Article Sidebar

Download
PDF
Statistic
Read Counter : 60 Download : 66

Main Article Content

Abstract

In the pursuit of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency, the integration of advanced combustion technologies and alternative fuels in internal combustion engines (ICEs) remains pivotal, especially when paired with electrified powertrains. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of cutting-edge combustion strategies—Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI), and Low-Temperature Combustion (LTC)—and their transformative potential in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Through a detailed examination of these technologies, we assess the thermodynamic optimizations achieved via variable valve timing, variable compression ratio, and cylinder deactivation systems. Additionally, the study investigates the viability of alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), biodiesel, and hydrogen, as cleaner and more efficient energy carriers. The synthesis of these technologies with HEV platforms not only addresses emission regulations but also pushes the boundaries of thermal efficiency. We provide a critical evaluation of the hybridization benefits, focusing on fuel consumption reductions, particulate matter (PM) mitigation, and overall system efficiency improvements. By coupling multi-mode combustion with electrification, this work underscores a promising trajectory toward achieving near-zero emissions in both light and heavy-duty vehicle sectors. Furthermore, this study offers insights into future propulsion architectures, advocating for a synergistic approach between advanced ICE technologies and electric powertrains to meet stringent global climate targets.

Keywords

Advanced combustion technologies Alternative fuels Energy recovery systems Multi-mode combustion Thermal efficiency Emission reduction

Article Details

How to Cite
Moradi, J. ., Banagar, I. ., Mehranfar, S. ., Mahmoudzadeh Andwari, A., Könnö, J. ., & Gharehghani, A. . (2024). Advancing combustion technologies and alternative fuels in hybrid electric vehicles: a pathway to high-efficiency, low-emission propulsion systems. Future Technology, 3(4), 42–54. Retrieved from https://fupubco.com/futech/article/view/219
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
BibTeX
Bookmark and Share

References

  1. Wang Y, Biswas A, Rodriguez R, Keshavarz-Motamed Z, Emadi A. Hybrid electric vehicle specific engines: State-of-the-art review. Energy Reports 2022;8:832–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EGYR.2021.11.265.
  2. Zibani I, Marumo R, Chuma J, Ngebani I, Tsamaase K. Variable Valve Timing for a Camless Stepping Valve Engine. Procedia Manuf 2020;43:590–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PROMFG.2020.02.154.
  3. Nagaya K, Kobayashi H, Koike K. Valve timing and valve lift control mechanism for engines. Mechatronics 2006;16:121–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MECHATRONICS.2005.09.007.
  4. Meng F, Shi P, Karimi HR, Zhang H. Optimal design of an electro-hydraulic valve for heavy-duty vehicle clutch actuator with certain constraints. Mech Syst Signal Process 2016;68–69:491–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.YMSSP.2015.06.025.
  5. Begg SM, Hindle MP, Cowell T, Heikal MR. Low intake valve lift in a port fuel-injected engine. Energy 2009;34:2042–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2008.08.026.
  6. Millo F, Mirzaeian M, Luisi S, Doria V, Stroppiana A. Engine displacement modularity for enhancing automotive s.i. engines efficiency at part load. Fuel 2016;180:645–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2016.04.049.
  7. Yang Y, Kim J, Kim N, Park S. Effects of continuous variable valve timing and duration on fuel/air mixture formation. Energy 2024;306:132509. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2024.132509.
  8. Demir U, Coskun G, Soyhan HS, Turkcan A, Alptekin E, Canakci M. Effects of variable valve timing on the air flow parameters in an electromechanical valve mechanism – A cfd study. Fuel 2022;308:121956. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2021.121956.
  9. Xia Y, Sun D. Characteristic analysis on a new hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission system. Mech Mach Theory 2018;126:457–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MECHMACHTHEORY.2018.03.006.
  10. Xu G, Jia M, Li Y, Chang Y, Liu H, Wang T. Evaluation of variable compression ratio (VCR) and variable valve timing (VVT) strategies in a heavy-duty diesel engine with reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion under a wide load range. Fuel 2019;253:114–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2019.05.020.
  11. Ritzmann J, Zsiga N, Peterhans C, Onder C. A control strategy for cylinder deactivation. Control Eng Pract 2020;103:104566. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CONENGPRAC.2020.104566.
  12. Mahmoudzadeh Andwari, A.; Aziz, A.A.; Muhamad Said, M.F.; Abdul Latiff, Z. Controlled Auto-Ignition Combustion in a Two-Stroke Cycle Engine Using Hot Burned Gases. Appl. Mech. Mater. 2013, 388, 201–205, https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.388.201.
  13. Starikovskiy A, Aleksandrov N. Plasma-assisted ignition and combustion. Prog Energy Combust Sci 2013;39:61–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PECS.2012.05.003.
  14. Zhao H. Overview of gasoline direct injection engines. Advanced Direct Injection Combustion Engine Technologies and Development: Gasoline and Gas Engines 2010:1–19. https://doi.org/10.1533/9781845697327.1.
  15. Mahmoudzadeh Andwari A, Azhar AA. Homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) technique: a review for application in two-stroke gasoline engines. Appl. Mech. Mater. 2012;165:53-57, https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.165.53.
  16. Kontses A, Triantafyllopoulos G, Ntziachristos L, Samaras Z. Particle number (PN) emissions from gasoline, diesel, LPG, CNG and hybrid-electric light-duty vehicles under real-world driving conditions. Atmos Environ 2020;222:117126. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2019.117126.
  17. Yang Z, Ge Y, Thomas D, Wang X, Su S, Li H, et al. Real driving particle number (PN) emissions from China-6 compliant PFI and GDI hybrid electrical vehicles. Atmos Environ 2019;199:70–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2018.11.037.
  18. Han X, Yu S, Tjong J, Zheng M. Study of an innovative three-pole igniter to improve efficiency and stability of gasoline combustion under charge dilution conditions. Appl Energy 2020;257:113999. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2019.113999.
  19. Khalife E, Balasubramanian D, Gharehghani A, Papla Venugopal I, Ebrahimi M. Exploring the role of carbon nano additives in compression ignition engines: A comprehensive review on combustion characteristics. Energy Convers Manag 2024;321:119008. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2024.119008.
  20. Furze SF, Barraclough S, Liu D, Melendi-Espina S. Model based mapping of a novel prototype spark ignition opposed-piston engine. Energy Convers Manag 2024;309:118434. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2024.118434.
  21. Zhang Y, Wu H, Mi S, Zhao W, He Z, Qian Y, et al. Comparative study of hybrid architectures integrated with dual-fuel intelligent charge compression ignition engine: A commercial powertrain solution towards carbon neutrality. Energy Convers Manag 2023;292:117423. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2023.117423.
  22. Zhao J, Xu M. Fuel economy optimization of an Atkinson cycle engine using genetic algorithm. Appl Energy 2013;105:335–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2012.12.061.
  23. Li Y, Khajepour A, Devaud C. Realization of variable Otto-Atkinson cycle using variable timing hydraulic actuated valve train for performance and efficiency improvements in unthrottled gasoline engines. Appl Energy 2018;222:199–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2018.04.012.
  24. Karabasoglu O, Michalek J. Influence of driving patterns on life cycle cost and emissions of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicle powertrains. Energy Policy 2013;60:445–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENPOL.2013.03.047.
  25. Li T, Wang B, Zheng B. A comparison between Miller and five-stroke cycles for enabling deeply downsized, highly boosted, spark-ignition engines with ultra expansion. Energy Convers Manag 2016;123:140–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2016.06.038.
  26. Zhao J. Research and application of over-expansion cycle (Atkinson and Miller) engines – A review. Appl Energy 2017;185:300–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2016.10.063.
  27. Li Y, Wang S, Duan X, Liu S, Liu J, Hu S. Multi-objective energy management for Atkinson cycle engine and series hybrid electric vehicle based on evolutionary NSGA-II algorithm using digital twins. Energy Convers Manag 2021;230:113788. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2020.113788.
  28. Moradi J, Mahmoudzadeh Andwari A, Könnö J, Gharehghani A, Pesyridis A. Waste heat recovery technologies in modern internal combustion engines. Future Energy 2024;3:49–54. https://doi.org/10.55670/fpll.fuen.3.3.5.
  29. Moradi J, Gharehghani A, Aghahasani M. Application of machine learning to optimize the combustion characteristics of RCCI engine over wide load range. Fuel 2022;324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2022.124494.
  30. Moradi J, Gharehghani A, Mirsalim M. Numerical comparison of combustion characteristics and cost between hydrogen, oxygen and their combinations addition on natural gas fueled HCCI engine. Energy Convers Manag 2020;222:113254. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2020.113254.
  31. Moradi J, Gharehghani A, Mirsalim M. Numerical investigation on the effect of oxygen in combustion characteristics and to extend low load operating range of a natural-gas HCCI engine. Appl Energy 2020;276:115516. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2020.115516.
  32. M.S. Bin Ahmad, A. Pesyridis, P. Sphicas, A. Mahmoudzadeh Andwari, A. Gharehghani, B.M. Vaglieco, Electric vehicle modelling for future technology and market penetration analysis, Front. Mech. Eng. 8 (July) (2022) 1–18, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmech.2022.896547.
  33. Andwari AM, Said MFM, Aziz AA, Esfahanian V, Salavati-Zadeh A, Idris MA, Perang MRM, Jamil HM. Design, modeling and simulation of a high-pressure gasoline direct injection (GDI) pump for small engine applications. J Mech Eng 2018;1:107–20.
  34. Li Q, Liu J, Fu J, Zhou X, Liao C. Comparative study on the pumping losses between continuous variable valve lift (CVVL) engine and variable valve timing (VVT) engine. Appl Therm Eng 2018;137:710–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APPLTHERMALENG.2018.04.017.
  35. Meng F, Shi P, Karimi HR, Zhang H. Optimal design of an electro-hydraulic valve for heavy-duty vehicle clutch actuator with certain constraints. Mech Syst Signal Process 2016;68–69:491–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.YMSSP.2015.06.025.
  36. Kumar S, Tewari VK, Bharti CK, Ranjan A. Modeling, simulation and experimental validation of flow rate of electro-hydraulic hitch control valve of agricultural tractor. Flow Measurement and Instrumentation 2021;82:102070. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FLOWMEASINST.2021.102070.
  37. Millo F, Luisi S, Borean F, Stroppiana A. Numerical and experimental investigation on combustion characteristics of a spark ignition engine with an early intake valve closing load control. Fuel 2014;121:298–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2013.12.047.
  38. Berggren C, Magnusson T. Reducing automotive emissions—The potentials of combustion engine technologies and the power of policy. Energy Policy 2012;41:636–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENPOL.2011.11.025.
  39. Zibani I, Marumo R, Chuma J, Ngebani I, Tsamaase K. Variable Valve Timing for a Camless Stepping Valve Engine. Procedia Manuf 2020;43:590–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PROMFG.2020.02.154.
  40. Chiang CJ, Yang JL, Lan SY, Shei TW, Chiang WS, Chen BL. Dynamic modeling of a SI/HCCI free-piston engine generator with electric mechanical valves. Appl Energy 2013;102:336–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2012.07.033.
  41. Amoozandeh Nobaveh A, Herder JL, Radaelli G. A compliant Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Mech Mach Theory 2023;184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2023.105281.
  42. Wittek K, Geiger F, Justino Vaz MG. Characterization of the system behaviour of a variable compression ratio (VCR) connecting rod with eccentrically piston pin suspension and hydraulic moment support. Energy Convers Manag 2020;213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2020.112814.
  43. Fridrichová K, Drápal L, Vopařil J, Dlugoš J. Overview of the potential and limitations of cylinder deactivation. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2021;146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111196.
  44. Ricci F, Discepoli G, Cruccolini V, Petrucci L, Papi S, Di Giuseppe A, et al. Energy characterization of an innovative non-equilibrium plasma ignition system based on the dielectric barrier discharge via pressure-rise calorimetry. Energy Convers Manag 2021;244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114458.
  45. Martins J, Brito FP. Alternative fuels for internal combustion engines. Energies (Basel) 2020;13. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13164086.
  46. Fakhari AH, Gharehghani A, Salahi MM, Andwari AM. Numerical investigation of the hydrogen-enriched ammonia-diesel RCCI combustion engine. Fuel 2024;375:132579. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2024.132579.
  47. Warguła Ł, Kukla M, Lijewski P, Dobrzyński M, Markiewicz F. Impact of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel systems in small engine wood chippers on exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. Energies (Basel) 2020;13. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13246709.
  48. Ghanaati A, Mat Darus IZ, Muhamad Said MF, Mahmoudzadeh Andwari A. A mean value model for estimation of laminar and turbulent flame speed in spark-ignition engine. Int J Automot Mech Eng 2015;11:2224–34. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.11.2015.5.0186.
  49. Jeong JW, Woo S, Koo B, Lee K. Analysis of hybrid electric vehicle performance and emission applied to LPG fuel system. Fuel 2025;380:133225. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2024.133225.
  50. Lotfollahzade Moghaddam A, Hazlett MJ. Methanol dehydration catalysts in direct and indirect dimethyl ether (DME) production and the beneficial role of DME in energy supply and environmental pollution. J Environ Chem Eng 2023;11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2023.110307.
  51. Andwari AM, Pesiridis A, Esfahanian V, Muhamad Said MF. Combustion and emission enhancement of a spark ignition two-stroke cycle engine utilizing internal and external exhaust gas recirculation approach at low-load operation. Energies 2019;12(4):609. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12040609.
  52. Li C, Jia T, Wang H, Wang X, Negnevitsky M, Hu Y jie, et al. Assessing the prospect of deploying green methanol vehicles in China from energy, environmental and economic perspectives. Energy 2023;263:125967. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2022.125967.
  53. Mathew GM, Raina D, Narisetty V, Kumar V, Saran S, Pugazhendi A, et al. Recent advances in biodiesel production: Challenges and solutions. Science of the Total Environment 2021;794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148751.
  54. Putrasari Y, Lim O. A study on combustion and emission of GCI engines fueled with gasoline-biodiesel blends. Fuel 2017;189:141–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2016.10.076.
  55. Upadhyay N, Das RK, Ghosh SK. Investigating the impact of n-heptane (C7H16) and nanoparticles (TiO2) on diesel–microalgae biodiesel blend in CI diesel engines. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2024;31:8608–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31762-4.
  56. Chen S, Cheng M, Guo Z, Xu W, Du X, Li Y. Enhanced atmospheric ammonia (NH3) pollution in China from 2008 to 2016: Evidence from a combination of observations and emissions. Environmental Pollution 2020;263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114421.
  57. Hossein Fakhari A, Gharehghani A, Mahdi Salahi M, Mahmoudzadeh Andwari A. RCCI combustion of ammonia in dual fuel engine with early injection of diesel fuel. Fuel 2024;365:131182. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2024.131182.
  58. Han W, Dai P, Gou X, Chen Z. A review of laminar flame speeds of hydrogen and syngas measured from propagating spherical flames. Applications in Energy and Combustion Science 2020;1–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaecs.2020.100008.
  59. Bairabathina S, Balamurugan S. Review on non-isolated multi-input step-up converters for grid-independent hybrid electric vehicles. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2020;45:21687–713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.05.277.
  60. Egeland-Eriksen T, Hajizadeh A, Sartori S. Hydrogen-based systems for integration of renewable energy in power systems: Achievements and perspectives. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2021;46:31963–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJHYDENE.2021.06.218.
  61. Sarkar A, Banerjee R. Net energy analysis of hydrogen storage options. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2005;30:867–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJHYDENE.2004.10.021.
  62. Brainy JRVJ, Narayanamoorthy S, Pragathi S, Salahshour S, Ahmadian A, Kang D. A sophisticated decision paradigm for the assessment of hydrogen storage technologies for mobility applications. J Energy Storage 2024;92:112207. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EST.2024.112207.
  63. Ahluwalia RK, Hua TQ, Peng JK. On-board and Off-board performance of hydrogen storage options for light-duty vehicles. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2012;37:2891–910. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJHYDENE.2011.05.040.
  64. Chanchetti LF, Leiva DR, Lopes de Faria LI, Ishikawa TT. A scientometric review of research in hydrogen storage materials. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2020;45:5356–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJHYDENE.2019.06.093.
  65. Mulky L, Srivastava S, Lakshmi T, Sandadi ER, Gour S, Thomas NA, et al. An overview of hydrogen storage technologies – Key challenges and opportunities. Mater Chem Phys 2024;325:129710. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATCHEMPHYS.2024.129710.
  66. Takeichi N, Senoh H, Yokota T, Tsuruta H, Hamada K, Takeshita HT, et al. “Hybrid hydrogen storage vessel”, a novel high-pressure hydrogen storage vessel combined with hydrogen storage material. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2003;28:1121–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360-3199(02)00216-1.
  67. He C, Yu R, Sun H, Chen Z. Lightweight multilayer composite structure for hydrogen storage tank. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2016;41:15812–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJHYDENE.2016.04.184.