Experimental investigation on combustion and particulate emissions of the high compressed natural gas reactivity controlled compression ignition over wide ranges of intake conditions in a multi-cylinder engine using a two-stage intake boost system

Compressed natural gas (CNG)/diesel reactivity-controlled compression ignition was investigated to understand the combustion and emission characteristics over wide ranges of intake pressure and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate at high load condition. Reactivity-controlled compression ignition is a dual fuel engine combustion strategy that employs in-cylinder fuel blending with two different reactivity fuels, and multiple injections for the in-cylinder fuel reactivity control to optimize the combustion phasing, duration, and magnitude as well as NOx and soot reduction. High CNG substitution was of interest since it could lead to greater CO₂ and particulate matter reductions. The present 80% CNG substitution required substantial intake boosting due to the charge air displaced by CNG. The experimental engine is commissioned for the reactivity-controlled compression ignition regime using natural gas and diesel fuel with a two-stage turbocharging system. The intake boosting system achieved the intake pressure and EGR rate of 210 kPa and 25%, respectively, when the EGR valve was fully open. The intake pressure and EGR levels varied in the ranges of 150 to 210 kPa and 0 to 25%, respectively. The corresponding equivalence ratio ranged from 0.85 to 0.5. The intake system achieved the highest turbocharger efficiency of 56% at the maximum boosting operation. The highest CO₂ reduction was 23.4% at the maximum boosting condition. The improvements under the enhanced intake condition were significant from the standpoints of both efficiency and emissions, including in terms of the particle concentrations.