Development and Demonstration of a Production-Intent Transient Plasma Ignition System for High Efficiency Natural Gas Engines
Increasing efficiency of heavy-duty natural gas engines with non-thermal plasma ignition
Transient Plasma Systems, Inc.
Recipient
Torrance, CA
Recipient Location
24th
Senate District
66th
Assembly District
$897,906
Amount Spent
Completed
Project Status
Project Result
The researchers improved on their initial design by increasing the frequency of pulses from 20 kHz to 100 kHz. The multi cylinder prototype underwent system level testing before being sent to Argonne National Laboratory. Unexpected issues due to electromagnetic interference were resolved with redesigns using custom electronics instead of off-the-shelf components. Without updating the engine fuel maps, the testing at Argonne National Lab on the ISX12N demonstrated stable operation at 22 percent EGR, greater than 2 percent improved brake thermal efficiency, 10 percent reduction of carbon monoxide emissions, and 30 percent reduction of NOx emissions. Further optimization of the fuel maps would enable additional efficiency gains. Test results were shared with engine manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers. The final report is published on the CEC website.
View Final ReportThe Issue
Spark-ignited natural gas engines are a promising alternative transportation technology to diesel engines for heavy-duty vehicles. Natural gas engines have the potential to achieve ultra-low NOx emissions, but current models are 10 percent less efficient than diesel engines. Natural gas engines can both lower emissions and increase efficiency by operating at higher exhaust gas recirculation dilution and boost pressure, but these conditions make it more difficult to consistently ignite natural gas using conventional spark ignition. Advanced ignition systems are potential enabling technologies for improving the efficiency of natural gas engines and their overall competitiveness against diesel.
Project Innovation
This project developed a production intent prototype of a non-thermal plasma ignition system that can reduce maintenance requirements, improve engine efficiency, and reduce emissions of heavy-duty on-road natural gas engines. The project builds on previous research work that validated the benefits of this technology in single cylinder test engines by focusing on developing a multi-cylinder system. The prototype was tested at Argonne National Laboratory across the operating range of a commercially available low NOx emission natural gas engine: the Cummins Westport ISX12N. The researchers evaluated the test results to determine immediate benefits as well as further opportunities to optimize the engine using the transient plasma ignition system.
Project Benefits
The non-thermal plasma ignition system uses multiple nanosecond-duration pulses of energy to ignite natural gas in an internal combustion engine. Unlike traditional spark plugs, this technology does not rely on a sustained high energy spark to ignite the fuel. The transient plasma ignition system has the potential to improve fuel efficiency, reduce NOx emissions, and increase spark plug lifetime compared to a conventional energy arc-spark system. The ignition system is intended as a drop-in replacement for standard ignition coil modules, allowing for simple engine integration and greater opportunities for near-term commercialization.

Reliability
Transient plasma ignition does not rely on high-energy thermal ignition, reducing the impact of erosion and maintenance needs compared to conventional spark plugs.

Environmental Sustainability
The engine testing showed a 30 percent reduction in NOx emissions, 10 percent reduction and CO emissions, and 2 percent improvement in engine efficiency. Additional CO2 emission reductions are possible with fuel map optimization.
Key Project Members

Dan Singleton
Subrecipients

Argonne National Laboratory

Cummins Westport, Inc.

Match Partners

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)

Cummins Westport, Inc.

Transient Plasma Systems, Inc.
