Coupling a Lagrangian–Eulerian Spark-Ignition (LESI) model with LES combustion models for engine simulations

In the United States transportation sector, Light-Duty Vehicles (LDVs) are the largest energy consumers and CO2 emitters. Electrification of LDVs is posed as a potential solution, but SI engines can still contribute to decarbonization. Car manufacturers have turned to unconventional engine operation to increase the efficiency of Spark-Ignition (SI) engines and reduce the carbon emissions of their fleets. Dilute, lean, and stratified-charge engine operation has the potential for engine efficiency improvements at the expense of increased cyclic variability and combustion instability. At such demanding engine conditions, the spark ignition event is key for flame initiation and propagation and for enhanced combustion stability. Reliable and accurate spark ignition models can help design ignition systems that reduce cyclic variability. Multiple computational spark-ignition models exist that perform well under conventional conditions, but the underlying physics needs to be expanded, for unconventional engine operation. In this paper, a hybrid Lagrangian–Eulerian Spark-Ignition (LESI) model is coupled with different turbulent flame propagation models for engine simulations. LESI relies on Lagrangian arc tracking and Eulerian energy deposition. The LESI model is coupled with the Well-Stirred Reactor (WSR), Thickened Flame Model (TFM), and g-equation model and used to simulate several cycles of a Direct-Injection Spark-Ignition (DISI) engine using a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) engine solver. The results showcase the successful coupling of LESI with the combustion models. Global engine metrics, such as pressure and Apparent Heat Release Rate (AHRR), for each simulation setup are compared to experimental engine results, for validation. In addition, results highlight the successful prediction of spark channel movement by comparing simulation images to experimental optical engine images. Finally, the successful coupling of LESI to combustion models, making it a usable model in the engine modeling community, is emphasized and future development details are discussed.

[1]  M. Battistoni,et al.  LES investigation of cycle-to-cycle variation in a SI optical access engine using TFM-AMR combustion model , 2021, International Journal of Engine Research.

[2]  T. Lu,et al.  Numerical Investigation of Fuel Property Effects on Mixed-Mode Combustion in a Spark-Ignition Engine , 2019, Journal of Energy Resources Technology.

[3]  C. Rutland,et al.  A semi-empirical laminar-to-turbulent flame transition model coupled with G equation for early flame kernel development and combustion in spark-ignition engines , 2019, International Journal of Engine Research.

[4]  S. Som,et al.  Development of a Hybrid Lagrangian–Eulerian Model to Describe Spark-Ignition Processes at Engine-Like Turbulent Flow Conditions , 2018, Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power.

[5]  P. Vervisch,et al.  DNS and LES of spark ignition with an automotive coil , 2019, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute.

[6]  Takayuki Fuyuto,et al.  Quantitative Optical Analysis and Modelling of Short Circuits and Blow-Outs of Spark Channels under High-Velocity Flow Conditions , 2018, SAE Technical Paper Series.

[7]  M. Nagaoka,et al.  Application of Models of Short Circuits and Blow-Outs of Spark Channels under High-Velocity Flow Conditions to Spark Ignition Simulation , 2018, SAE Technical Paper Series.

[8]  J. Naber,et al.  Numerical Investigation of Spark Ignition Events in Lean and Dilute Methane/Air Mixtures Using a Detailed Energy Deposition Model , 2016 .

[9]  Masanobu Takazawa,et al.  Thermal Efficiency Enhancement of a Gasoline Engine , 2015 .

[10]  Wei Zeng,et al.  Using PIV Measurements to Determine the Role of the In-cylinder Flow Field for Stratified DISI Engine Combustion. , 2014 .

[11]  Eric Pomraning,et al.  Gasoline Combustion Modeling of Direct and Port-Fuel Injected Engines using a Reduced Chemical Mechanism , 2013 .

[12]  Xiaofeng Yang,et al.  Ignition and Combustion Simulations of Spray-Guided SIDI Engine using Arrhenius Combustion with Spark-Energy Deposition Model , 2012 .

[13]  N. Peters,et al.  Understanding ignition processes in spray-guided gasoline engines using high-speed imaging and the extended spark-ignition model SparkCIMM. Part A: Spark channel processes and the turbulent flame front propagation , 2011 .

[14]  K. Truffin,et al.  A spark ignition model for large eddy simulation based on an FSD transport equation (ISSIM-LES) , 2011 .

[15]  T. Poinsot,et al.  Large eddy simulation of spark ignition in a turbulent methane jet , 2009 .

[16]  Andreas M. Lippert,et al.  Modeling ignition phenomena in spray-guided spark-ignited engines , 2009 .

[17]  John B. Heywood,et al.  Lean SI Engines: The role of combustion variability in defining lean limits , 2007 .

[18]  Rolf D. Reitz,et al.  An ignition and combustion model based on the level-set method for spark ignition engine multidimensional modeling , 2006 .

[19]  O. Colin,et al.  (2-25) Arc and Kernel Tracking Ignition Model for 3D Spark-Ignition engine calculations((SI-7)S. I. Engine Combustion 7-Modeling) , 2001 .

[20]  Rolf D. Reitz,et al.  Modeling fuel preparation and stratified combustion in a gasoline direct injection engine , 1999 .