Internal-combustion engines – Igniters
Patent
1987-11-06
1989-08-01
Nelli, Raymond A.
Internal-combustion engines
Igniters
123143R, F02P 2300
Patent
active
048525294
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to an improved ignition system for liquid and gaseous-fuelled internal combustion engines.
Existing ignition systems rely for ignition upon the generation of a high-tension current which is momentarily applied across some form of air spark gap. In the Kettering system, the usual form of automative ignition systems, the said high-tension current is generated in the secondary windings of a transformer by the interruption of a low voltage current across its primary windings and transmitted to remotely located spark gaps by means of suitable conductors. In some so-called automotive high-energy applications and in the case of gas turbines, storage devices may be provided for the high tension current. In the case of multi-cylinder automotive use, a conductor passes from the transformer to a mechanical distributor and thence by means of individual conductors to a spark gap in each combustion chamber. In this type of ignition system, it is necessary to apply relatively high current levels at the transformer to achieve a suitable discharge at the spark gap, after allowing for resistance and discharge losses in the high tension conductors. Additionally, radio-frequency energy is generated at the spark gap by the spark discharge, at the breaker points in a Kettering type automotive ignition system, and may also be radiated from the high tension conductors.
Where such an ignition system is operated in proximity to sensitive equipment, this radio frequency energy must be suitably screened. In practice, it is frequently found that malfunction or inefficient operation of such ignition systems occurs because of breakdown of the insulation of conductors, ingress of moisture into system components, erosion of the spark gap electrodes, fouling of the spark gap by combustion products resulting from excessive oil consumption or incorrect mixture strength and, in the case of the Kettering system, high resistance in the breaker points caused by their oxidation. The correct type of sparking plug must be installed for the particular mode of service to which the engine is put. The cleaning, adjustment and replacement of components forms part of the regular maintenance of conventional ignition systems.
Spark discharge ignition for diesel or heavy oil-fuelled engines has not proved a practical proposition. High voltages and lethal current flows have been necessary, resulting in a very short service life for igniters. The timing of ignition in compression ignition oil-fuelled engines currently depends upon the rate of adiabatic temperature rise and the amount of mechanical turbulence present in the cylinder, fuel droplet size and the cetane number of fuel. Gas turbine engines also employ high voltages and current flows in their starting ignition systems and their spark discharge igniters have relatively short service lives.
The object of the present invention is to provide an ignition system for liquid or gaseous-fuelled combustion engines, which will provide optimum ignition over the operational life of an engine without the need for periodical maintenance.
Further preferred objectives of the present invention include:
(i) providing an ignition system which will operate with a current drain substantially less than that of conventional systems,
(ii) avoiding the problems with insulation failure and water shorting to which conventional systems are subject;
(iii) minimizing the generation of radio frequency energy;
(iv) providing an ignition system which will allow the early injection and ignition of oil fuel in diesel engines; and
(v) providing an ignition system for gas turbine engines conferring greater reliability and a substantial reduction in maintenance requirements.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, said system including laser energy generating means for generating pulsed laser energy, control means for delivering a pulse of said laser energy at predetermined desired time intervals to a combustion chamber, and means f
REFERENCES:
patent: 3473879 (1969-10-01), Berberich
patent: 3861371 (1975-01-01), Gamell
patent: 4314530 (1982-02-01), Giacchetti
patent: 4416226 (1983-11-01), Nishida et al.
patent: 4434753 (1984-03-01), Mukainakano et al.
Bennett Automotive Technology Pty. Ltd.
Nelli Raymond A.
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