Enhancement of combustion by injection of radicals

In internal combustion engines, lean-burn is particularly attractive for minimizing pollutant emissions, in particular NOx, with a concomitant improvement in fuel economy. For combustion in lean fuel-air mixtures, achievement of adequate reliability of ignition and sufficiently high burning rate requires special devices. The most effective among them is the injection of active radicals by means of PFJ (Pulsed Flame Jet) ignition system. Presented here is an experimental proof of the action of the hydroxyl (OH) radical produced by such an ignition system. The measuring apparatus used for this purpose was based on PLIF (Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence), and the effects of equivalence ratio of the mixture in the cavity, cavity volume, and orifice diameter on the variation of OH fluorescence area in the jet and their intensity were revealed quantitatively. Figure 1PFJ ignition system Table 1Dimensions of PFJ igniter used and its operating conditions