Experimental Study on Spark Assisted and Hot Surface Assisted Compression Ignition (SACI, HSACI) in a Naturally Aspirated Single-Cylinder Gas Engine

Spark assisted compression ignition (SACI) represents an efficacious technique to extend the operating range and control combustion timing in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines. Recently, a hot surface ignition system (HSI) was demonstrated to enable hot surface assisted compression ignition (HSACI) featuring similar combustion characteristics compared to SACI. This work compares both combustion processes with regard to control and combustion characteristics, the strength of the ignition systems, and cycle-by-cycle variations (CCV). Engine trials were conducted using a single-cylinder research engine fueled with natural gas. The engine operated naturally aspirated at an engine speed of 1400 1/min and steady-state conditions. Experimental conditions cover relative air-fuel ratios λ = 2.1–3.1, intake temperatures T_in = 140–170 °C and intake pressures p_in = 993–995 mbar. Results show similar capabilities of SACI and HSACI to control combustion timing by means of spark timing in SACI and hot surface temperature in HSACI. Heat release analyses of individual combustion cycles point out the similarity of both combustion processes. The evaluation of the strength of the ignition systems reveals that HSACI extends the lean limit by Δλ = 0.05–0.10 and advances the earliest applicable combustion timing (MinCA50) by ΔMinCA50 = 1.0–4.5 °CA provided that ringing is not of concern. Comparison of CCV in HCCI, SACI, and HSACI shows highest combustion stability for HCCI, followed by SACI. HSACI evinces highest CCV due to a larger variation at the start of combustion.