Ignition in an SI Engine using Nanosecond Discharges generated by a Spark Gap Plasma Igniter (SGPI)

This paper describes a novel ignition system which delivers nanosecond discharges for SI engine ignition. The main advantages of very fast-pulsed discharges for SI engine applications are: to reduce heat losses, to minimize the effect of turbulence on the initial stage of ignition and to potentially generate a larger ignition volume. This new ignition system has been set up on an optical single-cylinder engine test-bench and compared with a conventional ignition system. In order to evaluate combustion characteristics, in-cylinder pressure and the pollutant emissions of the exhaust gases have been measured.