Study of an innovative three-pole igniter to improve efficiency and stability of gasoline combustion under charge dilution conditions

Xiaoye Han, Shui Yu, Jimi Tjong and Ming Zheng

Applied Energy, 2020, vol. 257, issue C

Abstract: A diluted cylinder charge helps in engine fuel efficiency but at the same time presents significant challenges to combustion stability. An innovative three-pole spark igniter is researched to explore multi-spot ignition technology and improve the burning process of high-efficiency combustion under diluted conditions. The unique design features three independent pairs of electrodes in a single spark plug and allows new approaches to apply novel ignition strategies. Optical combustion vessels and high-speed imaging techniques are employed to develop fundamental understandings of the multi-spot ignition process. A large number of tests are performed on instrumented combustion vessels to statistically quantify and demonstrate the effect of the three-pole igniter, in comparison with a conventional spark plug. Finally, the prototype three-pole igniter is implemented on a production engine to validate and demonstrate the improvements in engine combustion under low and high dilution conditions. As shown by test results, the three-pole igniter offers shorter ignition delay and faster burning, thereby improving combustion phasing and fuel economy. The three-pole igniter exhibits greater advantages for combustion stability under high dilution conditions that reduce pumping loss and thus gains fuel economy.

Keywords: 3-pole igniter; Multi-spot ignition; Innovative ignition method; High efficiency combustion; Diluted combustion; Flame kernel development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113999

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