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Monday, September 29

Active Combustion Control Using Plasma-Based Technologies
for Combustion Optimization for Clean and Energy-Efficient
Gasoline and Diesel Engines

Michael A. Liberman, Uppsala University, Sweden
Computer Science and Mathematics Division Seminar
1:30 PM, NTRC, Room D-01
Contact: Yehuda Braiman (braimany@ornl.gov), 865.241.2065

Abstract

Possibilities are discussed to increase combustion efficiency (estimated by about 3-4%, the same value for CO2 reduction) using plasma generated electron-excited oxygen and/or radicals and to reduce pollutant emissions from internal combustion engines, which is estimated from 10% up to 15% depending on type of pollutants. Better knowledge of fundamental combustion processes and knowledge on how both ion and electron chemistry affects reaction kinetics, and how these processes can be controlled by discharge physics, is necessary to be able to optimize internal combustion process. The indirect benefits of such an optimization are the inherent reduction of pollutants such as particles, CO and hydrocarbons. Using plasma assistance will also able engines to run on leaner mixtures and thereby reduce production of thermal NOx. Highly reactive singlet oxygen and radicals, when used to enhance the burning rate, have great potential to solve some problems of SI and CI engines optimization.

• The use of active oxygen particles allows greater amounts of exhaust gas recirculation/internal gas recirculation (EGR/IGR) to be used, thus reducing pumping losses and improving fuel efficiency and NOx emissions, without the risk of misfire and unstable combustion associated with high EGR/IGR levels.

• Reduction in the sensitivity of direct injection (DISI) engines to appropriate mixture stratification; in this way the cost of DISI engines may be reduced and their potential to reduce CO2 emissions fully exploited.

• HCCI combustion may be supported by activated oxygen, through extension of operation to very low load/idling and through better control of ignition timing.

• For CI engines there are: reduction in ignition delay (simplifying the optimization of split injection systems), improvement in cold start, and promotion of soot afterburning.