Radio Frequency Plasma Spark Plug Development and Engine Testing : Design of a quarter-wave coaxial cavity resonator for use as an ignition source for an internal combustion engine

ISBN-13: 9783639138078 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 100 str.

Dustin McIntyre

Opis

The Quarter Wave Coaxial Cavity Resonator (QWCCR)plasma igniter is designed, from requirements drawnfrom previous theoretical work, as an ignition sourcefor an internal combustion engine. The presentresearch has explored the implementation of the QWCCRinto an IC engine. The QWCCR design parameters ofinner conductor length, loop geometry, and loopposition were varied for two igniters of differingoperating frequency. Variations of the QWCCR RFparameters as a function of engine geometry werestudied by placing the igniter in a combustionchamber and manually varying the crank position. Three identical igniters were fitted with dielectricinserts and the parameters were studied before andafter ignition was sustained in a Briggs andStratton® V-Twin engine. Optimal resonatorgeometries were determined. RF parameter invariancewas found with respect to crank angle and pistondistance. The first successful IC engine ignitionusing a QWCCR was achieved.

O autorze

The author received a BSEE and a BSCpE in 1998 and an MSME
in August of 2000 The Coaxial Cavity Resonator as a Prototype
RF IC Ignition System. He completed his PhD in May 2007 A
Laser Spark Plug Ignition System for a Stationary Lean-Burn
Natural Gas Reciprocating Engine . He currently works as a
researcher with the USDOE NETL.