Modeling and Control of Compression Ignition Engine Combustion

Modern compression ignition engines convert fuel energy into mechanical work by auto-igniting a compressed air–fuel mixture. Accurate modelling of in-cylinder processes is vital for both performance and emissions control. Traditional zero-dimensional and multi-zone physics-based models capture chemical kinetics and heat transfer but can be computationally intensive. Recent work integrates reduced-order schemes and tabulated chemistry to accelerate prediction without sacrificing fidelity. Concurrently, data-driven techniques—including principal component decomposition, Gaussian process regression and neural networks—enable real-time estimation of combustion metrics such as pressure traces, ignition timing and indicated mean effective pressure. Control-oriented models underpin advanced combustion strategies—such as homogeneous charge compression ignition, partially premixed combustion and reactivity-controlled compression ignition—that promise ultra-low NOx and soot emissions alongside higher thermal efficiency. Precise prediction of cycle-to-cycle variation allows closed-loop control of combustion phasing and peak pressure rise rates. Emerging control algorithms—ranging from multivariable feedback and static decoupling designs to linear parameter-varying and model predictive controllers—offer robust transient response across varying loads and ambient conditions. Applications span from passenger cars to heavy marine propulsion, highlighting the global significance of cleaner, more efficient diesel and dual-fuel systems. Advances in model fidelity, computational speed and controller synthesis collectively drive the transition towards climate-neutral transport.

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Modeling and Control of Compression Ignition Engine Combustion publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in modeling and control of compression ignition engine combustion across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Reactivity-Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI): A dual-fuel combustion strategy using fuels of differing reactivity to control ignition timing and emissions.

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI): A combustion mode where a premixed air–fuel mixture auto-ignites, yielding high efficiency and low emissions.

Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEP): A measure of engine load, representing average pressure acting on the piston during the power stroke.

Crank Angle of 50% Burnt (CA50): The crankshaft angle at which half of the fuel energy has been released, indicating combustion phasing.

Model Predictive Control (MPC): An advanced control technique that optimises future control moves by solving a constrained optimisation problem online.

Multi-zone model: A combustion model dividing the chamber into discrete zones to capture spatial variations in temperature, composition and heat release.

References

1. Data-Based In-Cylinder Pressure Model with Cyclic Variations for Combustion Control: An RCCI Engine Application †. Energies (2024).
2. Thermo-kinetic multi-zone modelling of low temperature combustion engines. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science (2022).
3. Effect of Air-excess on Blends of RON70 Partially Premixed Combustion. Flow, Turbulence and Combustion (2015).
4. Real-time predictive model for reactivity controlled compression ignition marine engines. Control Engineering Practice (2023).
5. Low Temperature Combustion Modeling and Predictive Control of Marine Engines. Applied Sciences (2024).