Researchers Provide Insight into Internal Combustion Engine Emission Reduction

Posted: December 20, 2023

Zhiyuan Wang understands the value of persistence and patience when conducting research.

His latest technical paper Effect of Olefin Component Mixed to Gasoline on Thermal Efficiency in EGR Diluted Conditions Using Single-Cylinder Engine shows just how much effort the Chiba University doctoral student of Mechanical Engineering and Medical Systems Engineering is willing to put into providing sound and thorough research.

Wang conducted his research under the guidance of Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Systems Science, and Director of the Center for Power Source Research for Next-Generation Mobility, Yasuo Moriyoshi.

As Wang summarized, the paper provides information about how different kinds of fuel affect combustion performance within different parameters. The research also examines the relationship between mean, composition, and speed using quantitative equations, and how these three parameters can work to meet the requirements of carbon neutrality.

“In characterizing these different types of fuel, I want to provide useful data for future technologies,” Wang said.

It’s a goal that Moriyoshi believes the research team achieved. He shared multiple use cases for the equations, with a focus on how similar processes can be used to improve current systems of emission reduction while welcoming new sustainable solutions.

“This approach will benefit the future of fuels, especially in lowering emissions,” Moriyoshi said. “The Japanese government is not rushing into the electrification process and wants to reduce CO2 in a cost-effective manner. By using present facilities and processes, we can then introduce new technologies, such as EV batteries.”

The research process did not come without its challenges, however.

“It was arduous due to the sheer amount of data I needed to analyze. It had to encompass as many different testable conditions as possible, and once I acquired the data, I didn’t know how to properly analyze it at first,” Wang said.

Even with the difficulties, the results were worth it, allowing for broader application, thanks to the wide-encompassing nature of the research. Wang expressed gratitude for having such a rewarding opportunity, despite being new to the open world of engineering research.

Moriyoshi wanted to give Wang a positive experience from which to learn for his first major research endeavor, and he knew SAE International would provide the perfect growth opportunity.

“SAE is the largest society for automotive technologies, and so I recommended that he publish his work through WCX to be admitted as a technical paper,” Moriyoshi said. “I attend the Congress (in Michigan) every year, and we recently attended a conference in Kyoto in collaboration with the JSAE (Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan). We want to share work with everybody, and SAE helps us do this.”

You can access Effect of Olefin Component Mixed to Gasoline on Thermal Efficiency in EGR Diluted Conditions Using Single-Cylinder Engine through your SAE Mobilus subscription.

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