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This paper is a continuation of work previously discussed in SAE 2014-01-0179 [1] and SAE 2015-01-0805 [2], which was intended to improve the capability and precision of the Ignition Quality Tester (IQT™) and associated ASTM D6890 [3]/CEN EN 15195 [4]/EI IP 498 [5] Test Methods. The results presented in those two papers indicated how the new generation of IQT™ with the TALM Precision Package upgrade can markedly improve the precision of the ASTM D6890, CEN EN 15195 and EI IP 498 Derived Cetane Number (DCN) test methods. This paper will evaluate the performance of the upgraded instruments over the past 21 months of their participation in ASTM’s National Fuel Exchange Group (NEG) diesel fuel exchange program.

This paper describes the development and proof-of-concept testing of an electrically based (i.e., non-optical) smoke sensor for diesel engines. The sensor is intended to provide a means of detecting smoke levels that exceed certain pre-defined limits. Potential applications for the sensor include closed loop control of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and the diagnosis of fuel injection faults. Engine dynamometer tests were carried out using a heavy duty diesel engine equipped with a laboratory EGR system. EGR levels were adjusted to vary exhaust smoke levels at a fixed speed/load test point. Reference smoke measurements were provided by an AVL 415S variable sampling smoke meter. The experimental results showed a correlation between the sensor signal and the Filter Smoke Number (FSN) at FSN values between approximately 1 and 3. The sensor was able to detect relative changes in smoke levels, but its absolute sensitivity was not consistent.

This paper describes an experimental study of the effects of ignition spark characteristics on combustion behaviour in a light duty automotive engine. A prototype programmable energy ignition system was used to investigate the influence of both spark energy and the current/time profile used to deliver a given amount of energy. The engine was tested under part load conditions using a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio and relatively high levels of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In addition to tests with port-injected gasoline, tests were also carried out using propane (premixed upstream of the throttle) in order to investigate the possibility that improvements in the homogeneity of the mixture might influence the impact of varying the spark characteristics.

The present study investigated three techniques for predicting combustion chamber deposit formation in a direct injection diesel engine. One non-intrusive technique, based on the factorial experimental design method was used to develop an empirical model. This model predicts deposit weight as a function of time, but is dependent on engine type, type of lubricating oil, and engine operating parameters. Two intrusive techniques were also investigated for predicting deposit formation: a fast response thermocouple and a deposit conductivity probe, both being located within the combustion chamber. It was shown that the fast response thermocouple technique provided a correlation between in-cylinder peak temperature phase lag and deposit thickness. The conductivity probe correlated electrical conductivity with deposit growth. As well, the waveform characteristics from the conductivity probe showed the potential to predict the physical structure of the deposits.

This paper describes an experimental study to determine the potential for fuel efficiency improvements offered by dedicated, high compression E85 engines with optimized powertrain calibration strategies. The study involved a prototype variable fuel engine that could operate using either gasoline or E85, and a high compression version of the same engine that was suitable only for E85. Fuel consumption and engine-out emissions were evaluated using steady-state engine dynamometer tests to represent urban and highway speed/load conditions. For each fuel and engine combination, the fuel efficiency and emissions trade-offs provided by varying Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) levels were determined. For the high compression engine, operation at lower speed/higher load conditions (producing the same power as the standard speed/load settings) was also investigated.

This paper describes an experimental study comparing the peak ignition voltage requirements of natural gas and gasoline in a typical bi-fuel vehicle application. Chassis dynamometer tests were carried out in which the vehicle was subjected to different types of transient wide open throttle events to create “worst case” voltage requirements. In addition to measurements of ignition voltage, other factors known to influence voltage requirements (such as cylinder pressure, electrode temperature, and fuel/air ratio) were recorded during the transient tests in order to obtain a better understanding of the underlying reasons for observed differences in voltage requirements between the two fuels and between the different transient test procedures. The results presented in this paper quantify the increased peak voltage requirements (relative to gasoline) for reliable ignition of natural gas under various operating conditions.