Method for using partial homogeneous charge compression ignition in a diesel internal combustion engine for NOx trap regeneration

Abstract

A method for operating a diesel IC-engine being able to run in a conventional mode and in a partial Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (pHCCI) mode. The method comprises the features of switching the pHCCI mode from lean pHCCI to rich pHCCI as a response to a control signal indicating that the NO_x-absorbent shall be regenerated. In the rich pHCCI mode, the ratio of recirculated exhaust gases is from 20 to 55%. The rich pHCCI mode further comprises the feature of injecting at least 70% of the fuel to be injected in each working cycle in the main injection whereby the central axis of the fuel spray is directed towards the piston bowl cavity. The method will increase the operation window for rich pHCCI which in turn will have the benefits of less oil dilution and better fuel economy while regenerating the NO_x-absorbent.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a diesel internal combustion engine being able to run in a conventional mode and in a partial Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition mode (pHCCI). The invention further relates to a method for operating the engine in a rich pHCCI-mode. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] A major problem for engine manufacturers all over the world is to combine the features of low fuel consumption and low emissions of particulate matter (PM), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Generally speaking, there are two different ignition systems for Internal Combustion engines (IC-engines), Spark Ignition (SI) and Compression Ignition (CI) of which the latter is the one generally used for diesel engines. CI-engines, e.g. diesel engines, have an advantage in view of SI-engines regarding the fuel consumption. In order to further reduce the harmful emissions in CI-engines, it has been sug...

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Benefits of technology

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the temperature of said gas being admitted to the cylinder, i.e. the temperature of the combustion gas entering the cylinder, during said rich pHCCI mode is in the interval of 60 to 200 degrees Celsius, preferably in the interval of 60 to 130 degrees Celsius. In order to achieve a more homogeneous fuel mixture, it is suggested to use a relatively low temperature of the inlet gas in order to let the injected fuel have time to spread and mix with the combustion gas in the combustion chamber. A lowering of the temperature of the combustion gas will result in a reduction of soot formation which in turn will widen the operation window for rich pHCCI combustion.

[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, the rich pHCCI mode further comprises a pilot and/or a post injection in a working cycle wherein the fuel injected in the pilot and/or post injection vaporises before it reaches a liner of a cylinder wall, if it

Problems solved by technology

A major problem for engine manufacturers all over the world is to combine the features of low fuel consumption and low emissions of particulate matter (PM), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

In the conventional mode, having heterogeneous charge compression ignition combustion, the burnt gas temperature will be highly heterogeneous with very high local temperatures values creating high NOx emissions.

However, there are still several problems associated with the regeneration according t

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