Reduction in Fuel Consumption in Internal Combustion Engines. Final Report

摘要

This program approached automotive fuel consumption from two directions: (1) to model the automobile using mathematical formulations, and (2) to investigate the ignition of lean fuel/air mixtures using plasma jet ignition. The mathematical model was used to predict the impacts that various changes in the properties of the vehicle such as engine compression ratio, engine displacement, and body weight would have on the driving performance and fuel economy of the vehicle. Plasma jet ignition was identified as a potential means of allowing non-lean burn engine designs to retain their performance when operated on lean fuel/air mixtures. Plasma jet ignition was investigated in quiescent and turbulent mixtures in a constant volume combustion chamber to identify those properties of the plasma jet which resulted in efficient combustion of lean fuel/air mixtures. These improved properties were incorporated into engine compatible prototype plugs. The single-cylinder engine performance was evaluated using these prototype plugs. (ERA citation 08:029857)