Current Volume 9
Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI): A Comprehensive Review of Combustion Fundamentals, Emission Control, Alternative Fuels, and Future Prospects
Abstract
Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) is an advanced low-temperature combustion (LTC) strategy that has emerged as one of the most promising solutions to the dual challenge of improving internal combustion (IC) engine fuel efficiency while simultaneously reducing harmful exhaust emissions. Developed at the Engine Research Center (ERC), University of Wisconsin-Madison, RCCI exploits in-cylinder fuel blending of a low-reactivity fuel (LRF) and a high-reactivity fuel (HRF) to create a stratified charge that autoignites progressively from high-reactivity zones outward, enabling precise combustion phasing control. This paper presents a comprehensive review of RCCI combustion technology spanning its foundational principles, thermodynamic advantages, fuel pairing strategies, and parametric effects of operating variables such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), injection timing and pressure, premixed ratio, and compression ratio. The review critically analyses combustion characteristics, emission profiles, and thermal efficiencies achievable across a wide operating range, and covers the role of alternative fuels including ethanol, methanol, natural gas, hydrogen, and ammonia. Special emphasis is placed on challenges limiting RCCI's commercial deployment—elevated HC and CO emissions, restricted high-load range, and complex control requirements—as well as Indian research contributions from IIT Bombay and IIT Madras. The paper concludes with future research directions encompassing machine learning-aided control, hybrid electrification integration, and zero-carbon fuel pathways.
Keywords
Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition, Dual Fuel Combustion, Low Temperature Combustion, NOx, Soot, EGR, Alternative Fuels, Emission Reduction, Thermal Efficiency, HCCI, PCCI
Citations
IRE Journals:
Lokesh Meel, Dr. Rohit Misra, Dr. Vikas Bansal, Dr. Doraj Kamal Jamuwa "Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI): A Comprehensive Review of Combustion Fundamentals, Emission Control, Alternative Fuels, and Future Prospects" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 10 2026 Page 3351-3357 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716983
IEEE:
Lokesh Meel, Dr. Rohit Misra, Dr. Vikas Bansal, Dr. Doraj Kamal Jamuwa
"Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI): A Comprehensive Review of Combustion Fundamentals, Emission Control, Alternative Fuels, and Future Prospects" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(10) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716983
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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