The goal of this research is to develop an inexpensive
method of indirect fuel behavior sensing in spark-ignition internal combustion
engines. In particular, this research
focuses on developing a combustion phasing sensing routine based on commonly
used engine sensors. Combustion phasing
feedback control is important for maintaining peak efficiency of internal
combustion engines, and is a critical enabling feature of multi-fuel adaptive
engines.
Impact:
This research aims to eliminate the single-fuel
legacy of the existing automotive fleet by enabling a new generation of
multi-fuel adaptable engines. A new
generation of highly flexible engines would facilitate a reduction in
automotive biofuel processing, encourage locally-appropriate biofuel
production, and allow new fuel formulations to enter the market with minimal
infrastructure impediment. The combination
of these aspects could help make the production of biofuels cost-competitive
with other transportation fuels, lessen dependence on foreign sources of
energy, and reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from automotive
transportation; all of which are pivotal societal issues.
