New Research Unit for highly efficient combustion
Further optimization of modern spark-ignition (SI) combustion concepts based on systematic analysis of cyclic variations
2019/10/21
The overarching goal of the new DFG Research Unit 2687 “Cyclic variations in highly optimized spark-ignition engines: experiment and simulation of a multi-scale causal chain” is to provide the foundations for a further optimization of modern spark-ignition (SI) combustion concepts. This will be achieved based on systematic analysis of cyclic variations and could lead to considerable improvements of efficiency and the reduction of pollutant emissions.
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Visualization of combustion in an optically acessible engine at the Institute for Reactive Flows and Diagnostics (RSM) -
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Multiscale simulation of reactive flows within an internal combustion enginge at the Institute STFS
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Presently, the operation range of highly optimized SI-engines is limited by the occurrence of unwanted combustion phenomena, such as misfire, incomplete fuel conversion, and engine knock, which are all significantly impacted by cyclic variations. Strategies to minimize the appearance of these phenomena exist, but they typically lead to reduced thermal efficiency and hence increased emissions of carbon dioxide.
For a further optimization of SI-engines, it is therefore necessary to extend the operation range either by the reduction of cyclic variations or by their targeted exploitation in a way that ensures stable operation at high efficiency. Accomplishing this goal requires a fundamental understanding of the root causes, the development, and the effects of cyclic variations.
The Research Unit teams up scientists from the University of Duisburg-Essen, RWTH Aachen and the TU Darmstadt. The TU Darmstadt participates with projects at the Institutes Reactive Flows and Diagnostics (Dr. Böhm, Prof. Sadiki, Prof. Dreizler) and Simulation of reactive Thermo-Fluid Systems (Prof. Hasse).
