US 12,221,947 B2 · Predictive model-based spark control

Abstract

In certain embodiments, remarkable improvements in H2-ICE performance may be achieved with the combination of Active Scavenge Prechamber technology and Predictive Model-Based Spark Control to overcome the drawbacks of known combustion technologies. In certain embodiments, advanced combustion modeling and simulations of the ignition process including the spark event, the arc-travel and stretching, and resulting flame propagation may be used to predict the relationship between the spark energy/power, the flow within the electrode gap, and the flame development (SOC) for different engines, different spark plugs and at various conditions. This information may be used to adjust the spark energy/power characteristic during the same cycle spark event, to minimize the SOC variations and to significantly reduce the propensity to combustion anomalies, such as backfire, knock and preignition, that prevent achieving high engine power densities and efficiencies.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A method of controlling the start of combustion in an internal combustion engine, comprising:

providing a prechamber comprising:
an external surface and an internal surface enclosing a prechamber volume;
one or more ejection ports communicating between the external surface and the internal surface for introducing a fuel-air mixture into the prechamber volume;
a spark-gap electrode assembly, comprising:
a primary electrode disposed within the prechamber volume;
and
one or more ground electrodes disposed within the prechamber volume and offset from the primary electrode to form one or more electrode gaps;
introducing a spark across at least one of the one or more electrodes gaps to ignite the fuel-air mixture;
measuring the initial trend of spark voltage or spark current of the spark;
determining whether the spark was initiated at the leading edge or trailing edge of the electrode gap;
determining whether the flow at the location of the spark is fast or slow;
and
adjusting a power of the spark based on whether the spark was initiated at the leading edge or trailing edge and whether the flow of the spark is fast or slow to control the rate of flame propagation to maintain a substantially constant start of combustion.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Predictive model-based spark control

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Predictive model-based spark control

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Abstract

Claims30