Thermodynamic modeling of partially stratified charge engine characteristics for hydrogen-methane blends at ultra-lean conditions

A thermodynamic model considering flame propagation is presented to predict SI engine characteristics for hydrogen-methane blends. The partially charge stratification approach which involves micro direct injection of pure fuel or a fuel-air mixture, to create a rich zone near the spark plug, is proposed as a method to improve engine performance. Presented approach was validated with experimental data for the natural gas at lean condition. The model was generalized to predict the performance of engine for a variety of hydrogen contents in hydrogen-methane blends. Hydrogen molar concentrations of 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% were used in the simulations. Results showed that partially charge stratification improves engine performance by increasing indicated mean effective pressure and decreasing specific fuel consumption. The results indicated that increasing mole fraction of hydrogen content would improve the PSC effect on engine performance. An advantage of the presented model is the flexibility and simplicity that make it possible to investigate several effects such as mixture distribution and fuel constituents on engine performance more practical than other types of simulation.