Optical Investigation of Sparks to Improve Ignition Simulation Models in Spark-Ignition Engines

Saraschandran Kottakalam (), Ahmad Anas Alkezbari (), Gregor Rottenkolber and Christian Trapp
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Saraschandran Kottakalam: Automotive Powertrain Laboratory, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, 73728 Esslingen, Germany
Ahmad Anas Alkezbari: Department of Vehicle Power Trains, University of Bundeswehr Munich, 85579 Neubiberg, Germany
Gregor Rottenkolber: Automotive Powertrain Laboratory, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, 73728 Esslingen, Germany
Christian Trapp: Department of Vehicle Power Trains, University of Bundeswehr Munich, 85579 Neubiberg, Germany

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-20

Abstract: The use of renewable fuels in place of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines is regarded as a viable method for achieving zero-impact-emission powertrains. However, to achieve the best performance with these fuels, these engines require further optimization, which is achieved through new combustion strategies and the use of advanced ignition systems such as prechambers. Since simulations greatly accelerate this development, accurate simulation models are needed to accurately predict the combustion phenomenon, which requires a deep understanding of the ignition phenomenon as it significantly affects combustion. This work presents a comprehensive experimental methodology to study sparks under engine conditions, providing quantitative data to improve and validate ignition simulation models. The goal was to determine the volume generated by sparks under engine conditions that can initiate combustion and use this information to improve simulation results to match the experimental results. The visible sparks were observed with high-speed cameras to understand their time-resolved evolution and interaction with the flow. The heat transfer from the plasma was also visualized using a modified Background-Oriented Schlieren technique. The information gained from the experimental observations was used to improve an ignition simulation model. Since the velocity of the plasma was found to be slower than the surrounding flow, a user-defined parameter was included to calibrate the velocity of the simulated plasma particles. This parameter was calibrated to match the simulated spark length to the experimental spark length. In addition, since the previous simulation model did not take the heat transfer from the plasma into account, the simulated plasma particles were coupled to have heat transfer to the surroundings. Based on a comparison of the simulation results with the experimental results, the improved approach was found to provide a better physical representation of the spark ignition phenomenon.

Keywords: ignition; spark ignition; Background-Oriented Schlieren; ignition simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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