Laser Spark Distribution and Ignition System

Current emission regulations relating to NOx require reciprocating engines to operate at very lean fuel/air mixtures. The excess air keeps the combusting gases cooler and limits thermal NOx development. At the same time, the lean mixture requires much more energy to be delivered to the spark plug for successful ignition. The higher energy flowing through the spark plug electrodes increases erosion to the point that the spark plugs last only hundreds of hours; they also cost more than $100 each because of the rare earth metals used to extend their life. The resulting maintenance costs are very high, especially for natural-gas-fueled energy generation engines that must run continuously for thousands of hours.