Drive cycle simulation of high efficiency combustions on fuel economy and exhaust properties in light-duty vehicles

• Published in: Applied energy Vol. 157; no. C
• Main Authors: Gao, Zhiming, Curran, Scott J., Parks, James E., Smith, David E., Wagner, Robert M., Daw, C. Stuart, Edwards, K. Dean, Thomas, John F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier 06.04.2015
• Subjects: Drive cycle; Emissions; ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY; Engine efficiency; Fuel economy; Hybrid vehicle
• ISSN: 0306-2619; 1872-9118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.03.070

We present fuel economy and engine-out emissions for light-duty (LD) conventional and hybrid vehicles powered by conventional and high-efficiency combustion engines. Engine technologies include port fuel-injected (PFI), direct gasoline injection (GDI), reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) and conventional diesel combustion (CDC). In the case of RCCI, the engine utilized CDC combustion at speed/load points not feasible with RCCI. The results, without emissions considered, show that the best fuel economies can be achieved with CDC/RCCI, with CDC/RCCI, CDC-only, and lean GDI all surpassing PFI fuel economy significantly. In all cases, hybridization significantly improved fuel economy. The engine-out hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) emissions varied remarkably with combustion mode. The simulated engine-out CO and HC emissions from RCCI are significantly higher than CDC, but RCCI makes less NOx and PM emissions. Hybridization can improve lean GDI and RCCI cases by increasing time percentage for these more fuel efficient modes. Moreover, hybridization can dramatically decreases the lean GDI and RCCI engine out emissions. Importantly, lean GDI and RCCI combustion modes decrease exhaust temperatures, especially for RCCI, which limits aftertreatment performance to control tailpipe emissions. Overall, the combination of engine and hybrid drivetrain selected greatly affects the emissions challenges required to meet emission regulations.