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By: Alok Kumar Tiwari
Research Fellow, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centre for Advance Research, AKTU, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) has emerged as a pivotal strategy to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines, which significantly contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation. NOx emissions pose serious concerns due to their role in forming smog, acid rain, and adverse health impacts. By recirculating a portion of the exhaust back into the intake manifold, EGR reduces these emissions by restricting the manufacturing of NOx and effectively lowers combustion heat. This process has become an essential focus of research and development in modern diesel engine technology. While EGR effectively reduces NOx emissions, it presents trade-offs, including increased particulate matter (PM) emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential engine wear due to deposit formation. These challenges have spurred the development of advanced EGR technologies, such as variable-rate systems and EGR cooling mechanisms, to optimize its benefits. The efficiency of EGR is further enhanced by combining it with in addition pollution control strategies like diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and selective catalytic removal (SCR). This review also explores EGR’s potential in future applications, particularly in hybrid powertrains and engines running on alternative fuels, such as biodiesel and hydrogen. Adaptive EGR systems, utilizing real-time sensors and machine learning algorithms, hold promise for improving performance and efficiency while addressing operational challenges. These innovations highlight the need for a balanced approach to implementing EGR, ensuring emissions reduction aligns with maintaining engine durability and operational efficiency. EGR remains a cornerstone technology for meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Its evolution underscores its role in advancing sustainable diesel engine designs and reducing the environmental footprint of internal combustion engines. By continuing to innovate and integrate EGR with emerging technologies, the automotive industry can meet the dual goals of minimizing emissions and achieving optimal engine performance.
Keywords: Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), NOx emissions, diesel engines, engine efficiency, emissions control, combustion optimization
Citation:
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