CAI

A new class of combustion system described as Controlled Auto-Ignition (CAI) combustion differs from the conventional mode of spark-ignition in that it operates by the auto-ignition of the charge.

CAI engines produce exceptionally low NOx emissions, and have the potential for very good fuel economy. Ricardo have undertaken a substantial internal research programme to investigate CAI combustion including optical engine testing. This programme has demonstrated CAI combustion in both two-stroke and four-stroke engines, and further developed CAI engine processes. The results have allowed the development and validation of Ricardo Software packages to simulate gasoline CAI combustion.