Advanced Diesel Combustion Techniques and Emission Control

Advanced diesel combustion has evolved to meet stringent emission regulations and decarbonisation goals. Innovations centre on controlling fuel–air mixing and ignition chemistry to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate emissions while improving efficiency. Low-temperature combustion modes such as homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) and reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) achieve more uniform combustion and lower peak temperatures, suppressing NOx and soot formation. Precise fuel injection strategies—including multiple injections, pilot and post injections—tailor in-cylinder conditions and combustion phasing to optimise thermal efficiency and mitigate high pressure rise rates. Alternative fuels and blends, such as biodiesel, syngas and dimethyl ether, offer additional reactivity control and emission benefits. Engine hardware and aftertreatment remain vital: exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) limits oxygen availability to lower flame temperatures; selective catalytic reduction (SCR) converts NOx to harmless nitrogen; and diesel particulate filters (DPF) capture and oxidise soot. Integrating these advances into hybrid powertrain architectures further enhances engine operating flexibility, enabling continuous operation in optimal regimes. Together, these strategies define a holistic approach to next-generation diesel engines that balance performance, fuel economy and environmental impact on a global scale.

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Advanced Diesel Combustion Techniques and Emission Control publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in advanced diesel combustion techniques and emission control across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI): A combustion mode in which a premixed air–fuel mixture autoignites uniformly at multiple locations, lowering peak temperatures and emissions.

Premixed Charge Compression Ignition (PCCI): A strategy combining premixing and controlled autoignition to reduce formation of soot and NOx by minimising fuel-rich zones.

Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI): A dual-fuel approach using fuels of differing reactivities to achieve precise combustion phasing and ultra-low emissions.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): A technique that recirculates a portion of exhaust into the intake to lower combustion temperatures and reduce NOx formation.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): An aftertreatment process in which a reductant (often urea) reacts with NOx over a catalyst, converting it into nitrogen and water.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): A device that traps soot particles from exhaust and periodically oxidises them to regenerate filter capacity.

References

1. Biodiesel for HCCI engine: Prospects and challenges of sustainability biodiesel for energy transition. Results in Engineering (2023).
2. Potential of RCCI Series Hybrid Vehicle Architecture to Meet the Future CO2 Targets with Low Engine-Out Emissions. Applied Sciences (2018).
3. Fuel reactivity controlled compression ignition engine and potential strategies to extend the engine operating range: A comprehensive review. Energy Conversion and Management X (2022).
4. Effects of Multiple Injection Strategies on Heavy-Duty Diesel Energy Distributions and Emissions Under High Peak Combustion Pressures. Frontiers in Energy Research (2022).