Computational Study to Identify Feasible Operating Space for a Mixed Mode Combustion Strategy—A Pathway for Premixed Compression Ignition High Load Operation

A mixed mode combustion strategy with a premixed compression ignition (PCI) combustion event and a mixing controlled load extension injection was investigated in the current study. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was used to perform a full factorial design of experiments (DOE) to study the effects of premixed fuel fraction, load extension injection timing, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The goal of the study was to identify a feasible operating space and demonstrate a pathway to enable high-load operation with the mixed mode combustion strategy. The gross-indicated efficiency (GIE) increased with premix fraction, but the maximum premix fraction was constrained by pressure rise rate which confined the feasible operating space to a premix fuel mass range of 70–80%. Injecting part of the premixed fuel as a stratified injection relieved the pressure rise rate constraint considerably through in-cylinder equivalence ratio stratification. This allowed operation with premix fuel mass of 70% and higher and EGR rates less than 40% which resulted in improved GIE of the late cycle injection cases. It was also identified that by targeting the fuel from the stratified injection into the squish region, there is improved oxygen availability in the bowl for the load extension injection, which resulted in reduced soot emissions. This allowed the load extension injection to be brought closer to top dead center while meeting the soot constraint, which further improved the GIE. Finally, the results from the study were used to demonstrate high-load operation at 20 bar and 1300 rev/min.