Simulating the homogeneous charge compression ignition process using a detailed kinetic model for n-heptane mixtures

Abstract The homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion has been attracting growing attention in recent years due to its potential for simultaneous improvement of exhaust gas emissions and fuel consumption in diesel engines. For practical application of HCCI to internal combustion (IC) engines, precise control of auto-ignition of pre-mixtures during the compression stroke is inevitable. This paper discusses the auto-ignition processes in an HCCI engine operated with n-heptane/air mixtures using a zero-dimensional combustion model including a detailed kinetics. The model proposed is validated first by a comparison between calculated and experimental pressure diagrams, and then the effects of initial charge conditions, compression ratio and excess air ratio on ignition and combustion are investigated. It was found from the parametric study that HCCI combustion of n-heptane/air mixtures is classified into three types of combustion: complete combustion, only low-temperature reaction and misfire, depending on the compression ratio and excess air ratio at which the engine is operated. Finally, the major paths of the HCCI reaction occurring in the engine cylinder were clarified by a sensitivity analysis of chemical reactions involved in the HCCI reaction scheme.