Modeling the radio frequency coaxial cavity plasma ignitor as an internal combustion engine ignition system

摘要

A quarter-wave radio frequency coaxial cavity plasma ignitor can be used to generate a combustion-igniting energy source in an internal combustion engine. This paper outlines research results on the development of such an ignitor. The system, which operates in the 820 - 900 MHz frequency range, uses a high Q quarter-wave cavity that generates plasma when resonating. Pressure testing has shown that the device can generate plasmas at spark-ignition-engine compression pressures. A resonator operating at these frequencies has been attached to a static combustion chamber and modeled numerically in order to determine the operational characteristics of the device in a combustion chamber.