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The development of a plasma jet ignition system is described on a 4-cyl, 140 in3 engine. Performance was evaluated on the basis of combustion flame photographs in a single-cylinder engine at 20/1 A/F dynamometer tests on a modified 4-cyl engine, and cold start emissions, fuel economy, and drivability in a vehicle at 19/1 air fuel ratio. In addition to adjustable engine variables such as air-fuel ratio and spark advance, system electrical and mechanical parameters were varied to improve combustion of lean mixtures. As examples, the air-fuel ratio range was 16-22/1, secondary ignition current was varied from 40 to 6000 mA, and plasma jet cavity and electrode geometry were optimized. It is shown that the plasma jet produces on ignition source which penetrates the mixture ahead of the initial flame front and reduces oxides of nitrogen emission, in comparison to a conventional production combustion chamber.

Battery electric propulsion presents opportunities to regeneratively recover vehicle kinetic energy and provide: unique integrated regenerative braking options singly and/or in combinations; to further improve vehicle energy economy by methods which are not inherently applicable to the conventional internal combustion powered automobile. There are three basic modes to be considered in the design of regenerative braking systems for battery electric vehicles: service braking, programmable deceleration, and emergency braking. Furthermore, the type of traction motor, the driving schedule, and charging characteristics of the associated battery pack are essential considerations involved in designing regenerative braking systems for optimal recovery of vehicle kinetic energy and optimizing battery pack life.

Battery electric propulsion presents opportunities to recover vehicle kinetic energy and provide: unique integrated regenerative braking options singly and/or in combinations; to further improve vehicle energy economy by methods which are not applicable to conventional internal combustion powered vehicles. There are three basic modes to be considered in the design of regenerative braking systems for battery electric vehicles: service braking, programmable deceleration, and emergency braking. Furthermore, the type of traction motor, the driving schedule, and charging characteristics of the battery pack are essential considerations involved in designing regenerative braking systems for optimal recovery of vehicle kinetic energy and optimal battery pack life.