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Operators of natural gas engines, used for both mobile and stationary applications, are increasingly looking at running these engines under very lean air-fuel ratios in order to reduce exhaust emissions and increase thermal efficiency. Lean operation of homogeneous-charge spark-ignited engines reduces peak combustion temperatures, thereby reducing NOx emissions. Lean operation is normally restricted, however, by the “lean-limit” of combustion, as measured by the air-fuel ratio above which ignition is impossible, or combustion is incomplete. Operation under lean conditions also reduces the mixture burning rate, which can lead to increased spark advance and lower thermal efficiency. In order to increase the burning rate under ultra-lean air-fuel ratios a new “Squish-Jet” combustion chamber concept has been developed.

It is well known that lean operation of homogeneous- charge spark-ignited engines is effective in increasing thermal efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions. In particular, the lower combustion temperatures provided by a lean air-fuel mixture result in a significant reduction in NOx emissions. Lean operation is normally restricted, however, by the “lean-limit” of combustion, as measured by the air-fuel ratio above which ignition is impossible, or combustion is incomplete. In order to extend the lean limit of operation a new “partially-stratified charge” combustion concept has been developed. This technique relies on the fact that a stronger initial flame kernel produced following the spark event should also be effective in igniting a very lean mixture which may not otherwise ignite, or which may result in incomplete combustion.

Ultra lean-burn natural gas engines offer the potential for lower emissions and higher efficiency than conventional SI engines. Combustion instabilities near the lean limit can be addressed by partially stratifying the in-cylinder charge. The Partially Stratified Charge (PSC) approach involves micro-direct-injection of pure fuel, or a fuel-air mixture, to create a rich zone in the region of the spark-plug. This has been demonstrated to improve combustion in an ultra-lean bulk mixture. An experimental premixing apparatus was devised to investigate the effect of changing the stoichiometry of the micro-direct-injected charge. In conjunction, a numerical methodology was used as an aid to understanding the complex in-cylinder processes. Although rich premixed micro-injection improved engine performance over the homogeneous case, the fastest heat release rate was found to occur with a pure fuel PSC charge.