A Theoretical Study of a Variable Compression Ratio Turbocharged Diesel Engine

Abstract

A variable compression ratio concept that can give a different expansion ratio to the compression ratio has been evaluated by means of a simulation of a turbocharged diesel engine. The compression ratio is controlled by varying the ratio of the connecting rod length to the crank throw, hence the name variable crank radius/connecting rod length engine (VR/LE). The VR/LE mechanism kinematics have been defined and described, and the compression ratio and expansion ratio have been presented as a function of the eccentric phase angle (αo). A zero-dimensional engine simulation that has been the subject of comprehensive validation has been used as the basis of the VR/LE study. The effect of the compression ratio on the engine performance at fixed loads is presented. The principal benefits are a reduction in fuel consumption at part load of about 2 per cent and a reduction in ignition delay that leads to an estimated 6 dB reduction in combustion noise. The study has been conducted within the assumption of a maximum cylinder pressure of 160 bar.