Method and apparatus for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine

A method for monitoring a plasma ignition system including a plasma ignition controller electrically connected to a groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter, wherein the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter includes a tip portion disposed in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:

• monitoring electric current flow between the plasma ignition controller and the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter during a plasma discharge event;
• determining, via a controller disposed to monitor the electric current flow between the plasma ignition controller and the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter, a peak secondary current flow based upon the monitored electric current flow;
• and
• evaluating integrity of the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter based upon the peak secondary current flow.

A method for monitoring a plasma ignition system for an internal combustion engine, wherein the plasma ignition system includes a plasma ignition controller electrically connected to a groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter, wherein the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter includes an electrode that includes a tip portion that is encapsulated in a dielectric material and disposed in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the method comprising:

• executing a plasma discharge event during an engine combustion cycle;
• monitoring electric current flow between the plasma ignition controller and the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter during the plasma discharge event;
• determining, via a controller disposed to monitor the electric current flow between the plasma ignition controller and the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter, a peak secondary current flow based upon the monitored electric current flow;
• and
• evaluating integrity of the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter based upon the peak secondary current flow.