CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation

This study develops and validates a three-dimensional CFD model for a 12 L large-bore active-type pre-chamber spark-ignition (PCSI) engine fueled by natural gas. The model incorporates an advanced Extended Coherent Flamelet Model (ECFM-3Z) with a tuned stretch factor to capture complex turbulence–fl...

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Main Authors: Soo-Jin Jeong, Seokpan Seo, Seong-Joon Moon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1600
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author Soo-Jin Jeong
Seokpan Seo
Seong-Joon Moon
author_facet Soo-Jin Jeong
Seokpan Seo
Seong-Joon Moon
author_sort Soo-Jin Jeong
collection DOAJ
description This study develops and validates a three-dimensional CFD model for a 12 L large-bore active-type pre-chamber spark-ignition (PCSI) engine fueled by natural gas. The model incorporates an advanced Extended Coherent Flamelet Model (ECFM-3Z) with a tuned stretch factor to capture complex turbulence–flame interactions, flame propagation, and pollutant formation under ultra-lean conditions. By systematically varying pre-chamber geometries—specifically the orifice diameter, cone angle, diverging tapered nozzle, and volume—the simulations assess their effects on combustion dynamics, heat release rates, turbulent jet penetration, and emissions (NOx and CO). Model predictions of in-cylinder and pre-chamber pressure profiles, combustion phasing, and emission trends are validated against experimental data. The results demonstrate that optimizing pre-chamber and orifice configurations enhances turbulent mixing, accelerates flame development, and reduces local high-temperature zones, thereby suppressing NOx and CO formation. Although some discrepancies in NOx predictions persist due to limitations in current turbulence–chemistry models, the findings offer valuable insights for the design of high-efficiency, low-emission PCSI engines.
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spelling doaj-art-8ab7caed5e03477499f07f9a61e009152025-08-20T02:09:13ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-03-01187160010.3390/en18071600CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental ValidationSoo-Jin Jeong0Seokpan Seo1Seong-Joon Moon2Alternative Fuel Power System R&D Department, Korea Automotive Technology Institute, 303 Pungse-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31214, Republic of KoreaSTX Engine Co., Ltd., 36, Gongdan-ro, 474 beon-gil, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si 51574, Republic of KoreaAlternative Fuel Power System R&D Department, Korea Automotive Technology Institute, 303 Pungse-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31214, Republic of KoreaThis study develops and validates a three-dimensional CFD model for a 12 L large-bore active-type pre-chamber spark-ignition (PCSI) engine fueled by natural gas. The model incorporates an advanced Extended Coherent Flamelet Model (ECFM-3Z) with a tuned stretch factor to capture complex turbulence–flame interactions, flame propagation, and pollutant formation under ultra-lean conditions. By systematically varying pre-chamber geometries—specifically the orifice diameter, cone angle, diverging tapered nozzle, and volume—the simulations assess their effects on combustion dynamics, heat release rates, turbulent jet penetration, and emissions (NOx and CO). Model predictions of in-cylinder and pre-chamber pressure profiles, combustion phasing, and emission trends are validated against experimental data. The results demonstrate that optimizing pre-chamber and orifice configurations enhances turbulent mixing, accelerates flame development, and reduces local high-temperature zones, thereby suppressing NOx and CO formation. Although some discrepancies in NOx predictions persist due to limitations in current turbulence–chemistry models, the findings offer valuable insights for the design of high-efficiency, low-emission PCSI engines.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1600natural gasactive pre-chambercomputational fluid dynamicspre-chamber spark ignition (PCSI)lean, premixed natural gas combustionturbulent jet ignition
spellingShingle Soo-Jin Jeong
Seokpan Seo
Seong-Joon Moon
CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation
Energies
natural gas
active pre-chamber
computational fluid dynamics
pre-chamber spark ignition (PCSI)
lean, premixed natural gas combustion
turbulent jet ignition
title CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation
title_full CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation
title_fullStr CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation
title_full_unstemmed CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation
title_short CFD Simulation of Pre-Chamber Spark-Ignition Large Bore CNG Engine: Model Development, Practical Applications, and Experimental Validation
title_sort cfd simulation of pre chamber spark ignition large bore cng engine model development practical applications and experimental validation
topic natural gas
active pre-chamber
computational fluid dynamics
pre-chamber spark ignition (PCSI)
lean, premixed natural gas combustion
turbulent jet ignition
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1600
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AT seokpanseo cfdsimulationofprechambersparkignitionlargeborecngenginemodeldevelopmentpracticalapplicationsandexperimentalvalidation
AT seongjoonmoon cfdsimulationofprechambersparkignitionlargeborecngenginemodeldevelopmentpracticalapplicationsandexperimentalvalidation