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Supersonic Hot Jet Ignites Ultra-Lean Fuel Mixtures in Combustion Engines

Summary

Researchers from Purdue University have developed a technique to generate supersonic hot turbulent jets that can ignite ultra-lean fuel/air mixtures, which may not be able to ignite using current pre-chamber technologies. The supersonic hot jet makes it possible to burn ultra-lean mixture in combustion engines through the use of converging-diverging nozzles with a certain aspect ratio in the pre-chamber. Supersonic jet ignition improves combustion efficiency, reduces NOx emissions, and increases fuel economy.

Technology Benefits

Improves combustion efficiency Reduces NOx emissions Increases fuel economy

Technology Application

Gas engine manufacturers Power supply industries

Detailed Technology Description

Lii QiaoLi Qiao ResearchZucrow LaboratoriesPurdue Aeronautics and Astronautics

Countries

United States

Application No.

None

*Abstract

*Background

Ultra-lean combustion technologies have been regarded as a potential solution for the engine and power industries to meet the stringent emission regulations including oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Ultra-lean operation of internal combustion engines can reduce NOx emissions and improve their thermal efficiency. Unfortunately, ultra-lean combustion has serious challenges. Misfires can occur in the engine as a result of poor ignition. Such misfires and difficulties in ignition can lead to cycle-to-cycle variability, rough operation, reduction in efficiency, and increase in unburned hydrocarbon emissions, none of which are desirable. A solution to these problems would allow for the operation of internal combustion engines with reduced NOx emissions and improved engine thermal efficiency.

*IP Issue Date

None

*IP Type

Provisional

*Stage of Development

Prototype testing

*Web Links

Purdue Office of Technology CommercializationPurdueInnovation and EntrepreneurshipLii QiaoLi Qiao ResearchZucrow LaboratoriesPurdue Aeronautics and Astronautics

Country/Region

USA