Friday, January 16, 2009

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition


Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition, or HCCI, is a relatively new combustion technology. It is a hybrid of the traditional spark ignition (SI) and the compression ignition process (such as a Diesel engine). . We are an integral part of the continuing effort to assess the possibility of an HCCI engine to provide low emission, high efficiency power generation for the ever growing energy demands of this planet.

In addition, HCCI is a lean combustion process. These conditions translate to a lower local flame temperature which lower the amount of Nitric Oxide (NOx) produced in the process. NOx is a gas that is believed to be responsible for the creation of ozone (O3).

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines have the potential to provide high, diesel-like efficiencies and very low emissions. In an HCCI engine, a dilute, premixed fuel/air charge autoignites and burns volumetrically as a result of being compressed by the piston. The charge is made dilute either by being very lean, or by mixing with recycled exhaust gases.

Several technical barriers must be overcome before HCCI can be implemented in production engines. Variations of HCCI in which the charge mixture and/or temperature are partially stratified (stratified charge compression ignition or SCCI) have the potential for overcoming many of these barriers.

Because of HCCI's strong potential, most diesel engine and automobile manufacturers have established HCCI/SCCI development efforts.

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