Modernization of the Mechanical Fuel System of a Diesel Locomotive Engine Through Physical and Numerical Modeling

Abstract

Reducing harmful emissions from exhaust gases and increasing energy efficiency are urgent tasks when designing reciprocating internal combustion engines. In this experimental work, the fuel system of a diesel locomotive engine operating on the Miller cycle is improved. The purpose of the study is to improve the environmental and economic indicators of diesel engines at minimal financial cost. The article provides an overview of the main research on improving fuel supply, mixing and combustion. The features of engine operation are also briefly described. Numerical simulation of the diesel engine operating cycle was performed before the bench tests. The experiments were performed on a full-size diesel engine with a power of 1200 kW. The measuring equipment and experimental technique are described in the article. The technical solutions that made it possible to improve the fuel supply are described. A new design for the high-pressure fuel pump drive is proposed. The optimal fuel injection advance angles are determined. An original design for the fuel pump plunger was developed. The proposed technical solutions made it possible to reduce fuel consumption by up to 3% (from 217.8 to 211.4 g/kW·h) and NOx emissions two-fold (from 19.4 to 8.8 g/kW·h). © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.