The HGR valve, or hot gas recirculation valve, is an essential component of modern internal combustion engines. Its main function is to reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (NOx), which is a harmful pollutant produced during combustion. This research focuses on developing a compliant mechanism for HGR valve activation, in order to minimize wear leakage and reduce the number of parts.However, the project faced challenges, including limitations in steel elasticity, fatigue due to high frequency operation, and high stress due to elastic deformation. In order to achieve the range of motion required for efficient valve operation, additional mechanisms were incorporated, resulting in dimensional limitations beyond those of the current design. 3D modeling of the concepts were constructed with the help of CATIA, and Finite element analysis was carried out on the same. The concepts were assessed based on stresses and the range of motion. A Pugh’s matrix was used to compare various concepts. A concept using Vulcanized silicone rubber was found to be feasible for the application, but further work is required to bring the concept to a usable state. / HGR-ventilen, eller varmgasåtercirkulationsventilen, är en viktig komponent i moderna förbränningsmotorer. Dess huvudsakliga funktion är att minska utsläppen av kväveoxid (NOx),som är ett skadligt förorenande ämne som produceras under förbränning. Denna forskning fokuserar på att utveckla en kompatibel mekanism för aktivering av HGR-ventilen, för att minimera läckage och minska antalet delar. Projektet stötte dock på utmaningar, bland annat begränsningar i stålets elasticitet, utmattning på grund av högfrekvent drift och hög stress på grund av elastisk deformation. För att uppnå det rörelseomfång som krävs för effektiv ventildrift införlivades ytterligare mekanismer, vilket resulterade i dimensionella begränsningar utöver dem i den nuvarande konstruktionen. 3D modellering av koncepten konstruerades med hjälp av CATIA, och Finite element-analys utfördes på samma. Koncepten utvärderades baserat på spänningar och rörelseomfång. En Pughs matris användes för att jämföra de olika koncepten. Ett koncept som använder vulkaniserat silikongummi visade sig vara genomförbart för applikationen, men ytterligare arbete krävs för att föra konceptettill ett användbart tillstånd.

[ES] Los objetivos son 2: 1- Determinar el efecto de la dispersión de la recirculación de gases de escape de alta presión (HP EGR) en las emisiones de NOx y humos en motores diésel de automoción en operaciones de funcionamiento constantes. La investigación cuantifica las emisiones de NOx y humos en función del nivel de dispersión de EGR de alta presión entre cilindros. 2- Explorar los límites del modelado 1D para predecir el movimiento del flujo de los gases en la compleja situación en la que estos entran en los cilindros desde el colector de admisión. Los experimentos se realizaron en un banco de pruebas con un motor diésel de 1.6 litros. Para detectar la dispersión de EGR de alta presión se instaló un sistema de válvulas en los conductos de admisión de cada cilindro para medir la concentración de CO2, por tanto la tasa de EGR, en cada conducto. Se instaló también un sistema de válvulas en el escape para medir las emisiones de NOx en cada cilindro. Se instaló un sensor de humos en la línea de escape, aguas abajo de la turbina, para medir el efecto de la dispersión de EGR de alta presión en las emisiones de humos además del sensor para medir el resto de las emisiones contaminantes aguas abajo de la turbina. Se han estudiado 9 puntos de funcionamiento diferentes con distintas velocidades y niveles de carga. El mapa motor se ha estudiado en profundidad, desde 1250 hasta 3000 rpm y entre 3 y 20 bar de presión media efectiva (BMEP). La tasa de EGR varía entre 5 y 42%, dependiendo del punto de funcionamiento. La geometría del modelo reproduce la del motor diésel de automoción de 1.6 litros en el que se realizaron los ensayos experimentales. Incluyendo la línea de EGR de alta presión que fue instalada para controlar los niveles de dispersión durante los ensayos experimentales. La metodología centrada en las herramientas experimentales combina aparatos de medida tradicional con un sistema de válvulas específico que ofrecen una información precisa en cuanto a la concentración de especies tanto en el colector de admisión como en el de escape. El estudio se realizó a emisiones de NOx constantes para observar el efecto de la dispersión de EGR en los valores de opacidad. La metodología está centrada en las herramientas de modelado, las condiciones de contorno y toda la información necesaria para poner en marcha el modelo proviene de los resultados de los ensayos experimentales medidos con los diferentes sensores y aparatos mencionados anteriormente. Muchos de ellos necesarios para ajustar el modelo. La parte más importante para estudiar la capacidad de predicción del modelo es el diseño del colector de admisión. Es necesario poner especial atención en la orientación de los conductos, y en la estructura interna y la superficie para tratar de ser muy fiel a la geometría real, ya que ello determina la predicción de la dispersión. Esta aproximación de modelado cuasi tridimensional (3D) es posible gracias a un programa específico que importa la información necesaria desde un archivo CAD al programa de modelado 1D. Respecto a la parte experimental, el estudio concluye que cuando la dispersión de EGR es baja, los niveles de opacidad se reducen en todos los puntos de funcionamiento. Sin embargo, por encima de ciertos niveles de dispersión de EGR, la opacidad crece seriamente con diferentes pendientes según el punto de operación. El estudio permite cuantificar este límite de dispersión de EGR. La dispersión de EGR incrementa el consumo de combustible por encima del 6.9%. Respecto a la parte de modelado, el estudio concluye que cuando la distribución de EGR entre conductos medida experimentalmente es asimétrica y presenta un alto patrón de concavidad o convexidad, el modelo no predice adecuadamente la distribución del EGR. El estudio concluye que, aunque en los ensayos experimentales la tasa de EGR afecta a la dispersión de EGR, el modelo 1D no es tan sensible como para predecir esta influencia cuando la tasa de EGR está por debajo del 10%. / [CA] L'objectiu de l'estudi és doble. Per una banda, determinar l'efecte de la dispersió de la recirculació de gasos d'escapament d'alta pressió (HP EGR per les seues sigles en anglès) en les emissions d'òxids de nitrogen (NOx) i fums en motors dièsel d'automoció en operacions de funcionament constants. La investigació quantifica les emissions de NOx i fums en funció del nivell de dispersió d'EGR d'alta pressió entre cilindres. Per una altra banda, l'objectiu és explorar els límits del modelatge unidimensional (1D) per predir el moviment del flux dels gasos en la complexa situació en què aquests entren als cilindres des del col·lector d'admissió. Els experiments van ser realitzats en un banc de proves amb un motor dièsel de 1.6 litres. Per detectar la dispersió d'EGR d'alta pressió es va instal·lar un sistema de vàlvules en els conductes d'admissió de cada cilindre per mesurar el percentatge de CO2 i per tant la taxa d'EGR. De la mateixa manera es va instal·lar també un sistema de vàlvules d'escapament, cilindre a cilindre, per mesurar les emissions de NOx. A més també es va instal·lar un sensor de fums en la línia d'escapament, aigües avall de la turbina, per mesurar l'efecte de la dispersió d'EGR d'alta pressió en les emissions de fums, així com el sensor de mesura de la resta d'emissions aigües avall de la turbina. S'han estudiat 9 punts de funcionament diferents amb distintes velocitats i nivells de càrrega, per la qual cosa el mapa motor s'ha estudiat en profunditat, des de 1250 fins a 3000 rpm i entre 3 i 20 bar de pressió mitjana efectiva (BMEP per les seues sigles en anglès). La taxa d'EGR varia entre 5 i 42 %, depenent del punt de funcionament. La geometria del model reprodueix la geometria del motor dièsel d'automoció d'1.6 litres en el qual es van realitzar tots els assajos experimentals. La metodologia centrada en les ferramentes experimentals combina aparells de mesura tradicional amb un sistema de vàlvules específic que ofereixen una informació precisa quant a la concentració d'espècies tant al col·lector d'admissió com al d'escapament. L'estudi es va realitzar a emissions de NOx constants per observar l'efecte de la dispersió d'EGR en els valors d'opacitat. Quant a la metodologia centrada en les ferramentes de modelatge, les condicions de contorn i tota la informació necessària per posar en marxa el model prové dels resultats dels assajos experimentals mesurats amb els diferents sensors i aparells mencionats anteriorment, molts d'ells necessaris per ajustar el model. La part més important per estudiar la capacitat de predicció del model és el disseny del col·lector d'admissió. És necessari posar especial atenció a l'orientació dels conductes, i a l'estructura interna i la superfície per tractar de ser molt fidel a la geometria real, ja que determina la predicció de la dispersió. Esta aproximació del model quasi-tridimensional (3D) és possible gràcies a un programa específic que importa la informació necessària des d'un arxiu de disseny assistit per ordinador (CAD) al programa de modelat 1D. Respecte a la part experimental, l'estudi conclou que quan la dispersió d'EGR és baixa, els nivells d'opacitat es redueixen en tots els punts de funcionament. Tanmateix, per damunt de certs nivells de dispersió d'EGR, l'opacitat creix seriosament amb diferents pendents segons el punt d'operació. L'estudi permet quantificar aquest límit de dispersió d'EGR. A més, la dispersió d'EGR podria contribuir a incrementar el consum de combustible per damunt del 6.9%. Respecte a la part de modelatge, l'estudi conclou que quan la distribució d'EGR entre conductes mesurada experimentalment és asimètrica i presenta un alt patró de concavitat o convexitat, el model no prediu adequadament la distribució d'EGR. A més, l'estudi conclou que, tot i que en els assajos experimentals la taxa d'EGR afecta a la dispersió d'EGR, el model 1D no és tan sensible com per predir aquesta influència quan la taxa d’EGR està per baix del 10%. / [EN] The objective of the study is twofold. On the one hand, it is to determine the effect of the high pressure (HP) exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) dispersion in automotive diesel engines on NOx and smoke emissions in steady engine operation. The investigation quantifies the smoke emissions as a function of the dispersion of the HP EGR among cylinders. On the other hand, it is to explore the limits of the one-dimensional (1D) modeling to predict the movement of the flow in a complex situation as the gases get into the cylinders from the intake manifold. The experiments are performed on a test bench with a 1.6 liter automotive diesel engine. In order to track the HP EGR dispersion in the intake pipes, a valves system to measure CO2, hence EGR rate, pipe to pipe was installed. In the same way, a valves device to measure NOx emissions cylinder to cylinder in the exhaust was installed too. Moreover a smoke meter device was installed in the exhaust line, downstream the turbine, to measure the effect of the HP EGR dispersion on smoke emissions. A probe to measure the other raw emissions was installed downstream the turbine, too. Nine different engine running conditions were studied at different speed and load, thus the engine map was widely studied, from 1250 rpm to 3000 rpm and between 3 and 20 bar of BMEP. The EGR rate variates between 5 and 42 % depending on the working operation point. The geometry of the model reproduces the geometry of a 1.6 liter diesel automotive engine where the tests were performed. It includes an HP-EGR line and the device that was installed to perform the experiments to control the dispersion. The methodology focused on experimental tools combining traditional measuring devices with a specific valves system which offers accurate information about species concentration in both the intake and the exhaust manifolds. The study was performed at constant raw NOx emissions to observe the effect of the EGR dispersion in the opacity values. Regarding the methodology focused on modeling tools, the boundary conditions and all the necessary information to run the model comes from experimental results measured with the different sensors and devices mentioned before. Much of them were needed to adjust the model. The most important part of the modeling to study the capacity of the prediction of the EGR dispersion is the layout of the intake manifold. It is necessary put special attention to the orientation of the pipes, and the internal structure and surface trying to mimic the real geometry because it determinates the prediction of the dispersion. This approximation to quasi-three-dimensional (3D) modeling is possible thanks to a specific software that imports the necessary information from a computer-aided design (CAD) file to the 1D modeling software. Concerning the experimental results, the study leads to conclude that when the EGR dispersion is low, the opacity presents reduced values in all operation points. However, above a certain level of EGR dispersion, the opacity increases dramatically with different slopes depending on the engine running condition. This study allows quantifying this EGR dispersion threshold. In addition, the EGR dispersion could contribute to an increase in the engine fuel consumption up to 6.9%. Regarding to the modeling part, the study concludes that when the experimental EGR distribution among pipes is asymmetric and presents high concavity or convexity spatial pattern, the model does not predict properly the EGR distribution. In addition, the study concludes that, although in the experimental tests the EGR rate affects to the EGR dispersion, the 1D model is not too sensitive to predict this influence when the EGR rate is lower than 10%. / The respondent wishes to acknowledge the financial support received by contract FPI 2015 S2 3101 of Programa de Apoyo a la Investigación y Desarrollo (PAID) from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). / Miguel García, J. (2021). Analysis of the high pressure EGR dispersion among cylinders in automotive diesel engines [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/161889 / TESIS

<p>Deponijski gas koji nastaje kao rezultat anaerobnih procesa unutar<br />otpada na deponiji može da se iskoristi kao obnovljivi izvor<br />energije, smanjujući ujedno i zagađenje vazduha. Tretman procedne vode<br />u savremenim postrojenjima za prečišćavanje reverznom osmozom daje<br />neželjeni ostatak &ndash; koncentrat, koji se uobičajeno recirkuliše na<br />deponiju kao vid tretmana. Ova disertacija se bavi uticajem<br />recirkulacije na produkciju deponijskog gasa, kako bi se omogućila<br />bolja upravljivost i predikcija čitavog procesa upravljanja otpadom<br />sa ciljem održanja stabilne proizvodnje deponijskog gasa i povećanja<br />mogućnosti njegovog iskorišćenja u termo-energetskim postrojenjima.</p> / <p>Landfill gas resulting from the anaerobic processes in the waste at the landfill<br />can be used as a renewable energy source, reducing both air<br />pollution. Treatment of leachate in modern plants for the purification using<br />reverse osmosis gives unwanted residue - concentrate, which is typically<br />recirculated back to the landfill as a form of its treatment. This thesis deals<br />with the influence of recirculation in the production of landfill gas, to allow for<br />better handling and prediction of entire process of waste management in<br />order to maintain stable production of landfill gas and increasing<br />opportunities for its utilization in thermal and power plants.</p>

Oxygen-diluted Combustion (OdC) technology has evolved from the concept of Excess Enthalpy Combustion and is characterized by reactants of low oxygen concentration and high temperature. Recent advances in this technology have demonstrated significant energy savings, high and uniform thermal field, low pollution, and the possibility for downsizing the equipment for a range of furnace applications. Moreover, the technology has shown promise for wider applications in various processes and power industries. The objectives of this thesis are to analyze the thermodynamic aspects of this novel combustion technology and to quantify the enhancement in efficiency and heat transfer inside a furnace in order to explore the potentials for reduced thermodynamic irreversibility of a combustion process and reduced energy consumption in an industrial furnace. Therefore, theoretical and experimental investigations were carried out. The 2nd law of thermodynamics analyses of OdC systems have been carried out for cases in which the oxidizer is either oxygen (Flameless-oxy-fuel) or air (High Temperature Air Combustion, HiTAC). The analyses demonstrate the possibilities of reducing thermodynamic irreversibility of combustion by considering an oxygen-diluted combustion process that utilizes both gas- and/or heat-recirculation. Furthermore, the results showed that an oxygen-diluted combustion system that utilizes oxygen as an oxidizer, in place of air, results in higher 1st and 2nd law efficiencies. Mathematical models for heat regenerators were developed to be designing tools for maximized heat recovery. These models were verified by heat performance experiments carried out on various heat regenerators. Furthermore, experiments were performed in a semi-industrial test furnace. It was equipped with various regenerative burning systems to establish combustion and heat transfer conditions prevailing in an industrial furnace operating based on HiTAC. The tests were carried out at seven firing configurations, two conventional and five HiTAC configurations, for direct and indirect heating systems. Measurements of energy balance were performed on the test furnace at various configurations in order to obtain the 1st law efficiency. Moreover, local measurements of temperature, gas composition, and heat fluxes in the semi-industrial test furnace were performed to find out the main characteristics of HiTAC flame and the effects of these characteristics on the heating potential, i.e., useful heating in the furnace. In the case of HiTAC, these measurements showed uniformities of chemistry, temperature, temperature fluctuation, and heat fluxes profiles. The values of fluctuations in temperature were small. The high speed jets of the fuel and air penetrated deep into the furnace. The fuel gradually disappeared while intermediate species gradually appeared in relatively high concentrations and at broader regions inside the furnace. These findings indicate: a large reaction zone, low specific combustion intensity in the flame, low specific fuel energy release, and high heat release from this large flame. In addition to the thermodynamic limitations to the maximum temperature of the Oxygen-diluted Combustion, the low specific energy release of the fuel and the high heat release from the flame to its surroundings cause this uniform and relatively moderate temperature profile in a HiTAC flame, consequently suppressing thermal-NO formation. Heat flux and energy balance measurements showed that heating potential is significantly increased in the case of HiTAC compared to that in the conventional case, implying much more energy savings than the apparent heat recovery from the heat regenerators, and consequently much less pollutants emissions. Therefore, it is certain that this large HiTAC flame emits more thermal radiation to its surroundings than the conventional flame does, in spite of the moderate-uniform temperature profile of the flame. This intense heat flux was more uniform in all HiTAC configurations, including the indirect heating configuration, than that of the conventional-air combustion configuration. / QC 20101011

<p>Oxygen-diluted Combustion (OdC) technology has evolved from the concept of Excess Enthalpy Combustion and is characterized by reactants of low oxygen concentration and high temperature. Recent advances in this technology have demonstrated significant energy savings, high and uniform thermal field, low pollution, and the possibility for downsizing the equipment for a range of furnace applications. Moreover, the technology has shown promise for wider applications in various processes and power industries.</p><p>The objectives of this thesis are to analyze the thermodynamic aspects of this novel combustion technology and to quantify the enhancement in efficiency and heat transfer inside a furnace in order to explore the potentials for reduced thermodynamic irreversibility of a combustion process and reduced energy consumption in an industrial furnace. Therefore, theoretical and experimental investigations were carried out.</p><p>The 2nd law of thermodynamics analyses of OdC systems have been carried out for cases in which the oxidizer is either oxygen (Flameless-oxy-fuel) or air (High Temperature Air Combustion, HiTAC). The analyses demonstrate the possibilities of reducing thermodynamic irreversibility of combustion by considering an oxygen-diluted combustion process that utilizes both gas- and/or heat-recirculation. Furthermore, the results showed that an oxygen-diluted combustion system that utilizes oxygen as an oxidizer, in place of air, results in higher 1st and 2nd law efficiencies.</p><p>Mathematical models for heat regenerators were developed to be designing tools for maximized heat recovery. These models were verified by heat performance experiments carried out on various heat regenerators.</p><p>Furthermore, experiments were performed in a semi-industrial test furnace. It was equipped with various regenerative burning systems to establish combustion and heat transfer conditions prevailing in an industrial furnace operating based on HiTAC. The tests were carried out at seven firing configurations, two conventional and five HiTAC configurations, for direct and indirect heating systems.</p><p>Measurements of energy balance were performed on the test furnace at various configurations in order to obtain the 1st law efficiency. Moreover, local measurements of temperature, gas composition, and heat fluxes in the semi-industrial test furnace were performed to find out the main characteristics of HiTAC flame and the effects of these characteristics on the heating potential, i.e., useful heating in the furnace. In the case of HiTAC, these measurements showed uniformities of chemistry, temperature, temperature fluctuation, and heat fluxes profiles. The values of fluctuations in temperature were small. The high speed jets of the fuel and air penetrated deep into the furnace. The fuel gradually disappeared while intermediate species gradually appeared in relatively high concentrations and at broader regions inside the furnace. These findings indicate: a large reaction zone, low specific combustion intensity in the flame, low specific fuel energy release, and high heat release from this large flame. In addition to the thermodynamic limitations to the maximum temperature of the Oxygen-diluted Combustion, the low specific energy release of the fuel and the high heat release from the flame to its surroundings cause this uniform and relatively moderate temperature profile in a HiTAC flame, consequently suppressing thermal-NO formation.</p><p>Heat flux and energy balance measurements showed that heating potential is significantly increased in the case of HiTAC compared to that in the conventional case, implying much more energy savings than the apparent heat recovery from the heat regenerators, and consequently much less pollutants emissions. Therefore, it is certain that this large HiTAC flame emits more thermal radiation to its surroundings than the conventional flame does, in spite of the moderate-uniform temperature profile of the flame. This intense heat flux was more uniform in all HiTAC configurations, including the indirect heating configuration, than that of the conventional-air combustion configuration.</p>

Today, the investigation of fuel economy improvements in internal combustion engines (ICEs) has become the most significant research interest among the automobile manufacturers and researchers. The scarcity of natural resources, progressively increasing oil prices, carbon dioxide taxation and stringent emission regulations all make fuel economy research relevant and compelling. The enhancement of engine performance solely using incylinder techniques is proving increasingly difficult and as a consequence the concept of exhaust energy recovery has emerged as an area of considerable interest. Three main energy recovery systems have been identified that are at various stages of investigation. Vapour power bottoming cycles and turbo-compounding devices have already been applied in commercially available marine engines and automobiles. Although the fuel economy benefits are substantial, system design implications have limited their adaptation due to the additional components and the complexity of the resulting system. In this context, thermo-electric (TE) generation systems, though still in their infancy for vehicle applications have been identified as attractive, promising and solid state candidates of low complexity. The performance of these devices is limited to the relative infancy of materials investigations and module architectures. There is great potential to be explored. The initial modelling work reported in this study shows that with current materials and construction technology, thermo-electric devices could be produced to displace the alternator of the light duty vehicles, providing the fuel economy benefits of 3.9%-4.7% for passenger cars and 7.4% for passenger buses. More efficient thermo-electric materials could increase the fuel economy significantly resulting in a substantially improved business case. The dynamic behaviour of the thermo-electric generator (TEG) applied in both, main exhaust gas stream and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) path of light duty and heavy duty engines were studied through a series of experimental and modelling programs. The analyses of the thermo-electric generation systems have highlighted the need for advanced heat exchanger design as well as the improved materials to enhance the performance of these systems. These research requirements led to the need for a systems evaluation technique typified by hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing method to evaluate heat exchange and materials options. HIL methods have been used during this study to estimate both the output power and the exhaust back pressure created by the device. The work has established the feasibility of a new approach to heat exchange devices for thermo-electric systems. Based on design projections and the predicted performance of new materials, the potential to match the performance of established heat recovery methods has been demonstrated.

The object of the diploma thesis is to optimize vacuum function of the ejector using computional fluid dynamics, or CFD. The ejector is inserted to the intake system of the six - cylinder diesel engine to increase the pressure gradient of the exhaust gas recirculation system. The analysis of the current design solution is performed and then the ejector with the new shape affording higher vacuum effect is proposed. The introductory part is devoted to the questions of diesel engines emissions and technology to reduce emissions in the exhaust system focused on the EGR.

This thesis deals with the evaluation of emissions of NOx and CO formed during the combustion process when the burner utilizing fuel staging and internal flue gas recirculation is used. In the theoretical part the NOx formation mechanisms and methods used to suppress their formation are described. This is followed with the currently valid legislation in the Czech Republic in terms of the emission limits for NOx and CO in stationary sources. In the work, combustion tests were performed at the burners testing facility at UPEI BUT. The tests revealed that the most important parameters, which influence the NOx formation, are fuel staging, increasing combustion air excess and the utilization of new equipment that induces the flue gas to be drawn back into the burner. The equipment is installed in the burner’s air channel. The dependence of flue gas temperature, heat flux to the combustion chamber’s section walls and in-flame temperatures distribution in the horizontal symmetry plane of the combustion chamber on various parameters were investigated. The parameters included the geometry of the equipment for flue gas recirculation, primary/secondary ratio, geometry of nozzles for secondary fuel supply, tangential orientation of these nozzles towards the burner axis, and the excess of combustion air.

[ES] Las actuales y futuras normativas, en términos de emisiones contaminantes y movilidad sostenible, continuarán fijando una difícil etapa para el desarrollo y mejoramiento de los motores de combustión interna alternativos (MCIA). Los nuevos parámetros conocidos como, emisiones reales de conducción, los cambios de altitud y las condiciones extremas de operación a bajas temperaturas, son los mayores desafíos para cumplir bajo estas nuevas normativas. Por esta razón, la academia y los fabricantes de la industria de la automoción continúan trabajando en colaboración, tratando de desarrollar más eficientes y menos contaminantes sistemas de propulsión. En este trabajo experimental de investigación, los principales resultados de un proyecto de colaboración llevado a cabo entre la empresa Valeo Systèmes Thermiques y la Universitat Poltècnica de València son presentados. La recirculación de gases de escape, en sus dos configuraciones, de alta y de baja presión, y la desactivación de cilindros, son las principales estrategias que se estudiarán en este trabajo, debido a su alto potencial y su bajo costo de implementación. Estas estrategias son evaluadas en un motor Diesel, instalado en una cámara de ensayos climática y operando a bajas temperaturas ambiente (-7°C). La primera estrategia, es la activación de la EGR de alta presión desde el inicio de un arranque de motor y el desarrollo de un modelo de condensación simple capaz de predecir si hay o no condensación dentro de la línea de EGR bajo estas condiciones. En particular, el ratio de humedad y las condiciones internas del motor que caracterizan la aparición de este fenómeno son calculadas por el modelo. Este modelo es validado por medio de cámaras instaladas en el rail de EGR con el objetivo de visualizar la evolución de la condensación dentro de los componentes. El ratio de humedad calculado y el comportamiento de la condensación observado a través de las cámaras, muestran que durante un arranque de motor en frío, las condiciones de condensación en los gases están presentes hasta que se alcanzan aproximadamente 50°C, mientras que en las paredes sólidas y en los componentes, las condiciones se mantienen hasta que se alcanzan aproximadamente 30°C. En la segunda estrategia, una nueva línea de EGR compacta, equipada con un sistema de bypass para el intercambiador de calor es usada con el objetivo de acelerar el proceso de calentamiento del motor en comparación a la línea de EGR de baja presión original del motor. El objeto de esta estrategia es evaluar el impacto en el comportamiento del motor de realizar EGR de baja presión a bajas temperaturas con la activación del sistema de bypass para deshabilitar el intercambiador de calor. Siguiendo esta estrategia, una notable reducción en emisiones de NOx de aproximadamente 60% con respecto a un caso de referencia sin activación de la EGR de baja presión es lograda. Además, el proceso de calentamiento del motor ha sido reducido en aproximadamente 60 segundos y la temperatura de admisión del motor ha sido aumentada en 30°C, liderando una reducción en las emisiones de CO de aproximadamente 12%. En la tercera estrategia, el impacto de usar una nueva configuración de la desactivación de cilindros con el propósito de acelerar el proceso de calentamiento del motor es evaluada. Los resultados muestran un incremento en la temperatura de escape de alrededor de 100°C, el cual permite reducir la activación del catalizador en 250 segundos además de reducir el proceso de calentamiento del motor en aproximadamente 120 segundos. Esto permite reducir las emisiones de CO y HC en un 70% y 50%, respectivamente. Y finalmente, la última estrategia experimental realizada, evalúa el impacto de usar la EGR de alta presión mientras el filtro de partículas está en el modo activo de regeneración. Siguiendo esta posible condición de calibración de motor, una reducción en emisiones de NOx de aproximadamente 50% con respecto a un caso de referencia ha sido alcanzada. / [CA] Les actuals i futures normatives, en termes d'emissions contaminants i mobilitat sostenible, continuaran fixant una difícil etapa per al desenvolupament i millorament dels motors de combustió interna alternatius (MCIA). Els nous paràmetres coneguts com, emissions reals de conducció, els canvis d'altitud i les condicions extremes d'operació a baixes temperatures, són els majors desafiaments per a complir les noves normatives. Per aquesta raó, l'acadèmia i els fabricants de la indústria de l'automoció continuen treballant en col·laboració, tractant de desenvolupar més eficients i menys contaminants sistemes de propulsió. En aquest treball experimental d'investigació, es presenten els principals resultats d'un projecte de col·laboració dut a terme entre l'empresa Valeo Systèmes Thermiques i la Universitat Politècnica de València. La recirculació de gasos del motor, en les seues dues configuracions, d'alta i de baixa pressió, i la desactivació de cilindres, són les principals estratègies que s'estudiaran en aquest treball, a causa del seu alt potencial i el seu baix cost d'implementació. Aquestes estratègies són avaluades en un motor Dièsel, instal·lat en una cambra d'assajos climàtica i operant a baixes temperatures ambient (-7 °C). La primera estratègia, és l'activació de la EGR d'alta pressió des de l'inici d'una arrancada de motor i el desenvolupament d'un model de condensació simple capaç de predir si hi ha o no condensació dins de la línia de EGR. En particular, el ràtio d'humitat i les condicions internes del motor que caracteritzen l'aparició d'aquest fenomen són calculades pel model. Aquest model és validat per mitjà de càmeres instal·lades a el rail de EGR amb l'objectiu de visualitzar l'evolució de la condensació dins dels components. El ràtio d'humitat calculat i el comportament de la condensació observat a través de les càmeres, mostren que durant una arrancada de motor en fred, les condicions de condensació en els gasos són presents fins que s'aconsegueixen aproximadament 50 °C, mentre que a les parets i als components, les condicions es mantenen fins que s'aconsegueixen aproximadament 30 °C. En la segona estratègia, una nova línia de EGR compacta, equipada amb un sistema de bypass per a l'intercanviador de calor és usada amb l'objectiu d'accelerar el procés de calfament del motor en comparació a la línia de EGR de baixa pressió original del motor. L'objecte d'aquesta estratègia és avaluar l'impacte en el comportament del motor de realitzar EGR de baixa pressió a baixes temperatures amb l'activació del sistema de bypass per a evitar l'intercanviador de calor. Seguint aquesta estratègia, s'aconsegueix una notable reducció en emissions de NOx d'aproximadament 60% respecte a un cas de referència sense activació de la EGR de baixa pressió. A més, el procés de calfament del motor ha sigut reduït en aproximadament 60 segons i la temperatura d'admissió del motor ha sigut augmentada en 30 °C, produint una reducció en les emissions de CO d'aproximadament 12%. Per a la tercera estratègia, és avaluat l'impacte d'usar una nova configuració de la desactivació de cilindres amb el propòsit d'accelerar el procés de calfament del motor. Els resultats mostren un increment a la temperatura dels gasos de al voltant de 100 °C, el qual permet reduir l'activació del catalitzador en 250 segons a més de reduir el procés de calfament del motor en aproximadament 120 segons. Això permet reduir les emissions de CO i HC en un 70% i 50%, respectivament. Finalment, l'última estratègia experimental realitzada, avalua l'impacte d'usar la EGR d'alta pressió mentre el filtre de partícules està en la manera activa de regeneració. Seguint aquesta possible condició de calibratge de motor, ha sigut aconseguida una reducció en emissions de NOx d'aproximadament 50% respecte a un cas de referència sense activar la EGR d'alta pressió. / [EN] Current and future legislations, regarding pollutant emissions reduction and green mobility, will continue fixing a difficult stage for the development and improvement of internal combustions engines (ICEs). The Real Driving Emissions (RDE) parameters, the changes of altitude, and the extreme ambient temperature conditions in operation, are the major challenges to fulfill under these new legislations. By these reason, academy and automotive manufacturers continue working in collaboration, trying to develop more efficient and less polluting powertrains. In this experimental research work, the main results of a collaboration project between the private company Valeo Systèmes Thermiques and the Universitat Poltècnica de València are presented. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), in both configurations, high-pressure and low-pressure, and Cylinder Deactivation (CDA), are the main strategies studied in this work due to its high potential and low-cost implementation. These strategies are evaluated in a Light-duty Diesel engine, fitted in a climatic test bench and operating under low ambient temperature (-7ºC). The first strategy is the High-pressure EGR activation from the beginning of the engine start and the development of a simple condensation model able to predict whether or not there is condensation inside the EGR line under these conditions. In particular, the humidity ratio and the internal engine conditions that characterize the appearance of this phenomenon are estimated by the model. This model is validated by means of cameras fitted on the EGR rail in order to visualize the condensation evolution. The humidity ratio estimate and the condensation behavior observed through the cameras, shows that during an engine cold start, condensation conditions in the gases are present until reach approximately 50ºC, while in solid walls and components, the conditions remains until reach approximately 30ºC. In the second strategy, a new compact line fitted with a bypass system for the cooler is used with the aim of accelerating the engine warm-up process as compared to the original low-pressure EGR line. The aim of this strategy is to evaluate the impact on the engine behavior of performing Low-pressure EGR at cold conditions and to activate the bypass system in order to disable the cooler. Following this strategy, a noticeable NOx emissions reduction of approximately 60% with respect to a reference case without low-pressure EGR has been achieved. In addition, the engine warm-up process has been reduced in approximately 60 seconds and the engine intake temperature has been increased 30ºC, leading a CO emissions reduction of approximately 12%. In the third strategy, the impact of using a new cylinder deactivation configuration with the aim of improving the engine warm-up process is evaluated. The results show an increase of the exhaust temperatures of around 100ºC, which allows to reduce the diesel oxidation catalyst light-off by 250 seconds besides of reducing the engine warm-up process in approximately 120 seconds. This allows to reduce the CO and HC emissions by 70% and 50%, respectively. And finally, the last experimental strategy evaluates the impact of using the high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation while the diesel particulate filter is under active regeneration mode. Following these possible engine calibration conditions, a NOx emissions reduction of approximately 50% with respect to a reference case without high-pressure EGR during a DPF regeneration process has been achieved. / Miguel Ángel Bernal Maldonado has been partially supported through contract FPI-S1-2017-2377 of "Programa de Ayudas de Investigación y Desarrollo (PAID-01-17) de la Universitat Politècnica de València". The support of Valeo Systèmes Thermiques through projects CN-2016-99 and CN-2018-08 is also greatly acknowledged. / Bernal Maldonado, MÁ. (2023). Study of Different Strategies to Improve the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Operating at Cold Conditions [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/192652

Controlled Auto Ignition (CAI) combustion is a new combustion principle in internal combustion engines which has in recent years attracted increased attention. In CAI combustion, which combines features of spark ignition (SI) and compression ignition (CI) principles, air/fuel mixture is premixed, as in SI combustion and auto-ignited by piston compression as in CI combustion. Ignition is provided in multiple points, and thus the charge gives a simultaneous energy release. This results in uniform and simultaneous auto-ignition and chemical reaction throughout the whole charge without flame propagation. CAI combustion is controlled by the chemical kinetics of air/fuel mixture with no influence of turbulence. The CAI engine offers benefits in comparison to spark ignited and compression ignited engines in higher efficiency due to elimination of throttling losses at part and idle loads. There is a possibility to use high compression ratios since it is not knock limited, and in significant lower NOx emission (≈90%) and particle matter emission (≈50%), due to much lower combustion temperature and elimination of fuel rich zones. However, there are several disadvantages of the CAI engine that limits its practical application, such as high level of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions, high peak pressures, high rates of heat release, reduced power per displacement and difficulties in starting and controlling the engine. Controlling the operation over a wide range of loads and speeds is probably the major difficulty facing CAI engines. Controlling is actually two-components as it consists of auto-ignition phasing and controlling the rates of heat release. As CAI combustion is controlled by chemical kinetics of air/fuel mixture, the auto-ignition timing and heat release rate are determined by the charge properties such as temperature, composition and pressure. Therefore, changes in engine operational parameters or in types of fuel, results in changing of the charge properties. Hence, the auto-ignition timing and the rate of heat release. The Thesis investigates a controlled auto-ignition (CAI) combustion in internal combustion engines suitable for transport applications. The CAI engine environment is simulated by using a single-zone, homogeneous reactor model with a time variable volume according to the slider-crank relationship. The model uses detailed chemical kinetics and distributed heat transfer losses according to Woschini's correlation [1]. The fundamentals of chemical kinetics, and their relationship with combustion related problems are presented. The phenomenology and principles of auto-ignition process itself and its characteristics in CAI combustion are explained. The simulation model for representing CAI engine environment is established and calibrated with respect to the experimental data. The influences of fuel composition on the auto-ignition timing and the rate of heat release in a CAI engine are investigated. The effects of engine parameters on CAI combustion in different engine concepts fuelled with various fuels are analysed. The effects of internal gas recirculation (IEGR) in controlling the auto-ignition timing and the heat release rate in a CAI engine fuelled with different fuels are investigated. The effects of variable valve timings strategy on gas exchange process in CAI engine fuelled with commercial gasoline (95RON) are analysed.