energies-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Internal Combustion Engines for Carbon Neutrality: Performance, Combustion and Emission

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 May 2025 | Viewed by 3021

Special Issue Editors

1. State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmission for Advanced Equipment, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
2. College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Interests: internal combustion engine; carbon neutral fuels; combustion; emissions
School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
Interests: spray and combustion; hybrid powertrain control; low/zero carbon fuels

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) are now facing fierce competition from battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) throughout the world. The main obstacle for sustainable ICEV utilization lies in the realization of carbon neutrality with widespread use. The implementation of low/zero-carbon fuels (such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels, e-fuels, etc.), and low/zero-carbon combustion techniques contributes tremendously towards carbon-neutral ICEs, which are now attracting global interest.

This Special Issue of Energies will focus on the implementation of low/zero-carbon fuels and advanced low/zero-carbon combustion techniques within ICEs, which can help reverse the trend of the demonization of ICE application. Papers on new trends in low and zero-carbon fuel combustion/ignition/performance/emissions, novel low/zero-carbon cycles, and high-efficiency hybrid combustion are welcome in this Special Issue.

Dr. Zhe Kang
Dr. Zongjie Hu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs)
  • carbon neutral
  • low/zero-carbon fuels
  • low/zero-carbon combustion techniques
  • engine efficiency
  • hybrid combustion

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 7797 KiB  
Article
Influence of Ambient Pressure on the Jet-Ignition Combustion Performance and Flame Propagation Characteristics of Gasoline in a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber
by Zongjie Hu, Minglong Li, Xinke Miao, Zhiyu Wang, Yuanzhi Tang, Xijiang Wu, Wangchao Yu, Zhe Kang and Jun Deng
Energies 2024, 17(13), 3101; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133101 - 24 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 781
Abstract
Based on a constant volume combustion chamber, the initial ambient pressure effect on gasoline combustion performance and flame propagation of the active and passive pre-chamber ignition systems were studied. Compared with the passive pre-chamber, the active pre-chamber can significantly expand the lean combustion [...] Read more.
Based on a constant volume combustion chamber, the initial ambient pressure effect on gasoline combustion performance and flame propagation of the active and passive pre-chamber ignition systems were studied. Compared with the passive pre-chamber, the active pre-chamber can significantly expand the lean combustion limit from 1.2 to 1.5, enhance the ignition and combustion performance, and speed up the combustion of the main combustion chamber. At slightly lean combustion conditions, the heat release performance has a positive correlation with the initial ambient pressure. As the premixed λ increases, the heat release performance and the initial ambient pressure begin to become negatively correlated. Ignition delay can be decreased by approximately 50% at an initial pressure of 0.75 MPa, premixed lambda of 1.2 with APC compared with PPC. The high ambient pressure (1.0 MPa) in the constant volume chamber greatly reduces the mixture entrainment ability of the jet flame at lean combustion conditions, thereby reducing the combustion speed and peak heat release rate. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4318 KiB  
Article
Impact of Using n-Octanol/Diesel Blends on the Performance and Emissions of a Direct-Injection Diesel Engine
by Jongkap Ahn, Kwonwoo Jang, Jeonghyeon Yang, Beomsoo Kim and Jaesung Kwon
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2691; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112691 - 1 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 728
Abstract
This study evaluates the viability of n-octanol as an alternative fuel in a direct-injection diesel engine, aiming to enhance sustainability and efficiency. Experiments fueled by different blends of n-octanol with pure diesel were conducted to analyze their impacts on engine performance and emissions. [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the viability of n-octanol as an alternative fuel in a direct-injection diesel engine, aiming to enhance sustainability and efficiency. Experiments fueled by different blends of n-octanol with pure diesel were conducted to analyze their impacts on engine performance and emissions. The methodology involved testing each blend in a single-cylinder engine, measuring engine performance parameters such as brake torque and brake power under full-load conditions across a range of engine speeds. Comparative assessments of performance and emission characteristics at a constant engine speed were also conducted with varying loads. The results indicated that while n-octanol blends consistently improved brake thermal efficiency, they also increased brake-specific fuel consumption due to the lower energy content of n-octanol. Consequently, while all n-octanol blends reduced nitrogen oxide emissions compared to pure diesel, they also significantly decreased carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and smoke opacity, presenting a comprehensive reduction in harmful emissions. However, the benefits came with complex trade-offs: notably, higher concentrations of n-octanol led to a relative increase in nitrogen oxide emissions as the n-octanol ratio increased. The study concludes that n-octanol significantly improves engine efficiency and reduces diesel dependence, but optimizing the blend ratio is crucial to balance performance improvements with comprehensive emission reductions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4698 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Environmental and Performance Implications of Utilizing Waste Swine Oil Biodiesel in CI Engines
by Ramozon Khujamberdiev and Haeng Muk Cho
Energies 2024, 17(3), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030551 - 23 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 826
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of varying waste swine oil biodiesel blends on the emission characteristics and efficiency of a compression ignition (CI) engine. Through a series of controlled experiments, the engine was operated under a constant load of 25% across different speeds [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effects of varying waste swine oil biodiesel blends on the emission characteristics and efficiency of a compression ignition (CI) engine. Through a series of controlled experiments, the engine was operated under a constant load of 25% across different speeds ranging from 1200 to 1800 rpm. This study meticulously recorded the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), along with performance metrics, including Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) and Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE). The results revealed a clear inverse relationship between biodiesel blend percentage and emissions of CO, HC, and PM. CO emissions decreased from 0.76 at 1200 rpm to 0.22 at 1800 rpm for the B80 blend, compared to pure diesel. Similarly, HC emissions showed a decline from 36 to 20 for the B80 blend. Conversely, CO2 and NOx emissions increased in higher biodiesel blends, with CO2 peaking at 2.9 for the B80 blend and NOx emissions rising from 103 for pure diesel to 165 for the B80 blend. PM emissions also decreased with higher blends, from 15 in pure diesel to 10 in the B80 blend. This comprehensive analysis reveals that while biodiesel significantly reduces specific emissions, it also poses challenges in terms of increased fuel consumption and reduced thermal efficiency. The findings emphasize the need for advanced engine technologies and optimization strategies to harness the full potential of biodiesel as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop