JP-8 Conversion Kit for Small Spark Ignition Gasoline Engines Using Jetfire Technology

Dual Mode, Turbulent Jet Igniters (DM-TJI) are radially directed devices from a pre-chamber which ignite very lean or high-EGR mixtures in the main combustion system. The name Jetfire is trademark pending for the DM-TJI system. In this patented system, fuel and air in the pre-chamber and main chamber are independently controlled. A thermodynamic model has been calibrated using engine experiments conducted in Prototype 2 Jetfire single-cylinder engine. Using these calibrated simulations, we estimate a four-cylinder engine can achieve a brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of greater than 40% over an operating range of road speeds and 4-12 bar loads with a peak efficiency potential exceeding 45%. This engine could be a gasoline, diesel or JP-8 fueled engine as long as we can maintain efficient combustion. In the proposed Phase I effort, we will demonstrate a viable pathway for using JP-8 fuel in an engine with Jetfire ignition control. The proposed JP-8 configuration is viable for a gasoline-fueled engine, using gasoline more efficiently than current models and making it attractive for many commercial applications. The improved fuel economy of the Jetfire system will enhance Army capability, reduce fuel transportation costs and be an economically positive option