Performance of a Methanol-Fueled Direct-Injection Compression-Ignition Heavy-Duty Engine under Low-Temperature Combustion Conditions

Low-temperature combustion (LTC) concepts, such as homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) and partially premixed combustion (PPC), aim to reduce in-cylinder temperatures in internal combustion engines, thereby lowering emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and soot. These LTC concepts are particularly attractive for decarbonizing conventional diesel engines using renewable fuels such as methanol. This paper uses numerical simulations and a finite-rate chemistry model to investigate the combustion and emission processes in LTC engines operating with pure methanol. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical processes in the engine and to identify optimal engine operation in terms of efficiency and emissions. The simulations replicated the experimentally observed trends for CO, unburned hydrocarbons (UHCs), and NOx emissions, the required intake temperature to achieve consistent combustion phasing at different injection timings, and the distinctively different combustion heat release processes at various injection timings. It was found that the HCCI mode of engine operation required a higher intake temperature than PPC operation due to methanol’s low ignition temperature in fuel-richer mixtures. In the HCCI mode, the engine exhibited ultra-low NOx emissions but higher emissions of UHC and CO, along with lower combustion efficiency compared to the PPC mode. This was attributed to poor combustion efficiency in the near-wall regions and engine crevices. Low emissions and high combustion efficiency are achievable in PPC modes with a start of injection around a crank angle of 30° before the top dead center. The fundamental mechanism behind the engine performance is analyzed.