Application of ion current measurement to identification of combustion parameters in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine

Abstract

This study examines the application of ion current measurements to the identification of heat release parameters inside the combustion chamber of a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine fuelled with gasoline. HCCI combustion was achieved with the use of exhaust gas trapping. Combustion parameters derived from the in-cylinder pressure and ion current measurements were compared and analysed. Ion current measurements were accomplished using the existing spark plug and a dedicated electronic circuit. The experiments were performed at a variable excess air ratio and a variable amount of trapped residuals. The results showed a good correlation between peak values of the ion current and heat release rate, except for the cases where a fuel-rich mixture was burnt. The computed ion current integral over the volume of the combustion chamber showed a good agreement with the heat released in the combustion chamber, however this parameter was found to be affected by the amount of trapped residuals. Combustion timing characteristic values computed using heat release and ion current were found to be correlated, however the relationship was not linear.