Novel Method for Enriching Pre-chambers in Internal Combustion Engines

Researchers at Purdue University have developed an active pre-chamber ignition (PJI) engine for internal combustion engine applications. This technology enhances jet ignition at high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) limits for better emission characteristics and ensures high combustion efficiency. Moreover, this novel technology significantly reduces emissions of traditional Spark Ignition (SI) engines by extending the dilution tolerance beyond the limits of both traditional SI and passive pre-chamber jet ignition engines. By eliminating the problems of standard SI, passive pre-chamber, and liquid-fueled active pre-chambers, this pre-chamber technology instead provides an invaluable solution for the automotive industry as power can be supplied by an existing car battery and bypasses the need for a separate fuel tank.

Technology Validation

The hydrogen pre-chamber injection engine was validated using numerical simulations, including the formation of turbulent jets, by comparing results with experiments from passive pre-chamber systems. The numerical simulations showed that hydrogen can provide good stability in combustion and create an optimum jet, showcasing how the performance of the engine prevails in highly diluted conditions.

Advantages

-Improved fuel economy and thermal efficiency

-Reduced nitrogen oxide emissions

-Promotes less greenhouse gases emissions

Applications

-Automotive industry

-Power generation systems

-Low emission engines

Publication Link: https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/03-18-02-0013/

Keywords:  Mechanical Engineering, pre-chamber ignition, engine efficiency, water electrolysis, Hydrogen, ultra-lean combustion, high EGR combustion, advanced ignition technology, active pre-chamber jet ignition