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Flame initiation by nanosecond plasma discharges: Putting some new spark into ignition Paul D. Ronney University of Southern California, USA National Central University Jhong-Li, Taiwan, October 3, 2005 Research supported by U.S. AFOSR, ONR & DOE Research supported by U.S. AFOSR, ONR & DOE Travel supported by the Combustion Institute Travel supported by the Combustion Institute Faculty collaborator: Martin Gundersen (USC-EE) Research Associates: Nathan Theiss, Jian- Bang Liu Graduate students: Jason Levin, Fei Wang, Jun Zhao, Tsutomu Shimizu Undergraduate students: Brad Tallon,
Transcript

Flame initiation by nanosecond plasma discharges:

Putting some new spark into ignition

Paul D. RonneyUniversity of Southern California, USA

National Central UniversityJhong-Li, Taiwan, October 3, 2005

Research supported by U.S. AFOSR, ONR & DOEResearch supported by U.S. AFOSR, ONR & DOETravel supported by the Combustion InstituteTravel supported by the Combustion InstituteFaculty collaborator: Martin Gundersen (USC-EE)Research Associates: Nathan Theiss, Jian-Bang LiuGraduate students: Jason Levin, Fei Wang,

Jun Zhao, Tsutomu Shimizu Undergraduate students: Brad Tallon, Matthew Beck

Jennifer Colgrove, Merritt Johnson, Gary Norris

University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Established 125 years ago Established 125 years ago this week!this week! ……jointly by a Catholic, a Protestant and a Jew - USC has jointly by a Catholic, a Protestant and a Jew - USC has

always been a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, coeducational always been a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, coeducational universityuniversity

Today: 32,000 students, 3000 facultyToday: 32,000 students, 3000 faculty 2 main campuses: University Park and Health Sciences2 main campuses: University Park and Health Sciences USC Trojans football team ranked #1 in USA last 2 yearsUSC Trojans football team ranked #1 in USA last 2 years

USC Viterbi School of EngineeringUSC Viterbi School of Engineering

Naming gift by Andrew & Erma ViterbiNaming gift by Andrew & Erma Viterbi Andrew Viterbi: co-founder of Qualcomm, co-inventor of CDMAAndrew Viterbi: co-founder of Qualcomm, co-inventor of CDMA 1900 undergraduates, 3300 graduate students, 165 faculty, 30 1900 undergraduates, 3300 graduate students, 165 faculty, 30

degree optionsdegree options $135 million external research funding$135 million external research funding Distance Education Network (DEN): 900 students in 28 M.S. Distance Education Network (DEN): 900 students in 28 M.S.

degree programs; degree programs; 1171 MS degrees awarded in 200571 MS degrees awarded in 2005 More info: More info: http://viterbi.usc.eduhttp://viterbi.usc.edu

Paul RonneyPaul Ronney B.S. Mechanical Engineering, UC BerkeleyB.S. Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley M.S. Aeronautics, CaltechM.S. Aeronautics, Caltech Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics, MITPh.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics, MIT Postdocs: NASA Glenn, Cleveland; US Naval Research Lab, Postdocs: NASA Glenn, Cleveland; US Naval Research Lab,

Washington DCWashington DC Assistant Professor, Princeton UniversityAssistant Professor, Princeton University Associate/Full Professor, USCAssociate/Full Professor, USC Research interestsResearch interests

Microscale combustion and power generation Microscale combustion and power generation (10/4, INER; 10/5 NCKU)(10/4, INER; 10/5 NCKU)

Microgravity combustion and fluid mechanics Microgravity combustion and fluid mechanics (10/4, NCU)(10/4, NCU) Turbulent combustion Turbulent combustion (10/7, NTHU)(10/7, NTHU) Internal combustion enginesInternal combustion engines Ignition, flammability, extinction limits of flames Ignition, flammability, extinction limits of flames (10/3, NCU)(10/3, NCU) Flame spread over solid fuel bedsFlame spread over solid fuel beds Biophysics and biofilms Biophysics and biofilms (10/6, NCKU)(10/6, NCKU)

Paul RonneyPaul Ronney

Transient plasma ignition - motivationTransient plasma ignition - motivation

Multi-point ignition of flames has potential to increase Multi-point ignition of flames has potential to increase burning rates in many types of combustion engines, e.g.burning rates in many types of combustion engines, e.g. Pulse Detonation EnginesPulse Detonation Engines Reciprocating Internal Combustion EnginesReciprocating Internal Combustion Engines

»(Simplest approach) Leaner mixtures (lower NOx)(Simplest approach) Leaner mixtures (lower NOx)»(More difficult) Redesign intake port and combustion chamber for (More difficult) Redesign intake port and combustion chamber for

lower turbulence since the same burn rate is possible with lower lower turbulence since the same burn rate is possible with lower turbulence (reduced heat loss to walls, higher efficiency)turbulence (reduced heat loss to walls, higher efficiency)

High altitude restart of gas turbinesHigh altitude restart of gas turbines Lasers, multi-point sparks challengingLasers, multi-point sparks challenging

Lasers: energy efficiency, windows, fiber opticsLasers: energy efficiency, windows, fiber optics Multi-point sparks: multiple intrusive electrodesMulti-point sparks: multiple intrusive electrodes

How to obtain multi-point, energy efficient ignition?How to obtain multi-point, energy efficient ignition?

Transient plasma (“pulsed corona”) dischargesTransient plasma (“pulsed corona”) discharges

Not to be confused with “plasma torch”Not to be confused with “plasma torch” Initial phase of spark discharge (< 100 Initial phase of spark discharge (< 100

ns) - highly conductive (arc) channel ns) - highly conductive (arc) channel not yet formednot yet formed

CharacteristicsCharacteristics Multiple streamers of electronsMultiple streamers of electrons High energy (10s of eV) electrons compared High energy (10s of eV) electrons compared

to sparks (~1 eV)to sparks (~1 eV) Electrons not at thermal equilibrium with Electrons not at thermal equilibrium with

ions/neutralsions/neutrals Ions stationary - no hydrodynamicsIons stationary - no hydrodynamics Low anode & cathode drops, little radiation Low anode & cathode drops, little radiation

& shock formation - more efficient use of & shock formation - more efficient use of energy deposited into gasenergy deposited into gas

Corona vs. arc dischargeCorona vs. arc discharge

Arc channel

High voltage pulse

Corona phase (0 - 100 ns)Corona phase (0 - 100 ns)

Arc phase (> 100 ns)Arc phase (> 100 ns)

Images of corona discharge & flameImages of corona discharge & flame

Axial (left) and radial (right) views of discharge Axial (left) and radial (right) views of discharge with rod electrodewith rod electrode

Axial view of discharge & flame Axial view of discharge & flame (6.5% CH(6.5% CH44-air, 33 ms between images)-air, 33 ms between images)

 

Characteristics of corona dischargesCharacteristics of corona discharges

For short durations (1’s to 100’s of ns depending on For short durations (1’s to 100’s of ns depending on pressure, geometry, gas, etc.) DC breakdown threshold of pressure, geometry, gas, etc.) DC breakdown threshold of gas can be exceeded without breakdown gas can be exceeded without breakdown if high voltage if high voltage pulse can be created and stopped quickly enoughpulse can be created and stopped quickly enough

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

0 50 100 150 200

TransientSteady

Time (ns)

 

Characteristics of corona dischargesCharacteristics of corona discharges

If arc forms, current increases some but voltage drops more, If arc forms, current increases some but voltage drops more, thus higher consumption of capacitor energy with little thus higher consumption of capacitor energy with little increase in energy deposited in gas (still have corona, but increase in energy deposited in gas (still have corona, but followed by (relatively ineffective) arc)followed by (relatively ineffective) arc)

Corona only Corona + arc

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

-50

0

50

100

150

-50 0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Time (ns)

Energy

Voltage

Current

Startof arc

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

-20

0

20

40

60

80

100

-50 0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Time (ns)

EnergyVoltage

Current

Corona discharges are energy-efficientCorona discharges are energy-efficient

Discharge efficiency Discharge efficiency dd ≈ 10x higher for corona than ≈ 10x higher for corona than

conventional sparksconventional sparks

d =Energy deposited in gas

Electrical discharge energy=

ΔP ⋅Volumeγ −1

IVdt∫

0.01

0.1

1

10 100 1000

Energy (mJ)

Corona, Threaded rod electrodeCylindrical combustion chamber

Spark, plain wire electrodes, gap = 1 mmCylindrical combustion chamber

Spark, Car spark plugIC engine like chamber

Corona, ring electrodeIC engine like chamber

Corona, 1 pin, Cylindrical combustion chamber

ObjectivesObjectives

Compare combustion duration and ignition energy Compare combustion duration and ignition energy requirements of spark-ignited and corona-ignited flames in requirements of spark-ignited and corona-ignited flames in constant-volume vesselconstant-volume vessel

Determine effect of corona electrode geometry and ignition Determine effect of corona electrode geometry and ignition energy on combustion durationenergy on combustion duration

Determine if reduced combustion duration observed for Determine if reduced combustion duration observed for corona ignition in quiescent, constant-volume experiments corona ignition in quiescent, constant-volume experiments also applies to turbulent flamesalso applies to turbulent flames

Integrate pulsed corona discharge ignition system into Integrate pulsed corona discharge ignition system into premixed-charge IC enginespremixed-charge IC engines

Compare performance of corona-ignited and spark-ignited Compare performance of corona-ignited and spark-ignited enginesengines EfficiencyEfficiency EmissionsEmissions

Oscilloscope Trigger Pulse

Generator

HV DCPowerSupply

Transformer

Pressure Transducer

AirFuel

Vacuum

Central Electrode

Cylindrical Combustion Chamber

Experimental apparatus (constant volume)Experimental apparatus (constant volume) Pulsed corona discharges generated using thyratron or Pulsed corona discharges generated using thyratron or

“pseudospark” gas switch + Blumlein transmission line“pseudospark” gas switch + Blumlein transmission line 2.5” (63.5 mm) diameter chamber, 6” (152 mm) long2.5” (63.5 mm) diameter chamber, 6” (152 mm) long Rod electrode (shown below) or single-needleRod electrode (shown below) or single-needle Energy release (stoich. CHEnergy release (stoich. CH44-air, 1 atm) ≈ 1650 J energy release ≈-air, 1 atm) ≈ 1650 J energy release ≈

Discharge energy input for ignition is trivial fraction of heat release!Discharge energy input for ignition is trivial fraction of heat release!

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

-0.02 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1Time (s)

Rise Time

10% of total pressure rise

90% of total pressure rise

DefinitionsDefinitions

Delay time: 0 - 10% of peak pressureDelay time: 0 - 10% of peak pressure Rise time: 10% - 90% of peak pressureRise time: 10% - 90% of peak pressure

Rod electrode Single pin electrode

1 ring with multi-pins(only 4 pins case is shown)

Multi-rings with 2 pins/ring(Only 4 rings case is shown)

Insulation is indicated with shaded patern

Electrode configurationsElectrode configurations

Pulsed corona discharges in IC engine-like geometryPulsed corona discharges in IC engine-like geometry

Top viewTop view Side viewSide view

QuickTime™ and aCinepak decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and aCinepak decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

0.1

1

10

100

1000

0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3Equivalence ratio

CH4/Air

1 pin electrode 1 atm

Pulsed corona

Spark (Lewis and von Elbe)

Minimum ignition energy vs. mixtureMinimum ignition energy vs. mixture

1 pin corona discharge vs. spark - ≈ same geometry1 pin corona discharge vs. spark - ≈ same geometry MIE significantly higher (≈ 100x) for corona - more distributed MIE significantly higher (≈ 100x) for corona - more distributed

energy deposition in streamers?energy deposition in streamers? Minimum spark kernel diameter ≈ 0.2 mm for stoich. CH4-air Minimum spark kernel diameter ≈ 0.2 mm for stoich. CH4-air

Pressure effects on MIEPressure effects on MIE

MIE for pulsed corona does NOT follow EMIE for pulsed corona does NOT follow Eminmin ~ P ~ P-2-2 as spark as spark ignition does; more like Pignition does; more like P-1-1 at low P, P at low P, P00 at higher P at higher P

Smaller chamber diameter enables ignition at higher P - Smaller chamber diameter enables ignition at higher P - higher voltage gradienthigher voltage gradient

10

100

0.1 1 10

Ignited (2.5")Not Ignited (2.5")Ignited (1.1")Not Ignited (1.1")MIE (2.5")MIE (1.1")

P (atm)

CH4-air, φ = 1

- Single pin electrode

10

100

0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1 1.05

corona, 1 pin, 75 mJ

spark, 75 mJ

corona, 3.9 mm dia rod, 710 mJ

corona, 2 ring x 2 pin, 170 mJ

corona, 4 ring x 2 pin 170 mJ

Delay Time (ms)

Equivalence ratio

CH

4

/Air

P = 1 atm

Effect of geometry on delay timeEffect of geometry on delay time

Effect of geometry on delay timeEffect of geometry on delay time

Delay time of spark larger (≈ 1.5 - 2x) than 1-pin corona (≈ Delay time of spark larger (≈ 1.5 - 2x) than 1-pin corona (≈ same geometry)same geometry)

Consistent with computations by Dixon-Lewis, Sloane that Consistent with computations by Dixon-Lewis, Sloane that suggest point radical sources improve ignition delay ≈ 2x suggest point radical sources improve ignition delay ≈ 2x compared to thermal sourcescompared to thermal sources

More streamer locations (more pins, rod) yield lower delay More streamer locations (more pins, rod) yield lower delay time (≈ 3.5x lower for rod than spark)time (≈ 3.5x lower for rod than spark)

Suggests benefit of corona is both chemical (1.5 - 2x) and Suggests benefit of corona is both chemical (1.5 - 2x) and geometrical (≈ 2x)geometrical (≈ 2x)

10

100

0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1 1.05

corona, 1 pin, 75 mJ

spark, 75 mJ

corona, 3.9 mm dia. rod, 710 mJ

corona, 2 ring x 2 pin, 170 mJ

corona, 4 ring x 2 pin, 170 mJ

Rise Time (ms)

Equivalence ratio

CH

4

/Air

P = 1 atm

Effect of geometry on rise timeEffect of geometry on rise time

Effect of geometry on rise timeEffect of geometry on rise time

Rise time of spark larger ≈ same as 1-pin corona (≈ same Rise time of spark larger ≈ same as 1-pin corona (≈ same flame propagation geometry)flame propagation geometry)

More streamer locations (more pins, rod) yield lower rise More streamer locations (more pins, rod) yield lower rise time (≈ 3 - 4x lower for rod than spark), but multi-pin almost time (≈ 3 - 4x lower for rod than spark), but multi-pin almost as good with less energyas good with less energy

3

3.5

4

4.5

5

5.5

6

0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1 1.05

corona, 1 pin, 75 mJspark at center, 75 mJcorona rod, 710 mJcorona, 2 ring x 2 pin, 170 mJcorona, 4 ring x 2 pin, 170 mJ

Peak P/P

o

Equivalence ratio

CH4/Air

1 atm

Peak pressuresPeak pressures

Peak pressuresPeak pressures

Peak pressures significantly higher for multi-point corona Peak pressures significantly higher for multi-point corona that one-pin corona or sparkthat one-pin corona or spark

Improvement (for rod) nearly independent of mixtureImprovement (for rod) nearly independent of mixture Probably due to change in flame propagation geometry, not Probably due to change in flame propagation geometry, not

heat lossesheat losses Radial propagation (corona) vs. axial propagation (arc)Radial propagation (corona) vs. axial propagation (arc) Corona: more combustion occurs at higher pressure (smaller Corona: more combustion occurs at higher pressure (smaller

quenching distance)quenching distance) Corona: lower fraction of unburned fuelCorona: lower fraction of unburned fuel Consistent with preliminary measurements of residual fuelConsistent with preliminary measurements of residual fuel

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

corona, 1 ring x 2 pin

corona, 2 ring x 2 pin

corona, 4 ring x 2 pin

corona, 3.9 mm dia. rod

Spark

Delay Time (ms)

Discharge energy (mJ)

CH

4

/Air

φ = 1.0

= 1 P atm

Energy & geometry effects on delay timeEnergy & geometry effects on delay time

What is optimal electrode configuration to minimize What is optimal electrode configuration to minimize delay/rise time for a given energy?delay/rise time for a given energy?

Delay time: 2-ring, 4-ring & plain rod similar (all are much Delay time: 2-ring, 4-ring & plain rod similar (all are much better than spark)better than spark)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

corona, 1 ring x 2 pin

corona, 2 ring x 2 pin

corona, 4 ring x 2 pin

corona, 3.9 mm dia. rod

Spark

Rise Time (ms)

Discharge energy (mJ)

CH

4

/Air

φ = 1.0

= 1 P atm

Energy & geometry effects on rise timeEnergy & geometry effects on rise time

Rise time: 2-ring or 4-ring bestRise time: 2-ring or 4-ring best Note “step” behavior for multi-point ignition at low energies Note “step” behavior for multi-point ignition at low energies

- not all sites ignite- not all sites ignite Delay time doesn’t show “step” behaviorDelay time doesn’t show “step” behavior

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

corona, 1 ring x 2 pin

corona, 2 ring x 2 pin

corona, 4 ring x 2 pin

spark

corona, 3.9 mm dia rod

Delay Time (ms)

Discharge Energy (mJ)

CH

4

/Air

φ = 0.7

= 1 P atm

Energy & geometry effects (lean mixture)Energy & geometry effects (lean mixture)

Delay time: same conclusion as stoichiometric mixtureDelay time: same conclusion as stoichiometric mixture

Energy & geometry effects (lean mixture)Energy & geometry effects (lean mixture)

Rise time: 4-ring stands outRise time: 4-ring stands out

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

corona, 1 ring x 2 pin

corona, 2 ring x 2 pin

corona, 4 ring x 2 pin

spark

corona, 3.9 mm dia rod

Rise Time (ms)

Discharge Energy (mJ)

CH

4

/Air

φ = 0.7

= 1 P atm

Rod diameter effectsRod diameter effects

Plain rod: optimal diameter Plain rod: optimal diameter exists (≈ 0.15”), dexists (≈ 0.15”), drodrod/d/dcylcyl ≈ 0.06 ≈ 0.06 Large d: low field Large d: low field

concentration, few streamers?concentration, few streamers? Small d: Too many streamers, Small d: Too many streamers,

too much energy deposition?too much energy deposition?0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 200 400 600 800 1000

File:030820

Delay Time (ms)

Rise Time (ms)

Delay or Rise Time (ms)

Energy (mJ/pulse)

CH4/Air

Equivalence ratio: 1.0

P=1 atm.

Rod-cylinder electrode

Rod diameter: 0.09"

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

File:030813

Delay Time (ms)

Rise Time (ms)

Delay or Rise Time (ms)

Energy (mJ/pulse)

CH4/Air

Equivalence ratio: 1.0

P=1 atm.

Rod-cylinder electrode

Rod diameter: 0.155"

0

20

40

60

80

100

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

File:030818

Delay Time (ms)

Rise Time (ms)

Delay or Rise Time (ms)

Energy (mJ/pulse)

CH4/Air

Equivalence ratio: 1.0

P=1 atm.

Rod-cylinder electrode

Rod diameter: 0.375"

Effect of number of pins on 1 ringEffect of number of pins on 1 ring

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150

File:030416

Delay Time (ms)

Rise Time (ms)

Delay or Rise Time (ms)

Energy (mJ)

CH4/Air

Equivalence ratio: 0.7

P=1 atm.

1 ring x 1 pin electrode

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

40 60 80 100 120 140

File:030509

Delay Time (ms)

Rise Time (ms)

Delay or Rise Time (ms)

Energy (mJ)

CH4/Air

Equivalence ratio: 0.7

P=1 atm.

1 ring x 2 pin electrode

50

100

150

200

40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

File:030515a

Delay Time (ms)

Rise Time (ms)

Delay or Rise Time (ms)

Energy (mJ)

CH4/Air

Equivalence ratio: 0.7

P=1 atm.

1 ring x 4 pin electrode

0

50

100

150

200

250

120 140 160 180 200 220 240

File:030516

Delay Time (ms)

Rise Time (ms)

Delay or Rise Time (ms)

Energy (mJ)

CH4/Air

Equivalence ratio: 0.7

P=1 atm.

1 ring x 8 pin electrode

0

50

100

150

200

250

0 2 4 6 8 10

Minimum ignition energy

Maximum energy without arcing

Average delay time

Average rise time

Energy (mJ) or time (ms)

Number of pins

CH

4

/Air

φ = 0.7

= 1 P atm

Effect of number of pins on 1 ringEffect of number of pins on 1 ring

MIE lower (!!) with more pins, optimal 4MIE lower (!!) with more pins, optimal 4 More pins: Slightly beneficial effect on delay time, slightly More pins: Slightly beneficial effect on delay time, slightly

adverse effect (!) on rise timeadverse effect (!) on rise time More is not necessarily better!More is not necessarily better!

0

5

10

15

20

400 500 600 700 800 900

Discharge energy (mJ)

CH4/Air

φ = 1.01 atm

Threaded electrode

- Thyratron switched generator

- Pseudo spark generator

0

5

10

15

20

400 500 600 700 800 900

Energy (mJ/pulse)

CH4/Air

φ = 1.01 atm

Threaded electrode

- Thyratron switched generator

- Pseudo spark generator

Thyratron vs. pseudospark generatorThyratron vs. pseudospark generator

Little effect of discharge generator type (pseudospark: ≈ 1/2 Little effect of discharge generator type (pseudospark: ≈ 1/2 discharge duration compared to thyratron)discharge duration compared to thyratron)

Turbulent test chamberTurbulent test chamber

Fan

HV Anode

Grounded Cathode

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

-0.02 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1Time (s)

CH4/Air

φ = 1.01 atm

, Quiescent spark

, Turbulent spark

, Turbulent corona

, Quiescent corona

Turbulence effectsTurbulence effects Simple turbulence generator (fan + grid) integrated into coaxial Simple turbulence generator (fan + grid) integrated into coaxial

combustion chamber, rod electrodecombustion chamber, rod electrode Turbulence intensity ≈ 1 m/s, u’/STurbulence intensity ≈ 1 m/s, u’/SLL ≈ 3 (stoichiometric) ≈ 3 (stoichiometric) Benefit of corona ignition ≈ same in turbulent flames - shorter rise Benefit of corona ignition ≈ same in turbulent flames - shorter rise

& delay times, higher peak P& delay times, higher peak P Note quiescent corona faster than turbulent spark! (Faster burn Note quiescent corona faster than turbulent spark! (Faster burn

with less heat loss)with less heat loss)

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

0.5

0.55

0.6

-0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3

Pressure (V)

Time (s)

CH4/Air

φ = 0.71 atm

, Quiescent spark

, Turbulent spark

, Turbulent corona

, Quiescent corona

Turbulence effectsTurbulence effects

Similar results for lean mixture but benefit of turbulence Similar results for lean mixture but benefit of turbulence more dramatic - higher u’/Smore dramatic - higher u’/SLL (≈ 8) (≈ 8)

Engine experimentsEngine experiments2000 Ford Ranger I-4 engine with dual-plug head to test 2000 Ford Ranger I-4 engine with dual-plug head to test

corona & spark corona & spark at same time, same operating conditionsat same time, same operating conditionsNational Instruments / Labview data acquisition & controlNational Instruments / Labview data acquisition & controlHoriba emissions bench, samples extracted from corona - Horiba emissions bench, samples extracted from corona -

equipped cylinderequipped cylinderPressure / volume measurementsPressure / volume measurements

Optical Encoder mounted to crankshaftOptical Encoder mounted to crankshaftSpark plug mounted Kistler piezoelectric pressure transducerSpark plug mounted Kistler piezoelectric pressure transducer

Electrode configuration Electrode configuration

Macor machinable ceramic used for insulatorMacor machinable ceramic used for insulator Coaxial shielded cable used to reduce EMICoaxial shielded cable used to reduce EMI Simple single-point electrode tip, replaceableSimple single-point electrode tip, replaceable ““Point to plane” geometry first step - by no means optimalPoint to plane” geometry first step - by no means optimal

On-engine corona ignition systemOn-engine corona ignition system

Corona electrode and spark plug with pressure transducer Corona electrode and spark plug with pressure transducer in #1 cylinderin #1 cylinder

Wired for quick change between spark and corona ignition Wired for quick change between spark and corona ignition under identical operating conditionsunder identical operating conditions

≈ ≈ 500 mJ/pulse (equivalent “wall plug” energy requirement 500 mJ/pulse (equivalent “wall plug” energy requirement of ≈ 50 mJ spark)of ≈ 50 mJ spark)

Range of ignition timings for both spark & coronaRange of ignition timings for both spark & corona 3 modes tested3 modes tested

Corona onlyCorona only Single conventional plugSingle conventional plug Two conventional plugs (results very similar to single plug)Two conventional plugs (results very similar to single plug)

On-engine corona ignition systemOn-engine corona ignition system

On-engine resultsOn-engine results

Corona ignition shows increase in peak pressure under Corona ignition shows increase in peak pressure under all conditions testedall conditions tested

On-engine resultsOn-engine results

Corona ignition shows increase in IMEP under all Corona ignition shows increase in IMEP under all conditions testedconditions tested

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.1

0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1 1.05

IMEP (spark)IMEP (corona)

COV (spark)COV (corona)

Equivalence ratio

IMEP at various air / fuel ratiosIMEP at various air / fuel ratios

Indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) higher for corona Indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) higher for corona than spark, especially for lean mixtures (nearly 30%)than spark, especially for lean mixtures (nearly 30%)

Coefficient of variance (COV) comparableCoefficient of variance (COV) comparable

IMEP at various loadsIMEP at various loads Corona showed an average increase in IMEP of 16% Corona showed an average increase in IMEP of 16%

over a range of engine loadsover a range of engine loads

3000 RPM, Phi = 0.7

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0 5 10 15 20 25

Torque (ft-lb)

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

SparkCoronaSpark COVCorona COV

Burn rateBurn rate

Integrated heat release shows faster burning with corona Integrated heat release shows faster burning with corona leads to greater effective heat releaseleads to greater effective heat release

2900 RPM, = 0.7

Burn ratesBurn rates

Corona ignition shows Corona ignition shows substantiallysubstantially faster burn rates at faster burn rates at same conditions compared to 2-plug conventional ignitionsame conditions compared to 2-plug conventional ignition

2900 RPM, = 0.7

Emissions data - NOxEmissions data - NOx

Improved NOx performance vs. indicated efficiency tradeoff Improved NOx performance vs. indicated efficiency tradeoff compared to spark ignition by using leaner mixtures with compared to spark ignition by using leaner mixtures with sufficiently rapid burningsufficiently rapid burning

Emissions data - hydrocarbonsEmissions data - hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons emissions similar, corona vs. sparkHydrocarbons emissions similar, corona vs. spark

1

10

100

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4

Indicated Efficiency

spark

corona

Emissions data - COEmissions data - CO

CO emissions similar, corona vs. sparkCO emissions similar, corona vs. spark

1

10

100

1000

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4

Indicated Efficiency

spark

corona

ConclusionsConclusions

Flame ignition by transient plasma or pulsed corona Flame ignition by transient plasma or pulsed corona discharges is a promising technology for ignition delay & discharges is a promising technology for ignition delay & rise time reductionrise time reduction More energy-efficient than spark dischargesMore energy-efficient than spark discharges Shorter ignition delay and rise timesShorter ignition delay and rise times Rise time more significant issueRise time more significant issue

»Longer than delay timeLonger than delay time»Unlike delay time, can’t be compensated by “spark advance”Unlike delay time, can’t be compensated by “spark advance”

Higher peak pressuresHigher peak pressures Benefits apply to turbulent flames alsoBenefits apply to turbulent flames also

Demonstrated in engines tooDemonstrated in engines too Higher IMEP for same conditions with same or better BSNOxHigher IMEP for same conditions with same or better BSNOx Shorter burn times and faster heat releaseShorter burn times and faster heat release

Improvements due to Improvements due to Chemical effects (delay time) - radicals vs. thermal energyChemical effects (delay time) - radicals vs. thermal energy Geometrical effects - (delay & rise time) - more distributed Geometrical effects - (delay & rise time) - more distributed

ignition sitesignition sites

Future workFuture work

Improved electrode designsImproved electrode designs Solid-state discharge generatorsSolid-state discharge generators Multi-cylinder corona ignitionMulti-cylinder corona ignition Corona-ignited, low turbulence (thus low heat loss) Corona-ignited, low turbulence (thus low heat loss)

engines???engines??? Transient plasma discharges for fuel electrospray Transient plasma discharges for fuel electrospray

dispersion?dispersion?

Thanks to…Thanks to…

National Central UniversityNational Central University Prof. Shenqyang ShyProf. Shenqyang Shy Combustion Institute (Bernard Lewis Lectureship)Combustion Institute (Bernard Lewis Lectureship) AFOSR, ONR, DOE (research support)AFOSR, ONR, DOE (research support)


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