Feasibility investigation of Low-Temperature reforming technology on a GCI engine

Abstract

Reforming technology can convert fuel into small molecules. However, different from the conventional catalytic reforming methods, low-temperature reforming (LTR) technology reforming fuel without catalyst. In this work, LTR technology and gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine coupling, explore the application potential. First, study on the influence of boundary conditions on reforming process: with the increase of reforming equivalence ratios and reforming quantities, the concentration of CH3CHO, CO and CO2 in reformed products would increase. Next, study on the effect of reforming products (variable boundary condition) on combustion process: the addition of reformed products could advance the combustion phase, shorten the combustion duration, and reduce the in-cylinder peak pressure and pressure rise rate (PRR). Moreover, with the decrease of reforming equivalent ratio, the in-cylinder peak pressure increased, but the PRR gradually reduced, and the combustion duration was also shortened. With the increase of reforming proportion, the in-cylinder peak pressure and PRR were gradually decreased, and the combustion duration was also shortened. Finally, the application performance of LTR technology in GCI engine was evaluated comprehensively.