Reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) is a promising new combustion technology for marine applications. It has offered the potential to achieve low NOx emissions and high thermal efficiency, which are both important considerations for marine engines. However, the performance of RCCI engines is sensitive to a number of factors, including the start of injection. This study used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the effects of start of ignition (SOI) on the performance of a marine RCCI engine. The CFD model was validated against experimental data, and the results showed that the SOI has a significant impact on the combustion process. In particular, the SOI affected the distribution of fuel and air in the combustion chamber, which in turn affected the rate of heat release and the formation of pollutants. Ten different SOIs were implemented on a validated closed-loop CFD model from 96 to 42 CAD bTDC (crank angle degree before top dead center) at six-degree intervals. A chemical kinetic mechanism of 54 species and 269 reactions tuned and used for simulation of in-cylinder combustion. The results show that in early injection, high-reactivity fuel was distributed close to the liner. This distribution was around the center of late injection angles. A homogeneity study was carried out to investigate the local equivalence ratio. It showed a more homogenous mixture in early injection until 66 CAD bTDC, after which point, earlier injection timing had no effect on homogeneity. Maximum indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) was achieved at SOI 48 CAD bTDC, and minimum amounts of THC (total hydrocarbons) and NOx were observed with middle injection timing angles around 66 CAD bTDC.
