Evaluation of the internal combustion engine pre-heating methods and their influence on the cold engine start performance at an ambient temperature of –40°C

Introduction (statement of the problem and relevance). Starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) at negative ambient temperatures is difficult for a number of reasons. A decrease in the volatility of gasoline leads to the liquid fuel deposition on the cylinder walls, as a result of which the fuel-air mixture ignition is difficult or impossible. Another reason is the geometric dimensions reduction of the gaps in the plain bearings, which is a consequence of the use of materials with different thermal expansion coefficients in the engine design. The high kinematic viscosity of the oil creates a higher hydraulic resistance in the system. These factors complicate the engine oil flow to friction pairs, which can lead to an oil starvation and bearing shell life reduction.

The purpose of the research was to determine the optimal pre-heating mode from the point of view of the process energy efficiency and the preservation of the engine resource.

Methodology and research methods. To control the thermal state, the internal combustion engine and the cooling circuit were equipped with measuring equipment. The values of temperature, pressure and volume flow sensors were recorded. To implement the pre-heating modes proposed in the article, an engineering engine control unit was used, which allowed making changes in the basic software configuration.

Scientific novelty and results. An alternative method of pre-heating has been proposed, including preheating of the engine oil-water heat exchanger to reduce the time for reaching the minimum oil pressure at the main gallery inlet during a cold start. The article provides descriptions of the regular and proposed pre-heating cycles, their assessment in accordance with the represented criteria. Experimental data on pre-heating cycles and cold starts at an ambient temperature of –40°C are presented. The necessity of warming up the engine standard water-oil heat exchanger before a cold start has been experimentally proved, the curves of pressure changes at the main gallery inlet, depending on the pre-heating mode, are given.

Practical significance. Reducing the negative influence of cold start on the ICE resource.

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