Experimental study on the impact of Miller cycle coupled EGR on a natural gas engine

The Miller cycle has significant advantages of suppressing knocking and improving nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions without the penalties of reducing engine fuel consumption and power output. In the study, the effect of non-Miller cycle and Miller cycle on the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) introduction capability and the knocking boundary were evaluated on a stoichiometric combustion natural gas engine at three different loads. Additionally, the effect of Miller cycle coupled EGR and ignition timing on engine performance and combustion process was discussed. The results indicate that, for the same condition, the Miller cycle could reduce peak temperature and pressure, increased combustion duration, and delayed combustion phase, which makes for effective knocking suppression. Therefore, the Miller cycle has less dependence on the EGR strategy to control knock. Moreover, the Miller cycle can also reduce the ability to introduce EGR, which could up to 3.8%. By matching the ignition timing and EGR rate, the BSFC of the Miller cycle were decreased by 0.6g/kW·h, 2.4 g/kW·h and 2.9 g/kW·h respectively for three test conditions compared with non-Miller cycle. In terms of emissions, the Miller cycle and EGR can both suppress NOX emissions, while the EGR being more effective. The study will provide valid information for the application of the Miller cycle to achieve efficiency clean combustion of natural gas engine.