Plasma Ignition

Published on 19 May 2022. Written by Bheru Singh

About the project

As long as the internal combustion engine has existed, engineers have been trying to find better ways of igniting the highly combustable mixture of air and gasoline that powers cars.

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Everything from higher voltage coils through to electronically-timed ignition and making spark plug tips from metals like Iridium and platinum have helped spark plug manufactuers increase the reliability of spark plugs, but now researchers have developed a fuel ignition system working without an electrical spark.

It is called as the Advanced Corona Ignition System (ACIS), the system makes use of high-energy plasma to ignite the fuel inside the combustion cylinder, resulting in a 10 percent reduction in fuel consumption in a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine.

Plasma -- the fourth and most common state of matter if you remember your high school physics classes -- has some pretty impressive physical properties.

Most useful in this case is its ability to conduct electrical charge extremely easily, meaning it can be the perfect delivery system for high-voltage ignition systems.

And unlike a spark plug, which concentrates electrical energy in a very small area inside the combustion chamber, a high energy plasma source can spread itself throughout the combustion chamber, resulting in a more thorough and powerful explosion.

ACIS also allows engines to run leaner, increasing exhaust gas recirculation and cylinder compression to produce a lower emissions as well.

Longer-lasting and not susceptible to the same corrosion found in traditional spark plugs, Federal-Mogul says the plasma plugs could be implemented by any automaker without any major engine redesigns.

plasma-based ignition could offer automakers a way of increasing power and decreasing fuel consumption without resorting to expensive hybrid systems.

Kit required to develop Plasma Ignition:

• Miniature Engine Plasma Arc
• Spark Plug
• Electric
• Wires

Technologies you will learn by working on Plasma Ignition:

• Ignition System
• Plasma Technology
• Engine Combustion

Any Questions?