Combustion stability analysis during engine stop and restart in a hybrid powertrain

A cycle-resolved analysis system was designed with the specified measurement instruments to investigate the characteristics of combustion stability in a mild gasoline hybrid powertrain. A Fast Response Flame Ionization Detector (FFID), cylinder pressure transducer and engine torque transducer were used to observe both the engine-out THC emissions and engine performance during a brief moment of engine restart. This research aimed to improve combustion stability and was performed by varying the battery State Of Charge (SOC), injection duration and ignition timing. The results indicate that engine combustion tends to be more stable with longer fuel injection durations and advanced ignition timing, while the effect of the battery SOC is negligible. Also, peculiar differences in the catalyst conversion efficiency at the front and rear of the catalyst during engine restart and deceleration were revealed, with the degree of HC oxidation being the suspected cause. This study not only analyzed the engine control and engine-out total hydrocarbon (THC) emission characteristics, but also implemented control strategies that allowed for combustion stability during engine stop and restart operation.