Experimental study on homogeneous charge compression ignition engine operation with exhaust gas recirculation

This paper is concerned with the Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine as a new concept in engines and a power source for future automotive applications. Essentially a combination of spark ignition and compression ignition engines, the HCCI engine exhibits low NOx and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions as well as high efficiency under part load. The objective of this research is to determine the effects of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) rate on the combustion processes of HCCI. For this purpose, a 4-cylinder, compression ignition engine was converted into a HCCI engine, and a heating device was installed to raise the temperature of the intake air and also to make it more consistent. In addition, a pressure sensor was inserted into each of the cylinders to investigate the differences in characteristics among the cylinders.