Plasma assisted ignition applied to internal combustion engines for use with ethanol and biofuels

• Grant number: 23/02073-7
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Ronaldo Domingues Mansano
• Grantee: Ronaldo Domingues Mansano
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Armando Antonio Maria Lagana ; Guenther Carlos Krieger Filho

Abstract

The ever-present need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation motivates the development of new technologies for applications in internal combustion engines. Advanced engines can achieve higher efficiencies and reduced emissions by operating in regimes with dilute fuel-air mixtures and higher compression ratios, but the engine's stable operating range is limited by the initiation of combustion and flame propagation when dilution levels are tall. Advanced ignition technology that reliably extends the operating range of internal combustion engines will help in the practical implementation of the next generation of high-efficiency engines. This project aims to advance next-generation ignition technology, with the development of plasma-assisted spark combustion applications that can be used in multi-fuel engines and/or that use alternative fuels such as ethanol, Automotive Natural Gas or gas mixtures. The objectives of this project are to develop the plasma-assisted ignition system, to develop the spark plug optimized for hybrid application by conventional spark and plasma, to study the fuel ionization mechanisms, to develop tests and tests of ionization and efficiency in a standard combustion system available at the Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo, it is also aimed at creating a new line of research in plasma-assisted automotive processes and the training of human resources in a new innovative topic in the automotive industry. (AU)