A Novel Distributed Ignition Method using Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTS) and a Low-Power Flashlight

摘要

This paper describes a low-power novel ignition method that uses the energy of a single exposure of an ordinary camera flash and SWCNTs to ignite various fuels. It is shown that this method is able to ignite solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. The effects of the iron (Fe) nanoparticles (embedded in the SWCNTs) concentration on the ignition process have been studied. One application of this nano-technology based ignition method has been successfully demonstrated through an ignition of a single liquid fuel droplet, suggesting that this method may be extended to ignite liquid fuel sprays. This is important as fuel sprays are used in most engines to atomize the liquid to an ensemble of droplets. This new ignition method may also be extended to achieve "distributed ignition" that would allow ignition to occur in numerous locations simultaneously. Such plurality of ignition sites is important in control of ignition event in homogeneously-charged compression ignition (HCCI) engine applications. The HCCI operating mode is considered by many to be an important component of the future automotive engine for high efficiency and low emission of harmful pollutants.