Hello from Greece!

My first post here and, immediately , I am wrong? (Or is it o.k.?).

A question about plasma car ignition is within the interests envelop of the forum?

And the question is, "why there is a silence about this subject the last two or three years?".

Thank you for your time!

The Syncro Heresy

 

Now you've done it.

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/4/1604
Review on Plasma-Assisted Ignition Systems for Internal Combustion Engine Application

 

Thank you very much! (I am familiar with this, heavy, paper).

I mean that some years ago there was a kind of excitement about the subject.

I may be wrong, though.

The Syncro Herersy

 

There are very few circumstances where a
Plasma Ignition is actually beneficial in Internal-Combustion-Engines.

Generally, this is limited to situations where an extremely Lean-Mixture will be used.

The main drawback to them, aside from the initial cost,
is that it wears-out the Spark-Plug-Gaps very fast,
necessitating constant Spark-Plug replacement.
They also require Copper-Cored-Spark-Plug-Wires which
can lead to broadcasted Electrical-Noise which can interfere with other Electronic-Systems.

The most workable solutions are creating extreme mixture-turbulence before the Spark,
and increasing the Compression-Ratio of the Engine.

Gasoline has 3 major "phases" that it goes through during combustion.
The last phase is relatively "slow", and so a substantial amount of energy is wasted as Exhaust-Heat.
The solution to this is to use a "Continuous-Combustion" process,
which is not practical in an Internal-Combustion-Piston-Engine.
However, it IS practical to use "Continuous-Combustion" to generate Steam-Pressure very efficiently.
Super-efficient Combustors that can be used to generate Steam have already been refined several decades ago.

Piston-Engines are a dumb idea, and extremely inefficient,
a Multi-Stage-Vane-Pump powered by Steam is a much more efficient idea.
.
.
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Ion-Fire-Ignition-Systems
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There are very few circumstances where a
Plasma Ignition is actually beneficial in Internal-Combustion-Engines.

Generally, this is limited to situations where an extremely Lean-Mixture will be used.

The main drawback to them, aside from the initial cost,
is that it wears-out the Spark-Plug-Gaps very fast,
necessitating constant Spark-Plug replacement.
They also require Copper-Cored-Spark-Plug-Wires which
can lead to broadcasted Electrical-Noise which can interfere with other Electronic-Systems.
.
.
.
Ion-Fire-Ignition-Systems
.

So there are betrayed expectations...

 

So there are betrayed expectations...

This is the norm for 'disruptive' products. The practical applications seldom meets the hype. This is not silence , it's just the normal hype cycle curve for any new thing. If it's a viable technology, just give it time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle

 

America leads the World in devices that claim to increase Power and Gas-Mileage.
It puts the 6000 Watt Chinese Audio-Amps to shame.
.
.
.

 

My previous Post has been updated.
.
.
.

 

The invention of a dual arc plasma spark plug ignition, (using existing stock), with a significant positive effect on emissions, torque, hp and economy, having long life terminals and low EMI/RFI

My previous Post has been updated.
.
.
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Nice!

I will update my next post.

 

What they don't state in their claims is that
the Engine was in an absolutely hideous state of tune before their product supposedly "improved-it".

Welcome to the World of Hype and Click-Bait !!!!!

Don't get me wrong, a Plasma assisted Ignition does have it's place,
it's just not going to do a damn thing for YOUR Car.
.
.
.

 

What they don't state in their claims is that
the Engine was in an absolutely hideous state of tune before their product supposedly "improved-it".

Welcome to the World of Hype and Click-Bait !!!!!

Don't get me wrong, a Plasma assisted Ignition does have it's place,
it's just not going to do a damn thing for YOUR Car.
.
.
.

Correct.



This is not for "YOUR" car.

The Syncro Heresy

 

Certainly igniting the fuel with more than the absolute bare minimum spark will improve the performance, and if the spark is a big enough flash it may also reduce emissions a bit. 55 years ago I installed a "Mark 10" CD ignition system on my tired old car. It certainly improved the starting when the battery was not fully charged. and it would produce a spark to anything if there was any problem with the plug wires.
AND BY THE WAY, consider that an electrical spark IS PLASMA!!. Which means air heated hot enough to conduct electricity.
So the funny spark plugs are no more than funny looking spark plugs that cost more, and might possibly resist fouling.
Now think about the spark ignition system in a fuel dragster: Running rather rich, 2: 1 Air /Fuel ratio, and who knows how much air pressure boost. That ignition system has to keep the plugs from fouling for almost two minutes, until the green light. Then it needs to run perfectly for several seconds. THAT is an application for a hot ignition system. I do not need that in my car.

 

RESULTS:

0 HC @ 2500 rpm without catalytic converter.

 

Here for more!

 

Here for more!

You completely lost me with AI slop. Instant stop reading.

 

Here for more!

Zero HC in the exhaust on a lean A/F at a fast idle is entirely possible. That was the Michigan emissions test a few years back BUT at 1800RPM and full load was a bit different. The other part of emissions is the nitrics oxides emissions. ( NOx) The conditions that cut HC boost NOx

 

https://www.google.com/url?esrc=s&q...IQFnoECAMQAg&usg=AOvVaw2CdhoXlnWCMclSN30i40ke
I haven't seen any recent development on this tech. It could have it's place.

 

ALTERNATIVE ignition systems have been proposed for many decades. Plasma Spark Plugs have been proposed at least since about 1960, and described in the "Popular Mechanics" magazine. So the concept must certainly work. The question is if the benefit is worth the extra costs.
Even Microwave Ignition probably works, but probably it would severely interfere with other microwave frequency uses. CERTAINLY any effective microwave ignition scheme will be more complex and more expensive than present systems. And certainly all of the elements of such a system would be single-sourced and require special service procedures.