Numerical investigation of the combined influence of three-plug arrangement and slot positioning on wankel engine performance

Shimon Pisnoy, Leonid Tartakovsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A numerical methodology for three-dimensional fluid dynamics and chemical kinetics simulation of the combustion and gas-exchange processes in the Wankel engine was developed and validated. Two approaches of performance enhancement were studied—the addition of a slot in the rear side of the rotor recess, and installation of a third plug in the trailing side of the working chamber, in addition to the two available plugs mounted in the leading side of the baseline engine. The obtained results showed that the suggested three-plug arrangement significantly improves the engine performance. Furthermore, positioning the trailing plug further from the passage between the trailing and leading sides is of preference for higher mean in-chamber pressures. Nevertheless, for maximum performance, the distance should be brought to an optimum as during the intake stroke there is a loss of inducted charge due to backflow from the trailing plug hole. For the three-plug arrangement the presence of a slot is necessary for the prevention of early flame quenching in the trailing side, while keeping the added volume to a minimum. Moreover, positioning the slot and the trailing plug off-center, results in higher flow intensity towards the leading plugs, and accordingly, to a higher combustion efficiency. For dual-plug ignition system (two plugs in the leading side) it is preferable to maintain minimum clearance in the trailing side.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1130
JournalEnergies
Volume14
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Combustion simulation
  • Slot
  • Surface-discharge spark plug
  • Wankel engine
  • combustion simulation
  • slot
  • surface-discharge spark plug

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Control and Optimization
  • Energy (miscellaneous)
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Fuel Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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