HCCI engine intake/exhaust systems for fast inlet temperature and pressure control with intake pressure boosting

An intake/exhaust system for a dual-mode homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine including intake and exhaust manifolds, said system comprising:

• an air compressor for boosting intake pressure of air supplied to the engine and including at least two output air flow paths;
• an intercooler for cooling air from a first one of said air flow paths;
• at least one heat exchanger for heating air from a second one of said air flow paths;
• and
• a throttle for controlling flow of air from said intercooler to engine cylinders, wherein said first air flow path directs air to the engine via said intercooler and said second air flow path directs air to the engine via said heat exchanger, such that air at a first temperature is supplied to the engine for operation in SI mode and air at a second temperature is supplied to the engine for operation in HCCI mode.

A method of controlling intake air temperature and pressure in a dual-mode homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine having intake and exhaust manifolds, said method comprising:

• supplying air to the engine via at least two air flow paths;
• cooling air in one of said air flow paths;
• heating air in another one of said air flow paths;
• controlling a mass ratio of air through said air flow paths to thereby control temperature and pressure of air supplied to the engine;
• and
• boosting intake pressure of air supplied to the engine, whereby air at a first temperature being supplied to the engine for operation in SI mode and air at a second temperature being supplied to the engine for operation in HCCI mode.