Combustion monitoring

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Automotive Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:5792885

This article describes application analysis system to lean-burn engines, engines that feature EGR, or other engines in which unfavorable combustion occurs, to control engine roughness, lower fuel consumption, and reduce NOx emission and combustion inconsistencies among cylinders. The idea of monitoring combustion of an internal combustion engine, and using the obtained data to control combustion, is not new. Two well-known methods have been developed: one involves combustion-pressure analysis, and the other measures ionic currents in combustion gas. Although highly precise analysis can be achieved by the former, there are problems in the installation of combustion pressure sensors, and their durability and cost. There are also problems in installing ionic-current sensors, and the reliability of data obtained from such sensors is questionable. Researchers at Honda R and D Co. and NGK Spark Plug Co. have developed a method which uses spark-plug-voltage analysis for monitoring combustion. Voltage is measured by noncontact sensors in the high-voltage zone near the spark plugs. Monitoring is done in real time by processing waveform data and measuring the ion density. This monitoring system can control combustion during fluctuations of the air/fuel ratio (A/F), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and ignition timing for lean-burn or other conventional engines. By controlling combustion near the lean, EGR, and timing limits, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, while maintaining driveability.

• OSTI ID: 5792885
• Journal Information: Automotive Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Automotive Engineering; (United States) Vol. 101:7; ISSN 0098-2571; ISSN AUEGBB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330101* -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Spark-Ignition
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENGINES
FUEL CONSUMPTION
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
ON-LINE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
ON-LINE SYSTEMS
OXIDATION
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES