Shared Plasma Ignition Circuitry for Controlled Energy Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ignition systems in internal combustion engines discharge all stored energy into igniters during each cycle, leading to inefficient energy management and lack of control over plasma generation, which affects plasma propagation and stability.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generation system with shared circuitry configurations that control the application of electrical energy to multiple plasma generators, using a shared energy storage device and controlled energy discharge paths to manage energy distribution efficiently, allowing for simultaneous or partially overlapping energy application without full recharge between cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all stored energy is discharged into the igniter during each ignition cycle, then plasma breakdown is achieved, but energy management efficiency deteriorates and control over plasma generation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial discharge of stored energy to the igniter rather than complete discharge. The energy storage device is configured to store an amount of electrical energy greater than needed for breakdown, and the circuitry delivers only the necessary portion for plasma generation, leaving excess energy stored for subsequent cycles or multiple igniters, thereby improving energy management efficiency while ensuring reliable plasma breakdown.
2Device complexity
If a shared energy storage device is used for multiple plasma generators, then component count is reduced, but control over individual plasma generator energy delivery becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy delivery control by providing separate circuitry for each plasma generator that interfaces with the shared energy storage device. Each generator has its own control circuitry that can independently manage energy delivery timing and duration, maintaining ease of operation despite the shared storage device reducing overall component count.
3Productivity
If electrical energy is delivered to multiple plasma generators simultaneously, then plasma generation efficiency is improved, but energy distribution control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic energy distribution control where the circuitry can adaptively allocate energy to multiple plasma generators based on real-time conditions. The system can deliver energy simultaneously to multiple generators or sequentially as needed, with the control circuitry dynamically adjusting energy distribution to maintain ease of operation while maximizing plasma generation efficiency.
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 system provides stable and efficient plasma generation by controlling energy application, reducing component count, and enabling simultaneous energy delivery to multiple plasma generators, thereby improving plasma propagation and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device configured to store an amount of electrical energy greater than needed to apply the breakdown voltage to each of the plurality of plasma generators collectively
Implementation Method 2
each plasma generator comprising at least two electrodes configured to form plasma between the at least two electrodes when a breakdown voltage sufficient to induce breakdown between the at least two electrodes is applied thereto
Implementation Method 3
The follow-on pulses are used to generate corresponding pulses of Lorentz force and thermal forces to grow and propagate the formed plasma along the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides shared circuitry configurations that may be implemented in a plasma generation system to improve control over application of electrical energy to a plasma generator, thereby providing improved performance. In some embodiments, shared circuitry configurations described herein may be implemented to improve performance of a traveling spark igniter that is configured to generate and propagate plasma using a Lorentz force and a thermal force, such as by applying electrical energy to electrodes of a plasma generator following breakdown between the electrodes. Other plasma generator configurations may also benefit from the circuitry configurations described herein.