AUTO-IGNITION INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE SUITABLE FOR HCCI OPERATION, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF SAID TYPE

摘要

Methods and systems are provided for an auto-ignition internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas recirculation arrangement, an intake system, and an exhaust gas discharge system for the discharge of exhaust gases, in which the internal combustion engine is operable, at least in a first, stoichiometric operating mode, by way of a spatial ignition method (HCCI mode). For the aftertreatment of the exhaust gas in the first operating mode, a three-way catalytic converter is provided in the exhaust gas discharge system for reducing nitrogen oxides and oxidizing unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. In this way, the auto-ignition internal combustion engine has a greater window of operation in the HCCI mode than conventional auto-ignition internal combustion engines.