Electrodes for multi-point ignition using single or multiple transient plasma discharges
AssigneeUniversity of Southern California
InventorsDaniel R. Singleton, Martin A. Gundersen, Jason M. Sanders, Andras Kuthi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for providing ignition of a fuel-air mixture using a transient plasma discharge is provided. The device includes an anode coupled to receive a voltage; and a cathode disposed in proximity to the anode and coupled to a ground, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode includes a protrusion that enhances an electric field formed between the anode and the cathode, the protrusion forming a sharp edge defining a plurality of points, each point forming a path of shortest distance between the anode and the cathode.
Claims20
A device for providing ignition of a fuel-air mixture using a transient plasma discharge, the device comprising:
- an anode configured to receive a voltage;
- and
- a cathode disposed in proximity to the anode and configured to be coupled to a ground, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode comprises a protrusion that enhances an electric field formed between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the protrusion forms a sharp edge defining a plurality of points, each point forming a path of shortest distance between the anode and the cathode.
An internal combustion engine comprising:
- a fuel injector and an air intake coupled to provide a fuel-air mixture;
- a cavity configured to contain a combustion, the cavity comprising:
- an internal surface fixed to the engine;
- a piston;
- an anode configured to receive a voltage;
- and
- a cathode disposed in proximity to the anode, the cathode configured to be coupled to a ground, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode comprises a protrusion that enhances an electric field formed between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the protrusion forms a sharp edge defining a plurality of points, each point forming a path of shortest distance between the anode and the cathode.
A method for igniting a fuel-air mixture with a transient plasma discharge, the method comprising:
- forming a fuel-air mixture by combining an approximately stoichiometric amount of a fuel with air;
- delivering the fuel-air mixture to a cavity having an anode and a cathode proximal to each other;
- and
- providing a voltage pulse to the anode, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode comprises a protrusion that enhances an electric field formed between the anode and the cathode, and the protrusion forms a sharp edge defining a plurality of points, each point forming a path of shortest distance between the anode and the cathode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.