Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine Technology - A Review

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine technology is relatively new and has not matured sufficiently to be commercialized compared with conventional engines. Now a days the challenges facing are mainly emissions (NOx and soot) and Fuel economy .The factors to be considered while designing this kind of technology are, high compression ratio, lean homogeneous air fuel mixture, complete and instantaneous combustion, which lead to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI). It can use spark ignition(SI) or compression ignition(CI) engine configurations, capitalizing on the advantages of both: high engine efficiency with low emissions levels. HCCI engines can use a wide range of fuels with low emissions levels. Due to these advantages, HCCI engines are suitable for use in a hybrid engine configuration, where they can reduce the fuel consumption even further. HCCI engines can operate on gasoline, diesel fuel, and most alternative fuels. This paper reviews the technology involved in HCCI engine development, its advantages and disadvantages However, HCCI engines have some disadvantages, such as knocking and a low to medium operating load range, which need to be resolved before the engine can be commercialized. Therefore, a comprehensive study has to be performed to understand the behavior of HCCI engines.