Key findings

World First Industrial AI-based Engine Calibration

The combinatorial explosion of engine variable space, the engine calibration process has become more complex, costly, and time-consuming. The intelligent engine calibration method uses the Strength ParetoEvolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2), which eliminates the need for an engine model or large experimental datasets. Implemented on a V6 GDI engine using a SIMULINK real-time embedded system and ECU bypass, the approach automatically identifies optimal engine settings.

Results demonstrate that it achieves accurate and efficient optimisation of fuel consumption and particulate emissions, showing strong potential to streamline and enhance industrial engine calibration processes.

References

Ma, H., Li, Z., Tayarani, M., Lu, G., Xu, H., & Yao, X. (2018). Computational intelligence nonmodel-based calibration approach for internal combustion engines. Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, 140(4), 041002.

Ma, H., Xu, H., Wang, J., Schnier, T., Neaves, B., Tan, C., & Wang, Z. (2014). Model-based multiobjective evolutionary algorithm optimization for HCCI engines. IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 64(9), 4326-4331.

Tayarani-N, M. H., Bennett, A. P., Xu, H., & Yao, X. (2016, July). Improving the performance of evolutionary engine calibration algorithms with principal component analysis. In 2016 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC) (pp. 5128-5137). IEEE.

Optical Research on Spray, Flame and Engine Operation

• Study on Alternative Bio-fuel Spray & Combustion Characteristics in Optical Engines

This study presents experimental research on the spray and combustion characteristics of alternative biofuels, specifically DMF and MF, in a DISI optical engine. The study employs advanced imaging techniques to analyse spray behaviour, OH radical distribution, and flame propagation, revealing strong correlations between combustion parameters and establishing empirical functions to support future fuel development.

References

Ma, X., Xu, H., Jiang, C., & Shuai, S. (2014). Ultra-high speed imaging and OH-LIF study of DMF and MF combustion in a DISI optical engine. Applied Energy, 122, 247-260.

• Premixed Combustion Flame Instability Characteristics

This study investigates flame instability in premixed combustion, focusing on how molecular weight and initial conditions affect the formation and development of cellular flame structures. Using laser-based optical diagnostics, including PIV and Schlieren imaging, the research quantitatively analyses 2D and 3D flame morphology, ultimately developing predictive models for burning velocity and cellularity in self-accelerating flames.

References

Zhang, G., Xu, H., Wu, D., Yang, J., Morsy, M. E., Jangi, M., & Cracknell, R. (2024). Quantitative three-dimensional reconstruction of cellular flame area for spherical hydrogen-air flames. Fuel, 375, 132504.

• Diesel Spray Penetration Prediction Based on a GA-BP Neural Network

This study uses a Genetic Algorithm-Backpropagation (GA-BP) neural network model to predict diesel spray penetration in a high-pressure Constant volume vessel, achieving higher accuracy than traditional empirical methods. Trained on experimental spray data, the model shows strong generalizability and highlights how machine learning can outperform human intuition in sensitivity to input parameters.

References

Zhang, Y., Zhang, G., Wu, D., Wang, Q., Nadimi, E., Shi, P., & Xu, H. (2024). Parameter sensitivity analysis for diesel spray penetration prediction based on GA-BP neural network. Energy and AI, 18, 100443.

• Deep Learning-driven Analysis for Cellular Structure Characteristics of Spherical Premixed Hydrogen-air Flames

This study introduces a deep learning-based Cellpose 2.0 model for accurate extraction of cellular structures on spherical hydrogen-air premixed flames, using Schlieren imaging. The trained model achieved an average precision of 0.625, enabling detailed quantification of flame cell features and revealing key transitions in flame behavior, such as a critical radius of 36 mm for acceleration and cellular convergence.

References

Zhang, G., Xu, H., Wu, D., Yang, J., Morsy, M. E., Jangi, M., ... & Kim, W. (2024). Deep learning-driven analysis for cellular structure characteristics of spherical premixed hydrogen-air flames. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 68, 63-73.

Research on Biofuel and Dual Fuels For IC Engine

• Study on Methyl-Furans

Furan is a class of oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds, and 2-methylfuran (MF) is one of its derivatives, considered a promising second-generation biofuel. Research typically involves studying MF in direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engines by adjusting parameters like spark timing, air–fuel ratio, injection timing, and pressure to evaluate its combustion and performance characteristics. Results show that MF offers better knock resistance than gasoline, is more tolerant to lean burn, and delivers stable combustion under various engine conditions.

References

Liu, H., Yu, Y., Wang, C., Xu, H., & Ma, X. (2021). Brownian coagulation of particles in the gasoline engine exhaust system: Experimental measurement and Monte Carlo simulation. Fuel, 303, 121340.

Liu, H., Olalere, R., Wang, C., Ma, X., & Xu, H. (2021). Combustion characteristics and engine performance of 2-methylfuran compared to gasoline and ethanol in a direct injection spark ignition engine. Fuel, 299, 120825.

Jiang, C., Wang, C., Xu, H., Liu, H., & Ma, X. (2021). Engine performance and emissions of furan-series biofuels under stratified lean-burn combustion mode. Fuel, 285, 119113.

Wang, B., Wang, Z., Bao, X., Li, Y., Jiang, Y., Xu, H., & Zhang, X. (2018). Microscopic investigation of near-field spray characteristics of 2-methylfuran, ethanol and isooctane under flash boiling conditions. Fuel, 215, 142-152.

• Laminar Burning Characteristics of Upgraded Biomass Pyrolysis Fuel

A new biomass-derived mixed fuel, composed of ethanol, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, acetone, and 2-butanone, was developed to mimic upgraded rice husk pyrolysis fuel. This study examined its laminar burning characteristics in a constant volume combustion chamber using Schlieren imaging. Results showed peak burning velocity near an equivalence ratio of 1.1, increasing with temperature and decreasing with pressure. The mixed fuel’s burning performance ranked between ethanol and ethyl acetate.

References

Xu, C., Zhong, A., Li, X., Wang, C., Sahu, A., Xu, H., ... & Huang, Y. (2017). Laminar burning characteristics of upgraded biomass pyrolysis fuel derived from rice husk at elevated pressures and temperatures. Fuel, 210, 249-261.

Xu, H., & Wang, C. (2016). A Comprehensive Review of 2, 5‐Dimethylfuran as a Biofuel Candidate. Biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass: Innovations beyond bioethanol, 105-129.

• Biofueled diesel Engine

• Research on Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engine

• Controlled Homogeneous Auto-ignition Supercharged Engine

• Controlled Homogeneous Auto-Ignition Reformed Gas Engine (CHARGE)

These projects aimed to develop clean and efficient powertrain systems using homogeneous charge compression ignition engines integrated with on-board fuel reformers and advanced thermal management. Funded by the UK Government through the Foresight Vehicle Program in collaboration with JLR, they addressed future vehicle emission and efficiency challenges.

Research on engine aftertreatment

• Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration with On-Board Produced Hydrogen-Rich Gas

This project develops a cost-effective diesel emissions reduction system using on-board hydrogen-rich reformate to enhance DPF regeneration and NO-to-NO₂ conversion, which reduce PM by 90% and NOx by 70%.

Research on Engine Emission Control

• Study on Particle Emissions From a Dieseline CI Engine

Premixed compression ignition (PCI) using low-cetane G75-Dieseline (75% gasoline, 25% diesel) with double-injection significantly reduced particle emissions by up to 99.9% and NOx by up to 65% compared to diesel, while maintaining comparable brake thermal efficiency. Optimal results were achieved with lower first injection-quantity ratios (e.g. 10%), which improved combustion phasing and minimised both gaseous and particulate emissions across various engine loads.

References

Zeraati-Rezaei, S., Al-Qahtani, Y., Herreros, J. M., & Xu, H. (2020). Investigation of the effects of split-injection on particle emissions from a Dieseline CI engine. Applied Energy, 262, 114470.

Zeraati-Rezaei, S., Al-Qahtani, Y., Herreros, J. M., Ma, X., & Xu, H. (2019). Experimental investigation of particle emissions from a Dieseline fuelled compression ignition engine. Fuel, 251, 175-186.

• Study on Emissions And Particulate Matter in a Gasoline Direct Injection Engine

In this study on GDI engines, injector deposits formed after cold starts and steady-state testing led to increased spray penetration and droplet size, causing significant rises in unburnt hydrocarbon and particulate matter emissions. While fuel flow dropped by 2.21% and injector pulse width increased slightly, overall fuel consumption remained stable, and deposits primarily affected the injector tip and counterbore, not the nozzle hole.

References

Jiang, C., Xu, H., Srivastava, D., Ma, X., Dearn, K., Cracknell, R., & Krueger-Venus, J. (2017). Effect of fuel injector deposit on spray characteristics, gaseous emissions and particulate matter in a gasoline direct injection engine. Applied energy, 203, 390-402.

Liu, H., Wang, C., Yu, Y., Xu, H., & Ma, X. (2020). An experimental study on particle evolution in the exhaust gas of a direct injection SI engine. Applied Energy, 260, 114220.

• Effect on Engine Aftertreatment

The three-way catalysts (TWCs) in GDI engines offer moderate particle filtration (20–35%), primarily through diffusion and inertial mechanisms, while gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) achieve much higher efficiency (70–85%). TWC efficiency is influenced by exhaust temperature and flow rate, but under high particle concentrations, GPFs maintain >95% efficiency, outperforming TWCs in controlling non-volatile particulate emissions.

References

Liu, H., Li, Z., Zhang, M., Xu, H., Ma, X., & Shuai, S. (2021). Exhaust non-volatile particle filtration characteristics of three-way catalyst and influencing factors in a gasoline direct injection engine compared to gasoline particulate filter. Fuel, 290, 120065.

Liu, H., Yu, Y., Wang, C., Xu, H., & Ma, X. (2021). Brownian coagulation of particles in the gasoline engine exhaust system: Experimental measurement and Monte Carlo simulation. Fuel, 303, 121340.

Research on Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engine

HCCI, or Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition, is defined as a combustion system that combines characteristics of both gasoline and diesel engines, where a lean air-fuel mixture is auto-ignited by compression without the use of a spark plug, resulting in high efficiency and low emissions.

• Controlled Homogeneous Auto-ignition Supercharged Engine and Reformed Gas Engine

These projects aimed to develop clean and efficient powertrain systems using homogeneous charge compression ignition engines integrated with on-board fuel reformers and advanced thermal management. Funded by the UK Government through the Foresight Vehicle Programme in collaboration with JLR, they addressed future vehicle emission and efficiency challenges.

• Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde and Other Aldehyde Emissions From HCCI/SI Gasoline Engine Equipped with Prototype Catalyst

Emissions concentration before and after catalyst with carbonyl compounds speciation

In this study a qualitative and quantitative analysis of carbonyl compound emissions from exhaust gas of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) and spark ignition (SI) engines, trapped on dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) solution, were investigated.  The results indicate that engine-operating conditions appear to exert a strong influence on the total mass emissions of carbonyls measured before catalyst. The prototype catalytic converter eliminates most of the carbonyls species in the exhaust in both combustion modes except for acetaldehyde species, a negative conversion presented for all engine conditions. A prototype catalyst showed high efficient conversion on aromatic and unsaturated aldehyde for both engine modes.

References

Hasan, A. O., Abu-Jrai, A., Ala’a, H., Tsolakis, A., & Xu, H. (2016). Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other aldehyde emissions from HCCI/SI gasoline engine equipped with prototype catalyst. Fuel, 175, 249-256.