Numerical investigation on combustion system optimization of stoichiometric operation natural gas engine based on knocking boundary extension

In this work, a computational fluid dynamic model is established based on a natural gas engine and experimental results, and the combustion system of stoichiometric operation natural gas engine (intake manifolds and combustion chambers) is optimized based on knocking boundary extension under high load condition. In addition, the effects of Miller cycle and EGR on the combustion and knocking boundary extension are also explored. Results reveal that the intensity and distribution of in-cylinder turbulent kinetic energy will significantly affect the flame development and combustion characteristics. The combination of spiral intake manifold + K15 chamber shows better performance in antiknock because of the enhanced in-cylinder airflow motion and flame development. In addition, the Miller cycle with the late intake valve close timing of 20 degrees CA can effectively extend the antiknock performance of the engine under the current operating operation. EGR has limited effect on turbulent kinetic energy, and the primary affective mechanism of EGR on knocking is mainly achieved by changing the in-cylinder temperature during the combustion process. It is found that with tangential and spiral intake manifold + K15 chamber, combined with late intake valve closing (20 degrees CA) and EGR (30%), the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) can be increased by 5.21% within the knocking boundary compared to that of the original combustion system.