Low-Temperature Combustion: An Advanced Technology for Internal Combustion Engines

Abstract

Universal concerns about degradation of ambient environmental conditions, stringent emission legislations, depletion of petroleum reserves, security of fuel supply, and global warming have motivated R&D of engines operating on alternative combustion concepts, which have the capability of using renewable fuels. Low-temperature combustion (LTC) is an advanced combustion concept for internal combustion (IC) engines, which has attracted global attention in recent years. LTC is radically different from conventional spark ignition (SI) combustion and compression ignition (CI) diffusion combustion concepts. LTC technology offers prominent benefits in terms of simultaneous reduction of both oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) in addition to reducing specific fuel consumption. However, controlling ignition timing and heat release rate (HRR) are primary challenges to be tackled before LTC technology can be implemented in automotive engines commercially. This chapter reviews fundamental aspects of development of LTC engines and their evolution, historical background, and origin of LTC concept and its future prospects. Detailed insights into preparation of homogeneous charge by external and internal measures for diesel like fuels are discussed. Combustion characteristics of LTC engines including combustion chemistry, HRR, and knock characteristics are also touched upon in this chapter. Emission characteristics are also reviewed along with insights into PM and NOx emissions from LTC engines.