Operating parameters optimization for lower emissions in diesel engine with PCCI-DI mode using Taguchi and grey relational analysis

Searching for ultra-low emission engines particularly for automotive applications is still ongoing. Even though LTC combustion mode results a prominent advantages in terms of reducing both NO(x) and PM and also lowering the consumption of fuel, it mainly faces with the challenge of excess emissions of HC and CO. This study aimed to optimize the operating control factors for low emissions in PCCI-DI engine under LTC mode. Parameters include injection timing, EGR level, dieseline ratio and engine load. Computation of analyzing the grey relation with hybrid of Taguchi was applied. In designing of experiments and conducting tests Taguchi's L(9) matrix was applied. Air-blast of methanol intake port supply and dieseline application instead of diesel was implemented aiming emission reductions. Optimum combinations were found using GRA and ANOVA. Following the optimization work; advanced injection timing of 25(o) before TDC, 25% EGR, dieseline 90:10 in % and load 75 % (A(2)B(1)C(3)D(3)) was found optimal combination level for the proposed aim of emission reductions. Key findings of the results following the experiment conducted using this optimal combination includes; reduction of 68.02% NO(x) and 62.37% in smoke comparing with the base-line conventional diesel combustion mode. Rankings and ANOVA indicated another findings that injection timing being most influential with a contribution of 69.35% followed by load, dieseline ratio and EGR level respectively. This study confirmed dieseline direct injection with methanol port injection is capable of reducing emissions and better NO(x) with HC and CO trade-offs in PCCI-DI engines.