HCCI Engine Control

Abstract

The EPA has been researching Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines. In HCCI combustion, the fuel is injected into the intake manifold (like gasoline engines) and ignites under compression in the cylinder (similar to diesel engines), giving a high efficiency and low emission burn. In multiple-cylinder engines, a noticeable difference in combustion strength has been observed between cylinders. The difficulty of an effective control method still remains, despite much research in this area. Our project controls one of the many parameters effecting intake temperature and combustion strength, thereby allowing for maximum efficiency and power without sacrificing much of the engine’s energy to the device. This design review also includes information on our brainstorming process, our design concepts, and the method through which we will select our final design.