Laser ignition for internal combustion engines via fiber optic delivery
Date
2009
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Abstract
In the effort to reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of Otto cycle engines, the ignition system is often a limiting factor. Many "high energy" ignition systems have been developed, but almost all of these are based on traditional electric arc spark plugs. Laser ignition represents a fundamentally different approach to igniting gas mixtures and opens the door to improvements in fuel-lean engine operation and high-pressure combustion environments. Yet the promise of laser ignition remains unexploited, as practical systems have not been developed. In this contribution, we work towards the goal of developing a practical laser ignition system for stationary natural gas engines. Specifically, we focus on fiber optic delivery of the laser beam to the engine, thereby making a significant advance relative to past open-air (free-space) configurations. A combination of modeling and experimentation has been used to develop the needed fiber optic delivery systems, culminating in the first demonstration of fiber-optically delivered laser ignition on an engine.
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Subject
emissions reduction
fiber optic delivery
internal combustion engines
laser ignition
natural gas
mechanical engineering