Custom-Designed Pre-Chamber: Investigating the Effects on Small SI Engine in Active and Passive Modes

Paolo Sementa, Cinzia Tornatore (), Francesco Catapano, Silvana Di Iorio and Bianca Maria Vaglieco
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Paolo Sementa: Institute of Science and Technology for Sustainable Energy and Mobility, CNR (Italian National Research Council), Via Marconi 4, 80125 Napoli, Italy
Cinzia Tornatore: Institute of Science and Technology for Sustainable Energy and Mobility, CNR (Italian National Research Council), Via Marconi 4, 80125 Napoli, Italy
Francesco Catapano: Institute of Science and Technology for Sustainable Energy and Mobility, CNR (Italian National Research Council), Via Marconi 4, 80125 Napoli, Italy
Silvana Di Iorio: Institute of Science and Technology for Sustainable Energy and Mobility, CNR (Italian National Research Council), Via Marconi 4, 80125 Napoli, Italy
Bianca Maria Vaglieco: Institute of Science and Technology for Sustainable Energy and Mobility, CNR (Italian National Research Council), Via Marconi 4, 80125 Napoli, Italy

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 13, 1-24

Abstract: This work shows the results of an experimental campaign carried out in two spark ignition engines, a small optical research engine and its commercial counterpart, using a turbulent ignition system (pre-chamber) specifically designed for small engines. Advanced optical techniques and conventional methods were used to study the combustion process under various operating conditions. The pre-chamber operated actively in the research engine and passively in the commercial engine. Results showed that the pre-chamber configuration resulted in an increase in indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and a decrease in the coefficient of variation (CoV) of IMEP. These improvements compensated for challenges such as slow methane combustion rate, poor lean burn capability, and air displacement. In addition, the pre-chamber configuration exhibited lower fuel consumption and specific exhaust emissions compared to the standard ignition system. The novelty of this work lies in the successful implementation of the turbulent ignition system as a retrofit solution for SI engines, showing improved combustion efficiency and lower emissions. The study goes beyond previous efforts by demonstrating the benefits of the pre-chamber configuration in small engines without requiring extensive modifications. The results provide valuable insights into the automotive industry’s pursuit of engine optimization and highlight the significance of innovative approaches for spark ignition engines in contributing to sustainable mobility.

Keywords: pre-chamber design; SI engine; active pre-chamber; passive pre-chamber; optical engine (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: 2023
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