What is it about?

Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition combustion technology potentials are well known for the capability to drastically reduce the engine-out nitrogen oxides and soot emissions simultaneously. Its implementation in mid-term low-duty diesel engines can be beneficial to meet the upcoming regulations. To explore the potential of this solution, experimental data are used from a compression ignition 1.9 L engine, which is operated under two combustion-modes: Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition and conventional diesel combustion. Meanwhile, also the carbon dioxide emissions limitations must be fulfilled. To achieve this goal, the benefits associated to powertrain electrification in terms of fuel economy, can be joined with the benefits of RCCI combustion. To do so, two different supervisory control strategies are compared: Adaptive Equivalent Minimization Control Strategy and Rule-Based Control strategy, while dynamic programming is used to size the electric grid of the powertrain to provide the best optimal solution in terms of fuel economy and emissions abatement. The analysis of the designed hybrid powertrain is carried out numerically with GT-Suite and Matlab-Simulink software. The results show a great potential of the parallel full-hybrid electric vehicle powertrain equipped with the dual-mode engine to reduce the engine-out emissions, also to increase fuel economy with respect to the homologation fuel consumption of the baseline vehicle. The optimal supervisory control strategy was found to be the emissions-oriented Adaptive Equivalent Minimization Control Strategy, which scores a simultaneous reduction of 12% in fuel consumption, 75% in engine-out nitrogen oxides emissions and 82% in engine-out soot, with respect to the baseline conventional diesel combustion engine vehicle.

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Why is it important?

The combination of emerging technologies, such as RCCI combustion and powertrain electrification in a hybrid electric vehicle, represents cutting-edge progress in seeking solutions to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency within the context of increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Similarly, the detailed comparison of two supervised control strategies to optimize energy efficiency and emissions reduction is pertinent and timely in an era where fuel efficiency and emissions mitigation stand as priorities within the automotive industry.

Perspectives

Reflecting on the creation of this research article brings immense satisfaction, primarily due to the collaborative effort with esteemed co-authors. Additionally, this work has had an unforeseen impact, sparking connections with groups dedicated to environmental conservation, leading to an expanded involvement in sustainable technology research. I aspire for this article to transform the perception of what might seem like a niche, technical field—automotive engineering and emissions reduction—into something captivating and impactful. The ways in which we innovate within transportation and energy have far-reaching implications, affecting not only industry stakeholders but also every individual within our global community. My earnest desire is that this article ignites contemplation and discussion, transcending disciplinary boundaries and inspiring a collective drive towards sustainable automotive technologies.

Dr Javier Monsalve-Serrano
Universitat Politecnica de Valencia

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Energy management strategies comparison for a parallel full hybrid electric vehicle using Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition combustion, Applied Energy, August 2020, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115191.
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