DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTIZONE DIAGNOSTIC COMBUSTION MODEL FOR A DIESEL/HYDROGEN DUAL-FUEL ENGINE

This master thesis is focused on the combustion diagnostics of a dual-fuel diesel/hydrogen engine. A four-zone diagnostic heat release model has been developed for a dual fuel engine application. Successively the model has been used to analyse experimental data from the testing of the dual fuel engine on which the project is based, carried out at Dumarey, and the results have been compared with 3D CFD analysis of the same datasets. The algorithm is able to evaluate the in-cylinder charge chemical and thermodynamic properties evolution during the combustion cycle with minimal computational effort. Furthermore, pollutant emissions are estimated, specifically concerning NOx and particulate matter. Starting from an analysis of hydrogen employed as a fuel in the transportation sector, an overview of the classic diesel and spark ignition combustion is carried out to define the backbone of diesel/hydrogen combustion. Next, the dual fuel model is described, both conceptually and technically, explaining the development and operation of the main algorithm and emission sub-models. Finally, the obtained results for multiple working conditions are reported, analysed and compared with 3D-CFD data.