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Optimizing IC engine performance currently requires an exhaustive experimental search to determine the combination of internal components that maximizes torque or power. An alternate and more structured approach using Response Surface Methods will lead the experimenter to the optimum combination with the least number of trials. Using simulation software to evaluate IC engine configurations, this method improved the estimated power from 439 to 516 KW. Results of the study indicate that Response Surface Methods are a viable and robust method of converging to an IC engine configuration which achieves optimum performance.

Engine dynamometer testing of homogeneous charge, spark ignition lean burn engines fueled by natural gas, hydrogen/natural gas blends and neat hydrogen was conducted to determine if NOx emissions from blended fuel operation can be reduced below those generated from natural gas operation, approaching those due to a 100% hydrogen fueled engine. The preliminary tests were conducted at the University of Central Florida/Florida Solar Energy Center on an eight cylinder automotive engine. The results indicate that the hydrogen/natural gas fuel has the potential of meeting highly restrictive NOx levels. Sandia National Laboratories conducted follow-on, comparative tests using a single cylinder research engine. The Sandia results indicate that the proposed CARB EZEV standard for NOx can be met without exhaust gas aftertreatment using a 30% hydrogen (by volume) / 70% natural gas blend fuel in a constant speed/power, hybrid vehicle application which achieves 60 MPG gasoline equivalent efficiency.

Engine dynamometer testing was conducted on a production automotive engine. Untreated exhaust emissions were measured over a range of hydrogen/natural gas fuel mixtures and equivalence ratios (Φ). The most important finding was that, with retarded ignition, extremely low raw NOx emissions can be attained at the same time as high brake thermal efficiency. With a 30% hydrogen mixture and Φ = 0.65, the effect of spark timing on engine efficiency is almost negligible over approximately 15° of crankshaft rotation. For an engine load of ∼400 kPa, brake thermal efficiency remained at 30%. NOx emissions can be kept below 0.05 g/kWh for bmeps up to 500 kPa and rpms above 1700, with low hydrocarbons and minimal effect on fuel economy.