The performance and simulation of spark ignition engine employing an aftermarket engine control unit

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis discusses the development and upgrade of an internal combustion spark-ignition engine test cell. Existing test cell equipment was upgraded and additional sensors were installed onto the engine. Engine refurbishment was also performed.The baseline engine performance was then tested using the original manufacturer equipment engine control unit. An aftermarket ECU was later installed onto the engine to allow for greater control of engine performance parameters.The influence of spark-ignition timing and air-fuel ratio on engine performance and in-cylinder pressure was studied. Engine power and efficiency were greatly affected by these parameters.A single-zone and two-zone heat-release model was implemented to analyse the influence of spark-ignition timing and air-fuel ratio on combustion. The single-zone model provided satisfactory results when compared to the two-zone model.Commercially available software was used to simulate the engine performance and was found to be within 15% of experimental results for high power test conditions.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University