Analysis of existing studies on the deactivation of some cylinders in internal combustion engines when vehicle loads decrease

Abstract

Based on the literature, this article analyzes methods for improving the economic and environmental performance of vehicles by implementing cylinder deactivation in internal combustion engines, while ensuring the reliability and operational stability of wheeled vehicles. The article identifies challenges in this area as well as prospects for further research.

Internal combustion engines used in automotive transport operate under constantly changing load conditions. Most of the time is spent in low-load and idle modes. In these modes, the engine’s rated power is utilized only partially.

One alternative method for improving the efficiency of multi-cylinder engines during idle and partial-load operation is to regulate the load by changing the engine’s displacement through the deactivation of some of the operating cylinders.

This paper examines various methods for implementing engine cylinder deactivation, which are divided into two main groups: stopping the crankshaft-connecting rod mechanism (CCM) (modular internal combustion engine) and deactivating the fuel supply system.

The study results showed that deactivating some of the cylinders through smooth or stepwise displacement control or modular cylinder deactivation, according to estimates by researchers in this field, leads to a significant improvement in fuel economy at idle and low loads, due to the stopping of pistons, by at least 30%, and an increase in the service life between overhauls by 27%.

Despite the large number of studies and scientific publications on the issue of cylinder deactivation in internal combustion engines, a number of questions remain that require further investigation.