Corona Discharge Ignition Arc Control via Voltage Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Corona discharge ignition systems face challenges in controlling arc formation, which can lead to reduced energy efficiency and robustness due to the formation of thermal plasma and electric arcs between electrodes and grounded components.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a corona igniter, energy supply, and a corona controller to detect and rapidly decrease the voltage provided to the corona igniter upon arc formation, effectively controlling and extinguishing the arc to maintain corona discharge and prevent energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage is applied to the corona igniter to enhance corona discharge, then ignition effectiveness is improved, but arc formation increases which reduces energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects arc formation between the corona electrode and grounded components, and the controller responds by adjusting the voltage applied to the corona igniter. This closed-loop control prevents excessive arcing while maintaining effective corona discharge, thereby resolving the contradiction between ignition effectiveness and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the voltage parameter applied to the corona igniter based on detected arc formation conditions. By modulating the voltage level in response to real-time conditions, the system maintains optimal corona discharge for ignition while preventing energy-wasting arcs, thus balancing ignition effectiveness with energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If voltage is decreased to prevent arc formation, then energy efficiency is improved, but corona discharge robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism monitors for arc formation and only decreases voltage when arcs are detected. During normal corona discharge operation without arcing, the system maintains higher voltage levels to ensure robust ignition. This selective voltage adjustment preserves ignition robustness while improving energy efficiency only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage level rather than maintaining a fixed level, allowing it to optimize between corona discharge robustness and energy efficiency based on real-time operating conditions. The voltage is high when needed for robust ignition and reduced only when arcs threaten energy efficiency.
3Temperature
If arc formation is allowed to occur, then thermal plasma is formed which can aid combustion, but energy is lost and ignition robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recognizes that while some ionization is necessary for ignition, excessive arcing creates harmful thermal plasma that wastes energy. By detecting arc formation and reducing voltage, the system converts the potentially harmful thermal plasma effect into beneficial controlled corona discharge, maintaining ignition effectiveness without the energy loss associated with uncontrolled arcing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables fast and efficient control of arc formation, improving energy efficiency by preventing thermal plasma formation and maintaining non-thermal plasma conditions, thus enhancing the robustness of the ignition process.
Implementation Method 1
Corona discharge ignition systems provide an alternating voltage and current, reversing high and low potential electrodes in rapid succession which makes arc formation difficult and enhances the formation of corona discharge
Implementation Method 2
The electric field causes a portion of a mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber to ionize and begin dielectric breakdown, facilitating combustion of the fuel-air mixture
Implementation Method 3
The electric arc, or arcing, can reduce energy efficiency and decrease the robustness of the ignition event of the system
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for controlling an arc formation in corona discharge ignition system is provided. The system includes a corona igniter for receiving energy at a voltage and providing a corona discharge. An energy supply providing the energy to the corona igniter at a voltage. The system also includes a corona controller for initiating a decrease in the voltage of the energy provided to the corona igniter in response to the onset of arc formation. The voltage is decreased until the arcing is depleted, and then the voltage is increased again to resume the corona discharge. Controlling the arc formation provides improved energy efficiency during operation of the corona discharge ignition system.