Starting to Unpick the Unique Air–Fuel Mixing Dynamics in the Recuperated Split Cycle Engine

Simon A. Harvey, Konstantina Vogiatzaki, Guillaume de Sercey, William Redpath and Robert E. Morgan
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Simon A. Harvey: Advanced Engineering Centre, University of Brighton Cockroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 4GJ, UK
Konstantina Vogiatzaki: Advanced Engineering Centre, University of Brighton Cockroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 4GJ, UK
Guillaume de Sercey: Advanced Engineering Centre, University of Brighton Cockroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 4GJ, UK
William Redpath: Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S60 5TZ, UK
Robert E. Morgan: Advanced Engineering Centre, University of Brighton Cockroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 4GJ, UK

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: In this work air fuel mixing and combustion dynamics in the recuperated split cycle engine (RSCE) are investigated through new theoretical analysis and complementary optical experiments of the flow field. First, a brief introduction to the basic working principles of the RSCE cycle will be presented, followed by recent test bed results relevant to pressure traces and soot emissions. These results prompted fundamental questioning of the air-fuel mixing and combustion dynamics taking place. Hypotheses of the mixing process are then presented, with differences to that of a conventional Diesel engine highlighted. Moreover, the links of the reduced emissions, air transfer processes and enhanced atomisation are explored. Initial experimental results and Schlieren images of the air flow through the poppet valves in a flow rig are reported. The Schlieren images display shockwave and Mach disk phenomena. Demonstrating supersonic air flow in the chamber is consistent with complementary CFD work. The results from the initial experiment alone are inconclusive to suggest which of the three suggested mixing mechanism hypotheses are dominating the air–fuel dynamics in the RSCE. However, one major conclusion of this work is the proof for the presence of shockwave phenomena which are atypical of conventional engines.

Keywords: internal combustion engine; thermal propulsion system; efficiency; emissions; atomisation; recuperated split cycle engine; air–fuel mixing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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