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Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains

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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 (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 38545

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Prof. Dr. Lars Eriksson

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Vehicular Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering, Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden
Interests: control and estimation; applied thermodynamics; combustion; thermal management; electromobility; batteries
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The goal of this Special Issue on “Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains” is to highlight how optimization and control techniques are bringing us to the clean and efficient transportation of the future. There are many emerging tools and technologies for both ICE and hybrid electric powertrains that are worth highlighting as they contribute to increased powertrain and transportation efficiency. Moreover, the ability to connect vehicles and infrastructure, now becoming components of the Internet of Things (IoT), enables many opportunities for planning to avoid losses and thereby improving system efficiency.

This Special Issue aims at illustrating the challenges and opportunities in vehicle powertrain development. This is done by showcasing the wide range of developments, from hardware and physics to software, through control and optimization to planning of future trajectories, which are ongoing and that rely on optimization and control techniques.

The main theme is advancements in energy efficiency, while considering and meeting emission legislations. Under this wide umbrella, the topics of interest for the Special Issue include but are not limited to:

Engine development:
- Combustion processes and their controls;
- Combustion modeling and control: spark ignition, compression ignition, low temperature combustion;
- Gas exchange processes: turbocharging, supercharging, variable valve technology;
- Combustion engine system control;
- Biofuels and biogas alternatives;
- Engine control—alternative fuel;
- Dual fuel control;
- Engine interaction with after treatment;
- Alternative power systems for powertrains;
Energy management:
- Waste heat recovery;
- Energy storage systems: electrochemical systems, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, charging and infrastructure;
- Fuel cells, hydrocarbon fuel reforming, hydrogen combustion;
- Battery model and battery control;
- XEV (HEV, EV, FCEV, etc.)/solar-powered vehicles;
- Alternative hybrid vehicles: hydraulic hybrids, air hybrids, kinetic energy hybrids (e.g., flywheel);
Methodological areas:
- Plant modeling and system identification;
- Physical and/or data-driven models;
- System simulation and optimization;
- Model-based control;
- Control optimization, optimal control, and model predictive control;
- Rapid control prototyping;
- AI and big data.

Prof. Dr. Lars Eriksson
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Internal combustion engines (ICE)
Combustion engine system control
Energy management
Waste heat recovery
Hybrid electric powertrains
Alternative hybrid vehicles

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Related Special Issue

Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains: 2nd Edition in Energies (1 article)

Published Papers (10 papers)

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17 pages, 1302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictive Emission Management Based on Pre-Heating for Heavy-Duty Powertrains

by Olov Holmer and Lars Eriksson

Energies 2022, 15(21), 8232; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218232 - 4 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1334

Abstract

Hybrid electric vehicles are promising solutions to the need for cleaner transport. Their ability to drive fully electric also opens the possibility of zero local emission operation by turning off the internal combustion engine. However, prolonged periods with the engine turned off result in a cooldown of the aftertreatment system resulting in increased emissions when the engine is restarted. To remedy this problem, an emission management strategy that, based on pre-heating of the aftertreatment system, aims to reduce the impact of a prolonged engine-off event on

{NO}_{x}

emissions is developed. The method works by locating each engine-off event and then handling each event separately using an optimization scheme that combines pre-heating and a causal heuristic emission management strategy. The individual events are linked using an equivalence factor that describes the decided trade-off between fuel and

{NO}_{x}

. The equivalence factor can be chosen heuristically or iteratively to give the desired result in terms of

{NO}_{x}

reduction and fuel consumption. The strategy is evaluated using simulations of a drayage drive cycle with multiple engine-off events. The results from the simulations show that for engine-off times below 0.5 h the strategy can reduce

{NO}_{x}

compared to the baseline strategy while using the same amount of fuel. If the strategy is allowed more fuel, significant reductions in

{NO}_{x}

can be seen for engine-off times up to 1.5 h, after which an exponential decay in the effectivity of the strategy is observed. It is also shown that the reduction in

{NO}_{x}

is fairly linear in the equivalence factor, which gives the procedure of choosing it a predictable behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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21 pages, 869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selective Catalytic Reduction Catalyst Modeling for Control Purposes

by Olov Holmer and Lars Eriksson

Energies 2022, 15(21), 8182; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218182 - 2 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

In markets with strict emission legislations Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) has become the industry standard for

{NO}_{x}

abatement in heavy-duty vehicles, and therefore modeling and control of these systems are vital. Many SCR catalyst models are available in the literature and in [...] Read more.

In markets with strict emission legislations Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) has become the industry standard for

{NO}_{x}

abatement in heavy-duty vehicles, and therefore modeling and control of these systems are vital. Many SCR catalyst models are available in the literature and in this paper different models are discussed and classified into groups. Two models, based on the two most popular classes for control-oriented models, are implemented and compared with each other, one based on the continuously stirred-tank reactor approximation, and the other on a quasi-static behavior of the gas phase. The results show that assuming a quasi-static behavior of the gas phase in the catalyst gives better results in terms of accuracy and simulation time, especially when it comes to predictions of ammonia slip. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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15 pages, 5591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Comparative Study on the In-Cylinder Mixing Performance of Port Fuel Injection and Direct Injection Gas-Fueled Engine

by Tianbo Wang, Lanchun Zhang, Li Li, Jiahui Wu and Hongchen Wang

Energies 2022, 15(14), 5223; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15145223 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1678

Abstract

In recent decades, research on alternative fuel engines is becoming more and more popular. Compressed natural gas (CNG) has the advantages of abundant reserves and a lower cost. It can reduce vehicle emissions relatively quickly and has little impact on the entire transportation infrastructure. As the fourth generation of a gas fuel supply method, gas fuel direct injection (DI) technology can effectively avoid volumetric efficiency reduction and power reduction problems of the port fuel injection (PFI) method. However, the former’s mixing path and duration are shortened greatly, which often leads to poor mixing uniformity. In order to improve the in-cylinder mixing uniformity, the in-cylinder mixing process of the CNG-fueled engine is taken as the research object in this study. The computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) models of the mixing process for the PFI and DI modes are established, and their mixing uniformities are compared. Besides, based on the authors’ previous research, the influence mechanism of the piston crown shape and fuel injection angle on the mixing process of the CNG DI engine is explored. The results show that the probability distribution frequency (PDF) of the best mixture concentration region (BMCR) is as high as 72% for the PFI mode, which is much higher than for the DI mode. The shorter jet impingement distance of the flat top piston leads to higher turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) intensity, and the in-cylinder mixing uniformity will be improved. When gas fuel is injected into an area with a higher in-cylinder TKE, the average in-cylinder TKE will be higher, and the in-cylinder mixture will be more homogeneous. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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22 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Model Predictive Supervisory Control for Integrated Emission Management of Diesel Engines

by Johannes Ritzmann, Christian Peterhans, Oscar Chinellato, Manuel Gehlen and Christopher Onder

Energies 2022, 15(8), 2755; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15082755 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1773

Abstract

In this work, a predictive supervisory controller is presented that optimizes the interaction between a diesel engine and its aftertreatment system (ATS). The fuel consumption is minimized while respecting an upper bound on the emitted tailpipe NO_x mass. This is achieved by optimally balancing the fuel consumption, the engine-out NO_x emissions, and the ATS heating. The proposed predictive supervisory controller employs a two-layer model predictive control structure and solves the optimal control problem using a direct method. Through experimental validation, the resulting controller was shown to reduce the fuel consumption by 1.1% at equivalent tailpipe NO_x emissions for the nonroad transient cycle when compared to the operation with a fixed engine calibration. Further, the controller’s robustness to different missions, initial ATS temperatures, NO_x limits, and mispredictions was demonstrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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25 pages, 3443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Data-Driven Air-Fuel Path Control Design for Robust RCCI Engine Operation

by Jan Verhaegh, Frank Kupper and Frank Willems

Energies 2022, 15(6), 2018; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15062018 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1979

Abstract

Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) is a highly efficient and clean combustion concept, which enables the use of a wide range of renewable fuels. Consequently, this promising dual fuel combustion concept is of great interest for realizing climate neutral future transport. RCCI is very sensitive for operating conditions and requires advanced control strategies to guarantee stable and safe operation. For real-world RCCI implementation, we face control challenges related to transients and varying ambient conditions. Currently, a multivariable air–fuel path controller that can guarantee robust RCCI engine operation is lacking. In this work, we present a RCCI engine controller, which combines static decoupling and a diagonal MIMO feedback controller. For control design, a frequency domain-based approach is presented, which explicitly deals with cylinder-to-cylinder variations using data-driven, cylinder-individual combustion models. This approach enables a systematic trade-off between fast and robust performance and gives clear design criteria for stable operation. The performance of the developed multivariable engine controller is demonstrated on a six-cylinder diesel-E85 RCCI engine. From experimental results, it is concluded that the RCCI engine controller accurately tracks the five desired combustion and air path parameters, simultaneously. For the studied transient cycle, this results in 12.8% reduction in NO

_{x}

emissions and peak in-cylinder pressure rise rates are reduced by 3.8 bar/deg CA. Compared to open-loop control, the stable and safe operating range is increased from 25

^{°}

C up to 35

^{°}

C intake manifold temperature and maximal load range is increased by 14.7% up to BMEP = 14.8 bar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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17 pages, 4175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using a Genetic Algorithm to Achieve Optimal Matching between PMEP and Diameter of Intake and Exhaust Throat of a High-Boost-Ratio Engine

by Yindong Song, Yiyu Xu, Xiuwei Cheng, Ziyu Wang, Weiqing Zhu and Xinyu Fan

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051607 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1527

Abstract

With the increasingly stringent CO₂ emission regulations, the degree of strengthening of the engines is increasing. Under high-pressure conditions, the airway throat parts of the intake and exhaust systems have a great influence on the flow loss of the diesel engine. The reasonable distribution of the throat area of the intake and exhaust ports in the limited cylinder headspace is key to improving the performance of supercharged engines. This study took a large-bore, high-pressure ratio diesel engine as the research object. Firstly, the three-dimensional (3D) flow simulation method was used to reveal the influence law of different throat areas on the engine intake and exhaust flow under steady-state conditions, and a steady-flow test bench was built to verify the accuracy of the simulation model and law. Secondly, based on the 3D steady-state calculation and test results, a more accurate one-dimensional simulation model was constructed, and a joint optimization simulation platform was established based on the dynamic data link library. On this basis, the mathematical description of the multi-objective optimization of airway throat size was established using machine learning methods, such as a genetic algorithm, the design domain and boundary conditions of variable parameters were clarified, and the collaborative optimization objective of integrated flow coefficient and flow loss is proposed to achieve the fast and accurate optimization of intake and exhaust throat diameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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21 pages, 18706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Intake Valve Timing on Spark-Ignition Engine Performances Fueled by Natural Gas at Low Power

by Alfredas Rimkus, Tadas Vipartas, Donatas Kriaučiūnas, Jonas Matijošius and Tadas Ragauskas

Energies 2022, 15(2), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15020398 - 6 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3676

Abstract

To reduce the greenhouse effect, it is important to reduce not only carbon dioxide but also methane emissions. Methane gas can be not only a fossil fuel (natural gas) but also a renewable energy source when it is extracted from biomass. After biogas has been purified, its properties become closer to those of natural gas or methane. Natural gas is an alternative energy source that can be used for spark-ignition engines, but its physicochemical properties are different from those of gasoline, and the spark-ignition engine control parameters need to be adjusted. This article presents the results of a study that considers a spark-ignition engine operating at different speeds (2000 rpm, 2500 rpm, and 3000 rpm) and the regulation of the timing of intake valve closure when the throttle is partially open (15%), allowing the engine to maintain the stoichiometric air–fuel mixture and constant spark timing. Studies have shown a reduction in engine break torque when petrol was replaced by natural gas, but break thermal efficiency has increased and specific emissions of pollutants (NO_x, HC, CO₂ (g/kWh)) have decreased. The analysis of the combustion process by the AVL BOOST program revealed different results when the engine ran on gasoline as opposed to when it ran on natural gas when the timing of intake valve closure changed. The volumetric efficiency of the engine and the speed of the combustion process, which are significant for engine performance due to the different properties of gasoline and natural gas fuels, can be partially offset by adjusting the spark timing and timing of intake valve closure. The effect of intake valve timing on engine fueled by natural gas more noticeable at lower engine speeds when the engine load is low. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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11 pages, 3657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Validation of Hydrogen Fuel-Cell and Battery-Based Hybrid Drive without DC-DC for Light Scooter under Two Typical Driving Cycles

by Zhiming Zhang, Jianan Tang and Tong Zhang

Energies 2022, 15(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15010069 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2938

Abstract

Faced with key obstacles, such as the short driving range, long charging time, and limited volume allowance of battery-powered electric light scooters in Asian cities, the aim of this study is to present a passive fuel cell/battery hybrid system without DC-DC to ensure a compact volume and low cost. A novel topology structure of the passive fuel cell/battery power system for the electric light scooter is proposed, and the passive power system runs only on hydrogen. The power performance and efficiency of the passive power system are evaluated by a self-developed test bench before installation into the scooters. The results of this study reveal that the characteristics of stable power output, quick response, and the average efficiency are as high as 88% during the Shanghainese urban driving cycle and 89.5% during the Chinese standard driving cycle. The results present the possibility that this passive fuel cell/battery hybrid powertrain system without DC-DC is practical for commercial scooters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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18 pages, 3857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Structure and Optimal Gear Tooth Profile Design of Two-Speed Transmission for Electric Vehicles

by Jae-Oh Han, Won-Hyeong Jeong, Jong-Seok Lee and Se-Hoon Oh

Energies 2021, 14(13), 3736; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133736 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2893

Abstract

As environmental regulations have been strengthened worldwide since the Paris Climate Agreement, the automobile industry is shifting its production paradigm to focus on eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles and hydrogen-battery vehicles. Governments are banning fossil fuel vehicles by law and expanding the introduction of green vehicles. The energy efficiency of electric vehicles that use a limited power source called batteries depends on the driving environment. Applying a two-speed transmission to an electric vehicle can optimize average speed and performance efficiency at low speeds, and achieve maximum speed with minimal torque at high speeds. In this study, a two-speed transmission for an electric vehicle has been developed, to be used in a compact electric vehicle. This utilizes a planetary gear of a total of three pairs, made of a single module which was intended to enable two-speed. The ring gear was removed, and the carrier was used in common. When shifting, the energy used for the speed change is small, due to the use of the simple method of fixing the sun gear of each stage. Each gear was designed by calculating bending strength and surface durability, using JGMA standards, to secure stability. The safety factor of the gears used in the transmission is as follows: all gears have been verified for safety with a bending strength of 1.2 or higher and a surface pressure strength of 1.1 or higher. The design validity of the transmission was verified by calculating the gear meshing ratio and the reference efficiency of the gear. The transmission to be developed through the research results of this paper has a simple and compact structure optimized for electric vehicles, and has reduced shift shock. In addition, energy can be used more efficiently, which will help improve fuel economy and increase drive range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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Review

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13 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles: A Review

by Kamil Wróbel, Justyna Wróbel, Wojciech Tokarz, Jakub Lach, Katarzyna Podsadni and Andrzej Czerwiński

Energies 2022, 15(23), 8937; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238937 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 17561

Abstract

Motor vehicles are the backbone of global transport. In recent years, due to the rising costs of fossil fuels and increasing concerns about their negative impact on the natural environment, the development of low-emission power supply systems for vehicles has been observed. In order to create a stable and safe global transport system, an important issue seems to be the diversification of propulsion systems for vehicles, which can be achieved through the simultaneous development of conventional internal combustion vehicles, electric vehicles (both battery and fuel cell powered) as well as combustion hydrogen-powered vehicles. This publication presents an overview of commercial vehicles (available on the market) powered by internal combustion hydrogen engines. The work focuses on presenting the development of technology from the point of view of introducing ready-made hydrogen-powered vehicles to the market or technical solutions enabling the use of hydrogen mixtures in internal combustion engines. The study covers the history of the technology, dedicated hydrogen and bi-fuel vehicles, and vehicles with an engine powered by a mixture of conventional fuels and hydrogen. It presents basic technology parameters and solutions introduced by leading vehicle manufacturers in the vehicle market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Efficient Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Powertrains)

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