Variable Intake Valve Train to Optimize the Performance of a Large Bore Gas Engine

The present paper describes the investigations made using the electro-hydraulic intake valve timing system VCM® on a large bore gas engine. The first section explains what challenges have to be faced when developing concepts for present and future applications of large bore gas engines. Following an introduction to the VCM® system, an outline is presented of expected opportunities for using variable intake valve timing in combination with modern turbocharging concepts. The second section describes 0D/1D engine cycle simulations that were carried out to assess the influence of variable valve timing on the intake side compared to a fixed intake valve profile, which is the current standard for large bore gas engines. As a result, first predictions can be made about the gain in engine efficiency achieved with different operating strategies. In order to assess the performance potentials of the variable valve train, extensive experimental investigations were carried out on a single cylinder research engine based on GE's Type 6 gas engine. The investigations consisted of varying engine parameters including varying the geometric compression ratio as well as the engine boundary conditions. It will be shown how intake valve timing can be used to optimize engine efficiency by improving gas exchange. Furthermore, variable intake valve timing affects the overall system behavior, e.g. distances to the engine's operating limits. Special attention was paid to analyzing combustion itself, which is necessary due to the strong influence that intake valve timing has on the thermodynamic states of the cylinder charge.