Abstract
The effect of injector geometries including the injection angle and number of nozzle holes on homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine combustion has been investigated in an automotive-size single-cylinder diesel engine. The HCCI engine has advantages of simultaneous reduction of PM and NOx emissions by achieving the spatially homogenous distribution of diesel fuel and air mixture, which results in no fuel-rich zones and low combustion temperature. To make homogeneous mixture in a direct-injection diesel engine, the fuel is injected at early timing. The early injection guarantees long ignition delay period resulting in long mixing period to form a homogeneous mixture. The wall-impingement of the diesel spray is a serious problem in this type of application. The impingement occurs due to the low in-cylinder density and temperature as the spray penetrates too deep into the combustion chamber. A hole-type injector (5 holes) with smaller angle ($100^{\circ}$) than the conventional one ($150^{\circ}$) was applied to resolve this problem. The multi-hole injector (14 holes) was also tested to maximize the atomization of diesel fuel. The macroscopic spray structure was visualized in a spray chamber, and the spray penetration was analyzed. Moreover, the effect of injector geometries on the power output and exhaust gases was tested in a single-cylinder diesel engine. Results showed that the small injection angle minimizes the wall-impingement of diesel fuel that results in high power output and low PM emission. The multi-hole injector could not decrease the spray penetration at low in-cylinder pressure and temperature, but still showed the advantages in atomization and premixing.
