Dependence of nanoparticle and combustion characteristics of gasoline direct injection engines on coolant temperature

Abstract

This paper investigated the combustion and exhaust gas characteristics of gasoline direct injection engines for various cooling water temperature. The engine-out nanoparticle emission number and size distribution were measured by a DMS-500 equipped upstream of the catalyst A CLD-400 and an HFR-400 were equipped at the exhaust port to analyze the cyclic NOx and total hydrocarbon emission characteristics. The results showed that the nanoparticle emission number greatly increased at low coolant temperatures and that the exhaust mainly contained particulate matter of 5-10 nm. THC also increased under low temperature conditions because of fuel film on the combustion chamber. NOx emissions decreased under high temperature conditions because of the increase in internal exhaust gas recirculation. In conclusion, an engine management system control strategy for driving coolant temperature up rapidly is needed to reduce not only THC and NOx but also nanoparticle emissions. © 2012 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers.