Evaluation of zero dimensional codes in simulating IC engines using primary reference fuel

• Computational combustion analyses were performed using SRM Suite and Chemkin.
• PRF-85 fuel was used to evaluate performances of computational codes.
• Computations were validated against experimental data under HCCI engine conditions.

In this work, experimental results from a homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine fueled with PRF-85 (85% iso-octane and 15% n-heptane) were used to compare performances of combustion codes for zero dimensional analysis. 0-D codes, called SRM Suite (Stochastic Reactor Model) and Chemkin-Pro, were evaluated in terms of combustion, heat transfer and emissions in an HCCI engine. The simulations are based on experimental data and operating conditions at Shell Research Labs in the UK. One set of experimental data was used for analysis in both programs with reduced and detailed kinetic mechanisms. Simulation results were compared to experimental data in terms of pressure, heat release rate, and emission. Variation of the temperature, OH and H2O2 that could not be obtained experimentally were evaluated for comparisons between the two codes. Analysis showed that both codes have advantages over each other. Crevice and blow-by, ring gap and probability density function (PDF) – based stochastic reactor modeling are main advantages of SRM Suite software and these capabilities helped with better convergence of the results. But, Chemkin-Pro results were acceptable and solution time was fairly shorter than SRM Suite. It was also seen that detailed and reduced kinetic mechanisms affected the analysis.