Influence of Spark Discharge Energy on The Combustion Process In The Engine Fuelled With Natural Gas

The article reports the result of investigations of a single cylinder engine fuelled with natural gas and fitted with an Increased Discharge Energy (IDE) Ignition System. The aim of investigation was to describe the influence of the ignition discharge energy value on the heat release function in the natural gas fuelled engine.

The paper reports the simplified functional model of ignition system with increased discharge energy.

Based on changes of indicated pressure in the combustion chamber and by using combustion model, the heat release function in relation to the selected feeding parameters, such as Ignition Advance Angle (IAA) and Excess Air Number (EAN), was defined.

The influence of ignition discharge energy on engine cycle variability was also tested.

The research proved the improvement of engine work parameters with increased energy of ignition spark.