Typical direct-injection engines, such as diesel engines, can produce soot due to fuel-rich combustion conditions. Filters and catalytic converters are currently used to reduce soot and harmful emissions, but these systems are expensive, large, complex, and they penalize engine efficiency. Ducted fuel injection technology was developed for the reduction of soot and other EPA-regulated emissions in direct-injection engines. The ducted fuel injection technology reduces soot at the point of combustion, thereby reducing the need for these after-treatment devices and their associated costs.

Components of the ducted fuel injection system (left) and results of the system performance versus direct injection engine performance.

The mechanical solution forces each fuel spray from the fuel injector through a small duct located within the combustion chamber. Oxygen is drawn into each duct due to the pressure field established during fuel injection, and the ensuing enhanced turbulent mixing creates an optimized mixture of fuel and oxygen. The more-homogeneous fuel mixture is then released from the duct into the combustion chamber where it ignites, eliminating soot that results from unevenly mixed, fuel-rich combustion.

The technology could be key for future engines because it is an effective, conceptually simple approach for lowering soot and other emissions, as well as potentially improving combustion efficiency.

For more information, contact Sandia National Laboratories at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit here .