numerical Comparative Study on the In-Cylinder Mixing Performance of Port Fuel Injection and Direct Injection Gas-Fueled Engine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Lina Xu & Gang Li & Mingfa Yao & Zunqing Zheng & Hu Wang, 2022. "Numerical Investigation on the Jet Characteristics and Combustion Process of an Active Prechamber Combustion System Fueled with Natural Gas," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-16, July.
    4. López, J.J. & Novella, R. & Gomez-Soriano, J. & Martinez-Hernandiz, P.J. & Rampanarivo, F. & Libert, C. & Dabiri, M., 2021. "Advantages of the unscavenged pre-chamber ignition system in turbocharged natural gas engines for automotive applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
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