Technical Paper
Numerical Simulation of the Early Flame Development Produced by a Barrier Discharge Igniter in an Optical Access Engine
2021-09-05
2021-24-0011
Currently, conventional spark-ignition engines are unfit to satisfy the growing customer requirements on efficiency while complying with the legislations on pollutant emissions. New ignition systems are being developed to extend the engine stable operating range towards increasing lean conditions. Among these, the Radio-Frequency corona igniters represent an interesting solution for the capability to promote the combustion in a much wider region than the one involved by the traditional spark channel. Moreover, the flame kernel development is enhanced by means of the production of non-thermal plasma, where low-temperature active radicals are ignition promoters. However, at low pressure and at high voltage the low temperature plasma benefits can be lost due to occurrences of spark-like events. Recently, RF barrier discharge igniters (BDI) have been investigated for the ability to prevent the arc formation thanks to a strong-breakdown resistance.