The Development and Future Trends in HCCI and DF-PCCI Engines for Sustainable Transportation

Internal combustion (IC) engines have long been the dominant technology in transportation, but their environmental impact, particularly in terms of air pollution, has become a growing concern. To address these challenges, advanced combustion technologies like homogeneous-charge compression ignition (HCCI) and dual-fuel premixed-charge compression ignition (DF-PCCI) engines have been developed. This paper explores the potential of HCCI and DF-PCCI engines to serve as more sustainable alternatives to conventional IC engines by analysing their combustion mechanisms, thermal efficiency, and emissions performance. While both engines offer significant environmental benefits, such as lower NOx, particulate matter, and CO2 emissions, they each face unique challenges in terms of fuel injection control, biofuel integration, and combustion stability. DF-PCCI demonstrates advantages in combustion phasing and high-load performance, while HCCI requires further development in fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. Hybridization emerges as a promising solution to improve the flexibility and real-time control of both engines. Ultimately, this paper highlights the potential of HCCI and DF-PCCI engines to significantly reduce transportation-related emissions and contribute to global sustainability goals.