Editorial – Special Issue on Fuel Efficiency: Part 2

Editorial

Editorial – Special Issue on Fuel Efficiency: Part 2

This second special issue follows Part 1 (published in June 2011) and documents recent efforts to improve the understanding of factors that limit internal combustion (IC) engine fuel efficiency. As was pointed out in Part 1, IC engines are among the most efficient power generation devices known to man. Indeed, IC engine efficiency can be comparable to that of advanced electricity power generation plants. In particular, diesel engine thermal efficiencies exceed 50% for large marine engines, and advanced low temperature combustion concepts have been demonstrated that provide similar or even higher efficiencies in both light- and heavy-duty engines. The high efficiency of compression ignition engines explains why they are widely used commercially, especially for heavy-duty applications and transportation. However, measures introduced to meet emissions mandates tend to reduce fuel efficiencies and also to increase engine expense. Thus, it is of much interest to explore new concepts and advanced combustion systems.

International J of Engine Research 13(3) 187 Ó IMechE 2012 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1468087412448703 jer.sagepub.com

The papers in this special issue describe new concepts, including hybrid technologies optimized for practical drive cycles. In addition, fuel effects, use of high compression ratios, optimized exhaust valve timings, partially premixed combustion, and dual fuel – diesel and gasoline – RCCI (reactivity controlled compression ignition) strategies are explored. As can be seen from these papers, even after being in existence for more than a century, the internal combustion engine still has considerable potential for improvement. Indeed, the technologies described in Part 2 of the special issue on fuel efficiency demonstrate that exciting prospects for further improvement of IC engines are within reach down the road.

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Rolf D. Reitz Wisconsin Distinguished Professor University of Wisconsin-Madison