Woodward Governor Company

Mark R Woolston

Ed VanDyne

David C Petruska

Jeffrey B Barrett

An apparatus and method to detect combustion conditions using ion signals for use in a feedback control of a reciprocation engine is presented. The ion signals are used as a feedback signal to control EGR and diesel injection timing. The apparatus is an ignition system with a spark plug type of sensor. The ignition system is used to provide a cold start mechanism for diesel engines and start of combustion for spark ignition engines. The ignition is combined with ion sensing feedback that can control the engine.

Method and apparatus for controlling exhaust gas recirculation and start of combustion in reciprocating compression ignition engines with an ignition system with ionization measurement

An ignition system for an engine includes an exciter circuit for use with an igniter, the exciter circuit having a step-up transformer the utilizes a relatively low voltage in its primary to produce a high voltage pulse that is applied to the igniter to create ionization and breakdown. The system also utilizes a low voltage high energy circuit to provide high current energy to the igniter after initial breakdown and during the plasma arc phase. The high energy circuit is decoupled from the step-up transformer so that high current is conducted through a bypass diode rather than through the transformer.

Growing community of inventors

Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

Mark R Woolston