Ignition system

An ignition system for use in an aftertreatment system located downstream of an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• a combustor head;
• an electrical energy delivery device mounted within a passage of the combustor head;
• a first electrode extending through the passage and terminating at a first end portion, the first electrode being coupled to a main body of the electrical energy delivery device;
• and
• a second electrode terminating at a second end portion outside of the passage, the second electrode positioned separately from the main body and the second end portion being disposed a first distance from the first end portion to form an air gap therebetween.

A method for producing ignition of a fuel air mixture within a combustion chamber, comprising:

• positioning a first electrode within a passageway so that an end portion of the first electrode is located at a first distance from a plane along an outer edge of a fuel spray;
• positioning an end portion of a second electrode at a second distance from the end portion of the first electrode so as to form an air gap between the end portions, the end portion of the second electrode being at a third distance from the plane;
• supplying pressurized air to the passageway and along the first electrode in a direction toward the end portion of first electrode;
• and
• igniting an air-fuel mixture in the vicinity of the air gap.