Effects of using nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharge and turbulent jet ignition on internal combustion engine performance

Robust ignition of hard-to-ignite fuels is essential for future spark ignited internal combustion engines, particularly for introducing efficiency-enhancing diesel-like process parameters like air excess or high amounts of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). On the one hand, novel plasma-based ignition systems like Nanosecond Repetitively Pulsed Discharge (NRPD) are promising in extending the ignition limits and the early flame development speed. On the other hand, Turbulent Jet Ignition is effective for shortening the combustion duration and decreasing the unburned hydrocarbon emissions. This article investigates experimentally the combination of NRPD ignition and TJI. The aim is to use a technology for robust inflammation (NRPD) in combination with a technology for fast combustion of the bulk charge (TJI). For this purpose, a turbocharged light-duty four-cylinder engine operated with natural gas is used. The engine can be fitted with a classical Open Chamber (OC) spark plug or with Pre-Chambers (PC). The PCs can be filled uniquely with fuel and air coming from the Main Chamber (MC) ("passive PC"), or additional fuel can be added to the PCs ("active PC"). The air-to-fuel ratio and EGR rate can be freely controlled. Five different combustion strategies are investigated with NRPD ignition and compared against an inductive discharge ignition system. The combustion strategies are passive PC with air and EGR dilution, active PC with air dilution, and Open Chamber (OC) with air and EGR dilution. HRR evaluations and a loss analyses are performed to interpret the results. Despite the faster inflammation present with NRPD ignition, similar peak efficiencies and emissions are reached in OC configuration using the inductive discharge and NRPD ignition systems, which are achieved by varying air-to-fuel ratios (AFR) and EGR rates. Above dilution levels for peak efficiency, the efficiency using NRPD ignition decreases at a slower pace and tolerates higher AFR and EGR rates, thanks to a more complete and shorter combustion. For the PC experiments using NRPD ignition, an efficiency increases and a reduction of emissions compared to inductive discharge ignition are present for the investigated AFR and EGR rates for both active and passive PC operations. The efficiency increase is present due to a stronger pre-chamber discharge and thanks to a faster end phase of combustion. Actively fueling the PC results in faster and more complete combustion that is overcompensated by the increased wall heat losses, reducing the overall efficiency. The results show that passive PC with NRPD ignition may be an ideal ignition concept that maximizes engine efficiency and minimizes emissions.