A coupling dynamics and thermodynamics study of diesel pilot-ignition injection effect on hydrogen combustion of a linear engine

Linear hydrogen engine is a new type of energy conversion device to supports variable compression ratio operation for clean emission. However, the new hydrogen engine using conventional spark ignition shows slow combustion speed and low thermal efficiency. This study makes a preliminary assessment to discuss the application of diesel pilot-ignition technology in linear hydrogen engine aiming to accelerate combustion and improve efficiency. A new coupling model between dynamics and thermodynamics is proposed and then iteratively calculated to give insight the interrelationship of combustion and motion in a diesel pilot-ignited linear hydrogen engine, while the effect of injection position on the hydrogen engine combustion is also investigated to make clear the feasibility of combustion optimization. The results indicate that the linear hydrogen engine is speeded by properly advancing the injection to promote combustion, and it has a positive effect on in-cylinder gas temperature, pressure and pressure rise rate, unless the injection is too early which results in higher NO emissions and aggravate the working intensity of the engine. In addition, the closer the fuel injection is to the top dead center, the incomplete combustion of hydrogen and diesel in the cylinder, the decrease of engine fuel economy and the increase of soot emissions. There is an optimal thermal efficiency of 40.7% for the LHE when it operates in the 0.8 mm injection position condition.