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Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "I2: Energy and Combustion Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2021) | Viewed by 22882

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michele Battistoni

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
Interests: computational fluid dynamics (CFD); sprays; multiphase flows; internal combustion engines; fuels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Chaouki Habchi

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Guest Editor

IFP Energies Nouvelles–Digital Science and Technology Division, 1 et 4 avenue de Bois-Préau, CEDEX, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison, France
Interests: computational fluid dynamics (CFD); sprays; multiphase flows; internal combustion engines; fuels; spray-wall interactions, liquid film, real-fluid Equation of State (EoS), phase change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Towards more efficient and cleaner propulsion and land transportation, new gas turbines, liquid-rocket engines, and internal-combustion engines are being designed to operate at very high chamber pressure, often exceeding the injected fuel’s critical pressure, or at superheated conditions. In this context, several new complexities are being faced. Real fluid thermodynamics cannot be neglected, as most of the injection processes are actually trans-critical or experiencing nucleation and flash atomization. New fuel mixtures and formulations derived from conventional sources, advanced biomasses processing (such as with ethanol, methanol), or in the form of short-chain synthetic e-fuels generated with renewable energy are also being extensively investigated. Many challenges are then related to acquiring new accurate data describing properties and behavior of these mixtures under a variety of conditions. In addition, fuel injection and mixing are of utmost importance in this scenario, as combustion control is achieved through the injector operation.

The development of high-fidelity simulation methods and new experimental techniques for fuel spray characterization are obviously critical in the rapid development of next-generation, more climate-friendly thermal power units. This Special Issue will deal with novel computational efforts and experimental techniques for the development of new propulsion systems, advanced fuels, and new injection devices.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Numerical modeling of subcritical, trans-critical, and supercritical fuel–oxidizer flows in engine-relevant conditions
Numerical modeling of flash-atomization injection in engine-relevant conditions (ICE, rockets, …)
Real-fluid thermodynamic modeling and simulation including molecular dynamic (MD) simulations
Simulations and experiments on real-fluid sub-critical, trans-critical, and supercritical flows, mixing, and combustion
Fuel effects on combustion engine performance
Advanced experimental measurements of fuel–air dynamics
New injection systems and atomizers design and characterization
Non-conventional modeling and measurement techniques

Prof. Dr. Michele Battistoni
Dr. Chaouki Habchi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

Real fluids thermodynamics
Subcritical flows
Trans-critical flows
Supercritical flows
Flash boiling and flash atomization
Homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation
Fuel injection
Propulsion systems
Advanced internal combustion engines
Rockets
Gas turbines
E-fuels
Cryogenic injection and mixing
Ethanol, methanol
Liquid natural gas
DME
Multicomponent fuels.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

38 pages, 9488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Understanding the Structure of Subcritical and Transcritical Liquid–Gas Interfaces Using a Tabulated Real Fluid Modeling Approach

by Sajad Jafari, Hesham Gaballa, Chaouki Habchi and Jean-Charles de Hemptinne

Energies 2021, 14(18), 5621; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14185621 - 07 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

A fundamental understanding and simulation of fuel atomization, phase transition, and mixing are among the topics researchers have struggled with for decades. One of the reasons for this is that the accurate, robust, and efficient simulation of fuel jets remains a challenge. In this paper, a tabulated multi-component real-fluid model (RFM) is proposed to overcome most of the limitations and to make real-fluid simulations affordable. Essentially, a fully compressible two-phase flow and a diffuse interface approach are used for the RFM model, which were implemented in the CONVERGE solver. PISO and SIMPLE numerical schemes were modified to account for a highly coupled real-fluid tabulation approach. These new RFM model and numerical schemes were applied to the simulation of different fundamental 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D test cases to better understand the structure of subcritical and transcritical liquid–gas interfaces and to reveal the hydro-thermodynamic characteristics of multicomponent jet mixing. The simulation of a classical cryogenic injection of liquid nitrogen coaxially with a hot hydrogen jet is performed using thermodynamic tables generated by two different equations of state: Peng–Robinson (PR) and Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK). The numerical results are finally compared with available experimental data and published numerical studies with satisfactory agreement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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20 pages, 39939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Starting to Unpick the Unique Air–Fuel Mixing Dynamics in the Recuperated Split Cycle Engine

by Simon A. Harvey, Konstantina Vogiatzaki, Guillaume de Sercey, William Redpath and Robert E. Morgan

Energies 2021, 14(8), 2148; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14082148 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1872

Abstract

In this work air fuel mixing and combustion dynamics in the recuperated split cycle engine (RSCE) are investigated through new theoretical analysis and complementary optical experiments of the flow field. First, a brief introduction to the basic working principles of the RSCE cycle will be presented, followed by recent test bed results relevant to pressure traces and soot emissions. These results prompted fundamental questioning of the air-fuel mixing and combustion dynamics taking place. Hypotheses of the mixing process are then presented, with differences to that of a conventional Diesel engine highlighted. Moreover, the links of the reduced emissions, air transfer processes and enhanced atomisation are explored. Initial experimental results and Schlieren images of the air flow through the poppet valves in a flow rig are reported. The Schlieren images display shockwave and Mach disk phenomena. Demonstrating supersonic air flow in the chamber is consistent with complementary CFD work. The results from the initial experiment alone are inconclusive to suggest which of the three suggested mixing mechanism hypotheses are dominating the air–fuel dynamics in the RSCE. However, one major conclusion of this work is the proof for the presence of shockwave phenomena which are atypical of conventional engines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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17 pages, 4009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Varying Ignition Quality of a Fuel for a HCCI Engine Using a Photochemically-Controlled Additive: The Development of a ‘Smart’ Fuel

by David Emberson, Judit Sandquist, Terese Løvås, Alessandro Schönborn and Inge Saanum

Energies 2021, 14(5), 1470; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14051470 - 08 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1526

Abstract

This study examines the possibility to provide control over ignition timing in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine (HCCI) using a fuel additive whose molecular structure can be adapted upon exposure to UV light. The UV adapted molecule has a greater influence on retarding ignition than the original molecule, hence the ignition time can be modulated upon expose to UV light. The new fuel is referred to as a ‘smart fuel’. The fuel additive is in the form of 1,3-cyclohexadiene (CHD), upon UV exposure it undergoes electro-cyclic ring opening to form 1,3,5-hexatriene (HT). Various solutions of iso-octane, n-heptane and CHD have been irradiated by UV light for different amounts of time. CHD to HT conversion was examined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. A primary reference fuel (PRF) mixture of 90% iso-octane and 10% n-heptane was used as a baseline in an optically accessible combustion chamber in a large bore, single cylinder compression ignition engine. The engine was operated in HCCI mode, using early injection to provide homogeneous mixture and utilized heated and compressed air intake. Following this a PRF with 5% CHD was used in the engine. A PRF with 5% CHD was then irradiated with UV light for 240 min, resulting in a PRF mixture containing 1.72% HT, this was then used in the engine. The HT containing PRF had a much later start of combustion compared with the CHD containing PRF, which in turn had a later start of combustion compared with the PRF baseline. This study has successfully validated the concept of using a photo-chemical ‘smart’ fuel to significantly change the ignition quality of a fuel in HCCI mode combustion and demonstrated the concept of on-board ‘smart fuel’ applications for ICE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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32 pages, 24076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optical Investigation of a Partial Fuel Stratification Strategy to Stabilize Overall Lean Operation of a DISI Engine Fueled with Gasoline and E30

by Cinzia Tornatore and Magnus Sjöberg

Energies 2021, 14(2), 396; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14020396 - 12 Jan 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2278

Abstract

This paper offers new insights into a partial fuel stratification (PFS) combustion strategy that has proven to be effective at stabilizing overall lean combustion in direct injection spark ignition engines. To this aim, high spatial and temporal resolution optical diagnostics were applied in an optically accessible engine working in PFS mode for two fuels and two different durations of pilot injection at the time of spark: 210 µs and 330 µs for E30 (gasoline blended with ethanol by 30% volume fraction) and gasoline, respectively. In both conditions, early injections during the intake stroke were used to generate a well-mixed lean background. The results were compared to rich, stoichiometric and lean well-mixed combustion with different spark timings. In the PFS combustion process, it was possible to detect a non-spherical and highly wrinkled blue flame, coupled with yellow diffusive flames due to the combustion of rich zones near the spark plug. The initial flame spread for both PFS cases was faster compared to any of the well-mixed cases (lean, stoichiometric and rich), suggesting that the flame propagation for PFS is enhanced by both enrichment and enhanced local turbulence caused by the pilot injection. Different spray evolutions for the two pilot injection durations were found to strongly influence the flame kernel inception and propagation. PFS with pilot durations of 210 µs and 330 µs showed some differences in terms of shapes of the flame front and in terms of extension of diffusive flames. Yet, both cases were highly repeatable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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22 pages, 813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Characterization of Corona Spark Plugs and Its Effects on Radicals Production

by Giorgio La Civita, Francesco Orlandi, Valerio Mariani, Giulio Cazzoli and Emanuele Ghedini

Energies 2021, 14(2), 381; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14020381 - 12 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1659

Abstract

A mono-dimensional code for the simulation of the effects of High Frequency Ignition systems (HFI) on the production of chemical radicals was developed and here presented. The simulations were carried out by considering the typical environmental thermodynamic conditions of a nowadays engine at full load. An electron transport model is linked with a Boltzmann solver coupled with a chemistry solver, affecting the Electron Energy Distribution Function (EEDF) in order to obtain the physical conditions leading to the production of radical components for a given fuel mixture. The transport equations for the electrons, the positive and the negative ions, and the Gauss’ law in a steady-state plasma region. Then the Boltzmann equation for the electrons, in a spatially homogeneous steady-state case, is solved in order to obtain the EEDF. Finally the chemical kinetics model is employed assuming a fuel-air mixture neglecting the fuel carbon atoms due to the assumption that electron-impact dissociation reactions, which initiate the combustion, exhibit a greater reaction rate compared to those based on hydrocarbon thermal dissociation and therefore can be neglected in this work. Results show the production of the hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) radicals and the radius of the initial discharge under different simulated engine operating conditions characterizing the role of a plasma corona effect for the induced chemical ignition in gasoline-powered engines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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21 pages, 4723 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact of Oxygenated Additives on Soot Properties during Diesel Combustion

by Natascia Palazzo, Lars Zigan, Franz J. T. Huber and Stefan Will

Energies 2021, 14(1), 147; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14010147 - 29 Dec 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2763

Abstract

Emissions from diesel engines can be limited and potentially decreased by modifying the fuel chemical composition through additive insertion. One class of additives that have shown to be particularly efficient in the reduction of the particulates from the combustion of diesel fuels are oxygenated compounds. In the present study we investigate the effect of tripropylene glycol methyl ether (TPGME) and two polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (POMDME or OMEs) on soot formation in a laminar diesel diffusion flame. From the evaluation of soot volume fraction by laser-induced incandescence (LII) measurements we could observe that OME additives have a substantial capability (higher compared to TPGME) to decrease the particle concentration, which drops by up to 36% with respect to the pure diesel fuel. We also note a reduction in particle aggregate size, determined by wide-angle light scattering (WALS) measurements, which is more pronounced in the case of OME–diesel blends. The effects we observe can be correlated to the higher amount of oxygen content in the OME molecules. Moreover, both additives investigated seem to have almost no impact on the local soot temperature which could in turn play a key role in the production of soot particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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27 pages, 8290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Modeling of Transcritical and Supercritical Fuel Injections Using a Multi-Component Two-Phase Flow Model

by Bittagowdanahalli Manjegowda Ningegowda, Faniry Nadia Zazaravaka Rahantamialisoa, Adrian Pandal, Hrvoje Jasak, Hong Geun Im and Michele Battistoni

Energies 2020, 13(21), 5676; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13215676 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2496

Abstract

In the present numerical study, implicit large eddy simulations (LES) of non-reacting multi-components mixing processes of cryogenic nitrogen and n-dodecane fuel injections under transcritical and supercritical conditions are carried out, using a modified reacting flow solver, originally available in the open source software OpenFOAM^®. To this end, the Peng-Robinson (PR) cubic equation of state (EOS) is considered and the solver is modified to account for the real-fluid thermodynamics. At high pressure conditions, the variable transport properties such as dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity are accurately computed using the Chung transport model. To deal with the multicomponent species mixing, molar averaged homogeneous classical mixing rules are used. For the velocity-pressure coupling, a PIMPLE based compressible algorithm is employed. For both cryogenic and non-cryogenic fuel injections, qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed, and the results show significant effects of the chamber pressure on the mixing processes and entrainment rates. The capability of the proposed numerical model to handle multicomponent species mixing with real-fluid thermophysical properties is demonstrated, in both supercritical and transcritical regimes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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18 pages, 4998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Eulerian Multi-Fluid Solver for Dense Spray Applications in OpenFOAM

by Robert Keser, Alberto Ceschin, Michele Battistoni, Hong G. Im and Hrvoje Jasak

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4740; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13184740 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2544

Abstract

The new generation of internal combustion engines is facing various research challenges which often include modern fuels and different operating modes. A robust modeling framework is essential for predicting the dynamic behavior of such complex phenomena. In this article, the implementation, verification, and validation of a Eulerian multi-fluid model for spray applications within the OpenFOAM toolbox are presented. Due to its open-source nature and broad-spectrum of available libraries and solvers, OpenFOAM is an ideal platform for academic research. The proposed work utilizes advanced interfacial momentum transfer models to capture the behavior of deforming droplets at a high phase fraction. Furthermore, the WAVE breakup model is employed for the transfer of mass from larger to smaller droplet classes. The work gives detailed instructions regarding the numerical implementation, with a dedicated section dealing with the implementation of the breakup model within the Eulerian multi-fluid formulation. During the verification analysis, the model proved to give stable and consistent results in terms of the selected number of droplet classes and the selected spatial and temporal resolution. In the validation section, the capability of the developed model to predict the dynamic behavior of non-evaporating sprays is presented. It was confirmed that the developed framework could be used as a stable foundation for future fuel spray modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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25 pages, 6494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Sub and Supercritical Cryogenic Fluid Dynamics in Conditions Relevant to Novel Ultra Low Emission Engines

by Jaya Madana Gopal, Giovanni Tretola, Robert Morgan, Guillaume de Sercey, Andrew Atkins and Konstantina Vogiatzaki

Energies 2020, 13(12), 3038; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13123038 - 12 Jun 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4038

Abstract

In this paper we provide insight into the thermophysical properties and the dynamics of cryogenic jets. The motivation of the work is to optimise the use of cryogenic fluids in novel ultra low emission engines. For demonstration, we use conditions relevant to an internal combustion engine currently being developed by Dolphin N2 and the University of Brighton, the CryoPower recuperated split cycle engine (RSCE). The principle of this engine is a split-cycle combustion concept which can use cryogenic injection in the compression cylinder to achieve isothermal compression and thus help maximise the efficiency of the engine. Combined experimental and numerical findings are presented and the effects of atomisation dynamics of the LN

_{2}

are explored at both sub- and supercritical conditions in order to cover different pressure and temperature conditions representative of the engine compression cycle. For subcritical regimes, we observe that the appearance of the jet coincides with the predicted atomisation regimes based on the Weber, Ohnesorge and Reynolds numbers for other common fluids. For the modelling of supercritical jets, a new methodology within OpenFoam which accounts for Real Fluid Thermodynamics has been developed and the jet behaviour under various pressure and temperature conditions has been investigated. To our knowledge this is the first study where a cryogenic spray process evolution is examined for conditions relevant to the ones prevailing in a compression chamber accounting for both sub and supercritical conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Propulsion Systems, Advanced Fuels and Injection Systems)

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