Evaluation of Plasma Jet Ignition for Improved Performance of Alternate Fuels.

Abstract

Alcohols, such as ethanol and methanol, are potential substitutes for gasoline during periods of fuel shortages. The pure alcohols have been reported to cause performance and starting problems when used to fuel internal combustion engines. This study characterized how three modes of ignition, OEM-magneto, high energy conventional spark (CI) and plasma jet ignition (PJI) influenced the engine combustion properties of ethanol, methanol and gasoline-alcohol blends. Specific combustion properties examined in these measurements were burning velocity and lean limit. In addition, the engine performance was determined for 30% alcohol-gasoline containing blends. These engine performance measurements determined brake power, blake specific fuel consumption and brake emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. The findings of this study suggest that high energy ignition systems, such as plasma jet ignition, will improve both fuel combustion properties and engine performance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA120160

Entities

People

  • J. F. Grant
  • M. E. Mcilwain
  • Z. Golenko

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alkanes
  • Burning Rate
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Chambers
  • Dielectric Gases
  • Energy Transfer
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Of Vaporization
  • Ignition Lag
  • Ignition Systems
  • Internal Combustion Engines
  • Latent Heat
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science

Readers

  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Rocket Propulsion.