Catalytic Plasma Torch - A Low Voltage, Self-Timed Ignition System

Recent advances in the development of low compression ratio diesel- fueled engines have revealed a need for improved ignition of the fuel/air charge. Conventional spark ignition or glow plug systems do a poor job of igniting the fuel-air mixture. Other disadvantages include weight, cost, electrical interference and low reliability. The unique Catalytic Plasma Torch (CPT) ignition produces a large volume of ignition reactants compared to SI. It eliminates lean misfire and is self timing. Since the CPT operates on low power DC voltage, it is lighter and lower in cost. The proposed project will demonstrate the CPT ignition in a low compression rotary engine using JP-5 fuel and compare CPT performance with the existing glow plug ignition. BKM is an engineering research company specializing in advanced engine concepts. It has developed and is currently marketing the Servojet fuel injection system.