Compression Ignition Engine

摘要

A compression ignition engine 10 operable in a low temperature combustion mode comprises (a) a plurality of cylinders 12, each defining a combustion chamber 14, wherein the engine is adapted to deliver and mix air and fuel within each combustion chamber, the mix being at or near a stoichiometric mixture (b) control means 40 including a sensor for sensing an engine load 42; (c) a source of a gas comprising oxygen coupled to the control means 40. In response to the sensor 42 sensing a transition to a high engine load, the gas containing oxygen is supplied to each combustion chamber 14 prior to or simultaneously with an increase in the supply of fuel to each combustion chamber to substantially maintain the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. The source of oxygen may be a reformer 50 and storage vessel 52 which is coupled to the air intake manifold 30 via a controlled valve 54. If the engine is to be kept at high load the valve 54 may be gradually closed while delivery of EGR gases is increased.