The University of Chicago

Uchicago Argonne, LLC

U.S. Department of Energy

Sreenath Gupta

Ramanujam R Sekar

Bipin Bihari

R Raj Sekar

Steven S McConnell

Roberto Torelli

Munidhar S Biruduganti

Gregory E Hillman

A laser igniter that avoids autoignition and soot formation within the prechamber and will minimize the formation of Nitrogen Oxides (NO). The laser igniter has a laser spark plug with a microlaser and a prechamber integrally formed with the laser spark plug. The prechamber has six nozzle holes with three of the nozzle holes having a large diameter and three of the nozzle holes having a small diameter. The large and small nozzle holes are in a staggered arrangement.

Laser igniter with integral optimal geometry prechamber

A method and system to distribute high-power laser pulses to create sparks in individual cylinders of a multi-cylinder engine are provided. A laser provides laser output pulses. A distributor includes a linear array of mirrors with a respective mirror associated with one of the laser plugs. Each mirror is operatively controlled to move into a laser beam path to direct individual laser output pulses the associated laser plug for providing spark generation. The system enables correct cylinder firing order for predefined multi-cylinder firing sequences and allows for individual cylinder timing variation.

Method and system to distribute high-energy pulses to multiple channels

A method and system for reducing nitrous oxide emissions from an internal combustion engine. An input gas stream of natural gas includes a nitrogen gas enrichment which reduces nitrous oxide emissions. In addition ignition timing for gas combustion is advanced to improve FCE while maintaining lower nitrous oxide emissions.

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A laser based ignition system for stationary natural gas engines, a distributor system for use with high-powered lasers, and a method of determining a successful ignition event in a laser-based ignition system are provided. The laser based ignition (LBI) system for stationary natural gas engines includes a high power pulsed laser providing a pulsed emission output coupled to a plurality of laser plugs. A respective one of the plurality of laser plugs is provided in an engine cylinder. The laser plug focuses the coherent emission from the pulsed laser to a tiny volume or focal spot and a high electric field gradient at the focal spot leads to photoionization of the combustible mixture resulting in ignition.

Laser based ignition system for natural gas reciprocating engines, laser based ignition system having capability to detect successful ignition event; and distributor system for use with high-powered pulsed lasers

An improved instrument and method are provided for particulate characterization in combustion exhausts. An instrument for measuring particles of combustion exhausts includes a laser for producing a high intensity laser pulse. A sample cell receives a combustion exhaust input and the high intensity laser pulse. At least one detector detects a signal generated by particles in said received combustion exhaust input. The detected signal includes laser induced incandescence (LII). Signal conditioning electronics is coupled to the detector and particle data is displayed during transient operation of a combustion engine. Data related to mass concentration, number density, and particle size of particles in the received combustion exhaust input is measured and displayed.

Growing community of inventors

Naperville, IL, United States of America

Sreenath Gupta