Experimental Studies on the Effect of Varying Rates of Part-Cooled EGR in High Pressure Loop on an MPFI Engine Under Variable Speed Operation

Researches in automobile sector around the globe are focused on meeting the currently proposed emission norms. Exhaust gas recirculation is one pre-treatment technique that has been found effective in enhancing the combustion and emission characteristics of IC engines and regulating the emission of nitrogen oxides. The present work analyses the effect produced by different rates of partially cooled EGR in a high pressure loop on a multi-cylinder MPFI gasoline engine. Three flow rates of EGR—12%, 18% and 24%—have been studied, and the impact produced on thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption and emission of macropollutants of the test engine has been analysed under variable speed operation in comparison with normal operation of the engine without recirculation. The temperature of recirculated exhaust gas is so maintained as not to have a negative influence on the fuel consumption characteristics. A reduction in specific fuel consumption is observed which results in a marginal improvement of brake thermal efficiency alongside the advantage obtained in the emissions of the engine. The study proves that the advantages of EGR addition are limited to around 18% above to which the cyclic variations and misfires become predominant, deteriorating the performance and emissions of the test engine.