Project Number:
07-03
Research Project:
Efficiency Improvements by Passive Control and Optimization of the Combustion Process and Engine Cooling
P.I. Name & Address:
Reza Toossi, Ph.D., P.E.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA 90840
E-mail: rtoossi@csulb.edu
Website: http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/coe/mae/views/personnel/fulltime_adj/toosi.shtml
Telephone: (562) 985-5641
FAX: (562) 985-4408
Project Objective:
An innovative passive thermal management cooling system deploying expandable thin film assembly is proposed. The system is sensitive to small changes in pressure and temperature and adjusts through thermal expansion of a stagnant gas. The expansion of the stagnant gas accommodates sufficient heat transfer to control the flow rate of a given fluid. The proposed system is ideal for passive control of density and air/fuel ratio of fresh charge of an internal combustion engine. Other applications include thermal heat management of high-intensity microchips and other electronic systems, and design of a variety of biosensors.
Internal combustion engine (ICE) is most commonly used for motor vehicles such as automobiles and motorbikes. It is indeed one of the most important inventions, yet it has some down sides, which must be controlled. Two major drawbacks of these systems are fossil-fuel consumption and air pollution. These negative effects are more pronounced specially due to increasingly large number of ICEs running daily. Today, limitation of fossil fuel reserves and also destructive damages of air pollution are two serious challenges. Significant effort has been made to improve the performance of ICEs and minimize their deficiencies. In any combustion reaction, theoretically there is a required volume of oxygen to react with a given amount of fuel. In a typical combustion process a fuel mixes with air, which contains only 20.9% oxygen. The remaining 79.1% is not required for combustion and detract from the combustion process by having to be heated and causing lower efficiency.
The objective is to study and analyze the performance of a passive thermal and flow control systems. The research draws upon expertise in the fields of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. It consists of several experimental, theoretical, and computational parts, which will advance parallel to one another. Existing results [2,3], obtained from preliminary theoretical investigations, are promising and require further investigation.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1. Modeling
This task involves theoretical and computational study of the performance of the proposed system under variable conditions. The parameters to be studied are the effect of sealant and plate material, spacing, thermal properties of stagnant flow, and temperature, pressure and flow rate of the primary fluid.
Task 2. Experiments
A setup for preliminary validation of the results obtained in task 1 will be made. Depending on time and resources, few experiments will be made and results are compared against the theoretical prediction. Detailed testing and more elaborate thermal management cooling design will be carried out in the future investigations.
Task 3. Analysis
Upon the successful completion of tasks 1 and 2, estimates will be made of the effectiveness of the system, potential improvement in overall efficiency, saving in total fuel consumption and reduction in the rate of pollutant emission..
Task 4. Reporting
Quarterly Progress reports and a comprehensive final report will be prepared and results will be published in journals and presented in appropriate conferences.
Milestones/Dates:
September 1, 2006 – August 31, 2007
Total Budget:
$89,362
Student Involvement:
One Student @ 100% effort, 12 months
One Student @ 25% effort, 12 months
Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Related to 01-02, 06-04; part of goods movement and international trade focus area
Technology Transfer Activities:
Project report posted on the website
Potential Benefits of the Project:
Reduced emissions, enhanced efficiency of combustion engines
TRB Keywords:
Combustion engines, fuel efficiency
Primary Subject:
4b.13 Fuels
Goals:
4c.4 Human and natural environment
Enabling Research:
4c.9 Energy and Environment
Modal Orientation:
4c.13 Highway
