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From Spark Plugs to Railplugs – The Characteristics of a New Ignition System
Technical Paper
2004-01-2978
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
Ignition of extremely lean or dilute mixtures is a very challenging problem. Therefore, it is essential for the engine development engineer to understand the fundamentals and limitations of existing ignition systems. This paper presents a new railplug ignition concept, a high-energy ignition system, which can enhance ignition of very lean mixtures by means of its high-energy deposition and high velocity jet of the plasma. This paper presents initial results of tests using an inductive ignition system, a capacitor discharge ignition system, and a railplug high-energy ignition system. Discharge characteristics, such as time-resolved voltage, current, and luminous emission were measured. Spark plug and railplug ignition are compared for their effects on combustion stability of a natural gas engine. The results show that railplugs have a very strong arc-phase that can ensure the ignition of very dilute mixtures.
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Citation
Gao, H., Matthews, R., Hall, M., and Hari, S., "From Spark Plugs to Railplugs – The Characteristics of a New Ignition System," SAE Technical Paper 2004-01-2978, 2004, https://doi.org/10.4271/2004-01-2978.Also In
References
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