Model based combustion control optimization of compression ignition engine fuelled with Diesel/OMEx blends

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEx) represent a concrete solution as drop-in fuels in the context of lengthening the usage of conventional compression ignition engines, whose high efficiency and power density still make them the preferred solution for long-haul transportation. The chemical structure of these e-fuels ensures a significant reduction in soot emissions, while their enhanced combustion efficiency leads to many advantages in terms of NOx. The following study focuses on the development of a one-dimensional model for the design and optimization of control strategies with the objective of reducing the energetic drawback resulting from the introduction of OMEx in blends with Diesel. The methodology is concerned with the initial development and validation of the combustion model that is employed to simulate the performance of conventional Diesel engines. The calibration procedure and the identification of model parameters are executed using the software GT-Suite, with consideration given to different operating points across the engine map. Subsequently, an assessment of the emission reduction and optimization control strategies for Diesel/OMEx blends is conducted.