Title: Experimental investigation of the effect of combined hydrogen and diesel combustion on the particulate size distribution from a high speed direct injection diesel engine

Authors: L. McWilliam, A. Megaritis

Addresses: Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels, School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, West London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK. ' Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels, School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, West London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: The effects of hydrogen addition and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) levels on the exhaust particulate matter size distribution in a diesel engine have been investigated. The experiments were performed on a 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder, direct injection engine equipped with a modern high-pressure common rail. A nano-Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (nano-MOUDI) was used in this work to study the particulate matter size distribution. All tests were conducted at the set operating point of 1,500 rpm. The experimental work showed that the particulate matter size distribution was not dramatically altered by the addition of EGR, but the main peak was shifted towards the nucleation mode with the addition of hydrogen. The addition of hydrogen increases the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), but reduces the emissions of unburnt hydrocarbons (THC). Conversely, the addition of EGR reduces NOx, but can increase THC. Hydrogen addition increases the peak cylinder pressure and the maximum rate of pressure rise.

Keywords: dual fuelling; emissions; high-pressure fuel injection; hydrogen combustion; nano-MOUDI; nano-micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor; NOx; nitrogen oxides; particulate matter; size distribution; diesel combustion; direct injection diesel engines; high-pressure common rail; peak cylinder pressure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2009.024970

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2009 Vol.50 No.1/2/3/4, pp.107 - 123

Published online: 06 May 2009 *

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