Advances in Engine Technology as a part of the Advanced Reciprocating Engine System (ARES) Program at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

摘要

The US Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Reciprocating Engine System (ARES) program is seeking to advance natural gas engine technology with improved efficiency and lower emissions while maintaining equivalent cost of operation as today's engines. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is working on multiple projects within the ARES program that fall within three general areas: ignition, controls, and emissions reduction. This paper will provide a summary of the DOE ARES goals and key results in each of the areas detailed below. ORNL is providing insight into the wear mechanisms of natural gas spark plug electrodes to increase the wear resistance of spark plug electrode materials in reciprocating engines designed to meet aggressive engine emission and efficiency goals. ORNL has been collaborating with Federal Mogul (Champion), to include multiple sets of spark plugs using ORNL developmental electrode alloys. These initial plugs are designed to isolate key material properties to provide a basis for improved spark plug lifetimes. These spark plugs have been characterized in a Caterpillar G3406 natural gas engine to identify key erosion mechanisms and limitations of existing materials. New electrode materials for improved erosion resistance are being developed. Key results indicate that inter-and intra-granular cracking, although previously unreported, plays a significant role as a failure and erosion mechanisms of these spark plugs.