Numerical simulation on the combustion and NOx emission characteristics of a turbocharged opposed rotary piston engine fuelled with hydrogen under wide open throttle conditions

Under the stress of environmental pollutions and fossil fuel consumption caused by on-road transport, hybrid vehicles are attracting much attention. Opposed rotary piston (ORP) engines are a promising power source for hybrid vehicles, due to their compact designs and high power density. In this paper, combustion and emission characteristics of a turbocharged ORP engine fuelled with hydrogen were investigated to evaluate the overall performance of this engine. The results indicated that volumetric efficiency of this ORP engine was higher than 89.0% for all the given cases. Peak in-cylinder pressure was in the range of 51.0 similar to 69.0 bar; and 4000 RPM scenario had the maximum value, being benefitted from high intake temperature and pressure, and high volumetric efficiency. Combustion duration of this engine ranged 27 similar to 43. crank angle (CA), and combustion phase happened at 7.5 similar to 13. CA after top dead centre (TDC). Peak nitrogen monoxide (NO) formation rates were corresponding to 5 similar to 13.CA after TDC; accumulated NO decreased slightly after reaching the peak value for low engine speed conditions. Discharge pressure at the start of the exhaust stroke was higher than 6.0 bar, especially for 5000 RPM case whose value was approximately 11.0 bar. This ORP engine presented excellent torque characteristics, and the maximum indicated power density was approximately 104.0 kW.L-1 which was much higher than turbocharged four-stroke reciprocating engines fuelled with gasoline.

Automated summary

Hybrid vehicles are gaining attention due to environmental concerns, and Opposed Rotary Piston (ORP) engines are seen as a promising power source for these vehicles. Research on a turbocharged ORP engine fueled with hydrogen revealed high volumetric efficiency and excellent torque characteristics, with a maximum indicated power density significantly higher than turbocharged four-stroke reciprocating engines fueled with gasoline.