11/11/2020 Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition for clean and efficient ship propulsion - ScienceDirect

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Energy
Volume 182, 1 September 2019, Pages 1173-1192

Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition for clean and

efficient ship propulsion
Maciej Mikulski a, b , Sudarshan Ramesh b, Cemil Bekdemir b

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.06.091 Get rights and content

Highlights
• Feasibility of RCCI for mid-speed gas engines is assessed for the first time.

• Simulations optimize efficiency within hardware and emissions constraints.

• CH4 slip is below 1 g/kWh with baseline efficiency using stock hardware.

• Hardware-optimized RCCI can deliver superior indicated efficiency of 52%.

• 52% efficiency attainable while meeting tough EU-Stage V emission limits.

Abstract
Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) is commonly mentioned as a potential
efficient and clean combustion concept. This study makes the first evaluation of natural gas-
diesel RCCI combustion for mid-speed marine engines.

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11/11/2020 Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition for clean and efficient ship propulsion - ScienceDirect

A state-of-the-art dual-fuel engine with 350 mm bore diameter is the basis for numerical
simulations. GT-Power is used to create a one-dimensional air-path model. RCCI is simulated
using TNO's multi-zone combustion model incorporating detailed chemical kinetics. The
simulations aim to optimize engine efficiency, with peak in-cylinder pressure and emissions
as constraints.

The study shows best-point Indicated Efficiency of 47.8% is achievable (@75% load) using
RCCI mode on stock engine hardware, while meeting IMO Tier III's NOx limit. This
performance is similar to the best contemporary marine gas engines, but RCCI also provides
additional methane and CO emission reductions. Thus, RCCI combustion can meet Europe's
new rigorous Stage V limits, offering significant improvements in a marine engine's GHG
footprint.

Crucially, the study indicates an engine using hardware optimized for RCCI could deliver
outstanding indicated efficiencies of 52%, with emissions of below 1 g/kWh for all legislative
species. This combination of high efficiency and ultra-low emissions would make RCCI
combustion an attractive proposition for future marine propulsion and gen-set applications.

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Keywords
RCCI; Mid-speed engine; Marine; Natural gas; Simulation; Energy optimization

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