A new spark ignition system for lean mixtures based on a new approach to spark ignition

Conference · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5493535

Ward, M A.V.

The current perspective on spark ignition is that of an electrical energy source which is introduced into a combustion chamber to ignite a combustible mixture by electrically breaking down a spark gap and delivering electrical energy (current) to the gap. Typically, the spark gap is made up of two very closely spaced electrodes (of a spark plug) which are exposed to the mixture. Such a perspective is far too limited in that it ignores the electrical plasma nature of the initial flame and the influence that the local electric field and spark discharge have on the growth of the flame. A theory has been developed for including these phenomena in what is an expanded view of spark ignition. An ignition system has been developed which implements the features of this theory. This ignition system is highly effective in igniting the very lean to ultra-lean mixtures necessary to make the lean burn engine practical to provide simplified emissions' control with excellent fuel economy.

• OSTI ID: 5493535
• Report Number(s): CONF-890240-
• Resource Relation: Conference: Society of Automotive Engineers international congress and exposition, Detroit, MI (USA), 27 Feb - 3 Mar 1989; Other Information: Technical Paper 890475
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
IGNITION SYSTEMS
DESIGN
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
COMBUSTION CONTROL
IGNITION QUALITY
CONTROL
ENGINES
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
330101* - Internal Combustion Engines- Spark-Ignition
330700 - Advanced Propulsion Systems- Emission Control
500200 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)