Model-based calibration of a dual-loop EGR CI engine fueled with conventional Diesel and HVO

HVO represents an alternative fuel for diesel engines which can help to reduce the pollutants emissions and the CO2 production. In the present thesis work, starting from a conventional 2.3 liter diesel engine for light duty application, a further EGR system was added, namely the Long-Route (Low-Pressure). For each engine point, preliminary tests were performed in order to evaluate the limit values for the main engine parameters, which determined the domain region for the DoEs. The DoEs were prepared by means of MBC Model MATLAB toolbox and then run on the test bench. The acquired data from pollutants analyzers were post-processed in order to calculate brake specific mass emissions and used to create regression models. Statistical methods were adopted to estimate the goodness of the created models. With the aim to minimize the engine-out emissions of certain pollutant species, optimal calibrations were generated starting from the models and subsequently evaluated at the test bench. This procedure was performed both with conventional diesel fuel and with HVO, and the results were tested on the engine and compared to investigate the potential of HVO.