Spark plug modifications for improving ion sensing capabilities in a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine

Gregory Bogin*, J. Hunter Mack, Robert W. Dibble

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ion sensors have shown great potential as a low-cost diagnostic tool for detecting the start of combustion (SOC) in Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines. Ion detection in an HCCI engine depends on both the combustion event as well as the type of probe used. Optimization of the shape and size of spark plug electrodes is experimentally examined in order to improve the overall quality of the ion signal for a wide range of engine operating conditions. Idling conditions for an HCCI engine are typically lean with equivalence ratios φ ≤ 0.25, which leads to reduced peak combustion temperatures. The ion signal in HCCI engines decreases exponentially with reduced combustion temperatures. Experiments are conducted on a 1.9L 4-cylinder VW TDI diesel engine (converted to run in HCCI mode) using four modified spark plugs to understand ion detection over various equivalence ratios and operating conditions. Increasing the surface area of the positive center electrode (using a positive bias voltage) provided a significant improvement in the peak ion signal.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2009 Spring Technical Conference of the ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division
Pages351-358
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
Event2009 ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division Spring Technical Conference - Milwaukee, WI, United States
Duration: May 3 2009May 6 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Spring Technical Conference of the ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division
ISSN (Print)1529-6598

Other

Other2009 ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division Spring Technical Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMilwaukee, WI
Period05/3/0905/6/09

Keywords

  • HCCI
  • Ion sensors
  • Spark plugs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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