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Experimental results are combined with a physical understanding of an amperometric NOx-O2 sensor to study the effect of three main operating parameters on the sensor behavior in non diffusion-rate-determining operating conditions. The sensor response to NOx concentration is examined over a range of sensor operating temperatures, reference cell potentials, and second sensing cell potentials. The results show that the sensor sensitivity increases gradually with the sensing cell voltage while the sensor output is almost linearly dependent on NOx concentration for cell voltages higher than ≈ 0.25 V. The results also reveal that reducing the reference cell potential from the typical cell potential (0.42 V) reduces the sensor cross-sensitivity to O2 particularly at high NOx concentrations (>600 [ppm]).

The effects of Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine energy distribution and waste heat recovery are investigated using a fully flexible Electromagnetic Variable Valve Timing (EVVT) system. The experiment is carried out in a single cylinder, 657 cc, port fuel injection engine fueled with n-heptane. Exergy analysis is performed to understand the relative contribution of different loss mechanisms in HCCI engines and how VVT changes these contributions. It is found that HCCI engine brake thermal efficiency, the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) power to heat ratio, the first and the second law efficiencies are improved with proper valve timing. Further analysis is performed by applying the first and second law of thermodynamics to compare HCCI energy and exergy distribution to Spark Ignition (SI) combustion using Primary Reference Fuel (PRF). HCCI demonstrates higher fuel efficiency and power to heat and energy loss ratios compared to SI.

A Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy for Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion timing and output work control that takes into account actuator constraints is designed. The MPC is based on the linearized version of a nonlinear Control Oriented Model (COM). The COM for the HCCI engine has combustion timing and engine load as outputs and valve timing and fueling rate as the inputs. The COM model is developed and validated and found to be accurate enough for control purposes and can be implemented in real-time. A Detailed Physical Model (DPM) is used to test the controller using the valve timing and fueling rate as constrained actuators. Constraints on combustion timing and output work are also considered to prevent ringing or misfire. The simulation results show that the developed controller works over a range of load conditions and can maintain HCCI combustion timing and load to their desired values.

In an effort to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines, much focus has been put into variable valve actuation technologies in recent years. Electromagnetic solenoid valves can provide the cycle-by-cycle flexible valve timing needed for throttleless engine control or high efficiency combustion modes such as Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition. One challenge with electromagnetic solenoid intake and exhaust valves is the robust control of the motion to achieve smooth landing under a variety of operating conditions. Promising algorithms have been demonstrated under test-bench conditions, but no work to date has demonstrated a robust electromagnetic valve-train on a functional engine that also satisfies soft landing and transition timing criteria. In this work, two previously developed valve motion controllers are experimentally tested on a single cylinder test engine.

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is a promising concept for combustion engines to reduce both emissions and fuel consumption. HCCI combustion control is a challenging issue because there is no direct initiator of combustion. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is being used in SI engines to improve engine efficiency. When VVT is used in conjunction with HCCI combustion it is an effective way to control the start of combustion. VVT changes the amount of trapped residual gas and the effective compression ratio for each cycle both of which have a strong effect on combustion timing in HCCI engines. To control HCCI combustion, a physics based control oriented model is developed that includes the effect of trapped residual gas on combustion timing. The control oriented model is obtained by taking a physics based model of the reaction kinetics and transient dynamics and systematically reducing the model using simplification of reaction mechanisms.

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is an emerging combustion technology due to its increased efficiency and decreased NOx emissions. One of the most challenging aspects of HCCI is the regulation of the combustion timing. Unlike conventional combustion modes there is no direct control over the start of combustion. Autoignition timing is a function of the temperature, pressure and composition of the mixture, so to adjust the combustion timing of HCCI changes have to be made to these. Both variable valve timing and variable fuel octane number are effective inputs to achieve cycle-to-cycle combustion control of HCCI combustion timing. The application of these control methods are investigated in this paper. A one-cylinder Ricardo engine is fitted with a 4-valve spark ignition cylinder head equipped with camshaft phasers. These phasers independently adjust both the intake and exhaust camshaft phasing.

A physics-based control-oriented model is developed to dynamically predict cycle-to-cycle combustion timing in transient fueling conditions for Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines. The model simulates the engine cycle from the intake stroke to the exhaust stroke and includes the thermal coupling dynamics caused by the residual gases from one cycle to the next cycle. A residual gas model, a modified knock integral model, a fuel burn rate model, and thermodynamic models for the gas state in combustion and exhaust strokes are incorporated to simulate the engine cycle. The gas exchange process, generated work and completeness of combustion are predicted using semi-empirical correlations. The resulting model is parameterized for the combustion of Primary Reference Fuel (PRF) blends using 5703 simulations from a detailed thermo-kinetic model. Semi-empirical correlations in the model are parameterized using the experimental data obtained from a single-cylinder engine.

One major challenge in Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion is the difficulty in controlling the timing of auto-ignition which is dependant on mixture conditions. Understanding the effect of modifying the properties of the engine charge on the start of combustion is essential to be able to predict and control the auto-ignition timing. The purpose of this work is to develop a realtime model for predicting HCCI auto-ignition timing. The standard Livengood and Wu Knock-Integral Method (KIM) is modified to work with values that are easier to measure compared with the instantaneous in-cylinder parameters required in the original KIM. This modified Knock-Integral Method (MKIM) is developed and is then parameterized using HCCI Thermokinetic Kinetic Model (TKM) simulations for a single cylinder engine. Estimating the MKIM parameters is done using an off-line optimization technique.

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is a promising combustion concept for internal combustion engines to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Unlike spark ignition and diesel engines in which ignition is controlled by spark and spray injection timing respectively, HCCI combustion auto-ignites given the correct mixture conditions which makes HCCI ignition difficult to control. It is thus critical to understand the characteristics of HCCI ignition timing in order to find suitable strategies for ignition control. This paper presents a modified model of ignition timing which is based on the Knock-Integral Method. Since this model doesn't require instantaneous in-cylinder parameters, it is suitable for control application on HCCI combustion. The model is tested using both simulation results of a Thermo-Kinetic Model and experimental data.

In order to evaluate the potential of several powertrain configurations, a well-to-wheel analysis is performed. Specifically, downsizing / supercharging and variable valve timing is examined and compared against other alternative vehicle concepts. In order to have a fair comparison, each powertrain configuration was added to a base vehicle, such that each vehicle had the same range, the same physical characteristics and similar performance. Upstream energy use and greenhouse gases were calculated with GREET 1.5a and the downstream energy use and greenhouse gases with ADVISOR 3.2. By downsizing / supercharging and adding variable valve timing, a spark ignition internal combustion engine can have comparable downstream overall efficiency, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions, to a Diesel internal combustion engine.