Cylinder Pressure-Based Control of Pre-Mixed Diesel Combustion

Implementation of real-time combustion feedback for use in closed-loop combustion control is a technology that has potential to assist in the successful production implementation of advanced diesel combustion modes. Low-temperature, pre-mixed diesel combustion is presently of interest because it offers the ability to lower the engine-out emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The need for lowering these two emissions is driven by tighter regulations enacted worldwide, especially the NOx limits in the United States. Reducing engine-out emissions eases the need for additional exhaust aftertreatment devices and their associated cost and mass. In this paper we will describe an experimental cylinder pressure-based control system and present both steadystate and transient results from a diesel engine employing a pre-mixed type of combustion. Data are presented showing engine operation with the control system enabled and disabled, highlighting the control effectiveness of the real-time cylinder pressure feedback.