Guide Swirl and Tumble Systems Effect on the Aerodynamic Flow of the Cylinder in an SI Engine Using a Hydrogen-Enriched Blend

This research investigated the improvement of the aerodynamic flow conditions during the intake stroke of a Ford gasoline engine converted into a hydrogen-fueled one. The primary focus was on evaluating the impact of suggested forms of guide swirl and tumble systems (GSTS) on the aerodynamic blend in the engine cylinder using the Internal Combustion Engine Ansys software. The achieved numerical results were verified and validated by the experimental findings of the literature. To establish an accurate GSTS vane angles configuration, the in-cylinder total mass values, turbulent kinetic energy, swirl and tumble ratios as well as the volumetric efficiency were calculated during the intake and compression strokes. The vane angles ranged from 25 degrees to 75 degrees in 10 degrees increments. The study also investigated the use of hydrogen as fuel causing the enhancement of the swirl and tumble ratios and volumetric efficiency. Inspired by turbojets, and through the combination of axial turbines, helical geometry, and multi-blade turbines the GSTS aimed to enhance the distribution of the air-hydrogen blend. Additionally, the flow streamline, tangential velocity contours and turbulent kinetic energy contours were investigated. All the contours were taken at a definite location Z=20 mm from the cylinder head before and after the introduction of hydrogen into the cylinder. This ultimately influenced the combustion dynamics. It is worth noting that axial turbine of 65 degrees angle offers a 78.55% and 9.9% boost in the peak value of swirl and tumble ratios, respectively, compared to original geometry. These findings allow significant insights into the optimization of combustion processes in gasoline engines converted to hydrogen fueled. They also reveal potential implications for enhancing the overall engine performance and environmental sustainability.