Divided Exhaust Period Assessment for Fuel-Enrichment Reduction in Turbocharged Spark-Ignition Engines

Turbocharged spark-ignition (SI) engines, owing to frequent engine knocking events, utilize retarded spark timing that causes combustion inefficiency, and high turbine inlet temperature (Trb-In T) levels. Fuel enrichment is implemented at high power levels to prevent excessive Trb-In T levels, resulting in an additional fueling penalty and higher CO emissions. In current times, fuel-enrichment reductions are of high strategic importance for engine manufacturers to meet the imminent emissions regulations. To that end, the authors investigated the divided exhaust period (DEP) concept in a 2.2 L turbocharged SI engine with a geometric compression ratio of 14 by decoupling blowdown (BD) and scavenge (SC) events during the exhaust process. Using a validated 1D engine model, the authors first analyzed the DEP concept in terms of pumping mean effective pressure (PMEP) and engine knocking (KI) reduction. Subsequently, the authors examined the effectiveness of the DEP concept using a “low-restriction exhaust flowpath” and varying late intake valve closing (LIVC) duration.

First, using DEP, significant PMEP and KI reductions benefits were observed at high power engine conditions along with a large increase in Trb-In T from the early blowdown event. Subsequently, use of a low restriction exhaust flowpath and a shortened LIVC duration further elevated the DEP benefits, including Trb-In T reduction that facilitated enrichment reduction. At 4,000 RPM/20 bar BMEP, ~70% lower PMEP and a 2.2 point increase in ITEg were noted relative to the base engine. However, the 2,000 RPM peak torque engine condition was compromised using DEP, due to knock limitation and deteriorated stock turbocharger performance. Finally, DEP design integrated with an off-the-shelf (new) turbocharger system remedied the low-end torque challenges and demonstrated a notable enrichment reduction and thermal efficiency benefits at the full load engine curve including the 200 kW rated condition.