An investigation on the mechanism of the increased NO2 emissions from H2-diesel dual fuel engine

The addition of hydrogen (H₂) into the intake air of a diesel engine was found to significantly increase the emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Previous research demonstrated a strong correlation between the emissions of NO₂ and unburned H₂ in exhaust gas. However, the mechanism whereby H₂ addition in increasing NO₂ formation in a H₂-diesel dual fuel engine. Previously has not been investigated.This research numerically verified the hypothesis that the increased NO₂ emissions observed with the addition of H₂ was formed through the conversion from NO to NO₂ during the post combustion oxidation process of the unburned H₂ when mixed with the hot NO-containing combustion products. A variable volume single zone model with detailed chemistry was applied to simulate post-combustion oxidation process of the unburned H₂ and its effect on NO₂ emissions. The mixing of the unburned H₂ with the NO-containing hot combustion products was found to convert NO to NO₂. Such a conversion is promoted by the hydroperoxyl (HO₂) radical formed during the oxidation process of the H₂. The factors affecting the NO₂ formation and its destruction include the concentration of NO, H₂, O₂, and the temperature of the bulk mixture. When H₂ and hot NO-containing combustion products mixed during the early stage of expansion stroke, the NO₂ formed during H₂ oxidation was later dissociated to NO after the complete consumption of H₂. The complete combustion of H₂ exhausted the source of HO₂ necessary for the conversion from NO to NO₂. The mixing of H₂ with combustion products during the last part of the expansion stroke was not able to convert NO to NO₂ since the temperature was too low for H₂ to oxidize and to provide the HO₂ needed. The bulk mixture temperature range suitable for meaningful conversion from NO to NO₂ aided by HO₂ produced during the oxidation of H₂ was examined and presented.