This isn't an RX-8 thread so flame me if you want. My business partner (the electronics and software guru around here) showed me an article from Laser Focus World (October 2004). Austrian researchers have developed a laser powered ignition device which will fit in the normal spark plug hole. Advantages?
1. Because spark plugs remain at the edge of the combustion chamber, only limited opportunities engine efficiency and emissions exist.
2. Radiation can be focussed anywhere in the combustion chamber for optimal ignition point and unobstructed expansion of the flame front.
3. Multipoint ignition can be implemented.
4. Laser ignition of very lean fuel mixtures has been demonstrated.
5. Ignition can be started inside a directly injected fuel spray (not possible with conventional spark electrodes)
6. The position of the igniting plasma plume inside the cylinder can be engineered.

Apparently, particulates and deposits are burnt off by the laser itself. Laser triggering is controlled by the normal spark ignition signal; power is provided by a 12V car battery.

 

Nice post, Labrat!

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

yeah, very interesting. What happened to that pic you posted in your other thread, labrat?!

 

Ooh - ooh, what pic?

 

****...?!

By the way... labrat - interesting concept.

 

I just wonder if you could integrate a multi-point firing sequence with pulsed vapour injectionvia piezo-electric valves from a common rail fuel inlet. Think of the combustion control and the efficiencies that controlled laser firing could offer.

I think it will be more than a concept. Look how rapidly 2-OHC motors and electronic fuel injection took off, once the Japanese decided to put them into affordable cars. The lasers are solid state, reportedly with many times the life of spark plugs, and can be controlled through ECU's.

 

Got any more info on this? Companies involved, papers published, etc?

 

Good point Labrat. I heard of this multi-stage piezo injection strategy used in diesels, and achieving remarkable efficiencies. Enough so to allow a diesel engine to be used in an aircraft

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

http://funwavs.com/wavfile.php?quote=258&sound=24

Sorry, couldn't help myself :p

 

So chances are that the lasers couldn't get wet and foul, which would eliminate Renesis flooding issues, right? :D :D I think Mazda should jump on this ASAP, and be the first to implement laser ignition plugs! Given the current price of the factory spark plugs, they probably wouldn't be much more expensive...

Regards,
Gordon

 

Good one Ike.

"I figure everyone should have a hot meal"

 

sounds like a very good idea. i would be interested in something like that. i would imagine though being a new technology it would be expensive. and if it lasts longer then the conventional spark plug it would certainly drive the price up because they would be replaced less often.

 

That could be really sweet. I have a few questions about it though, I'm not too advanced as far as a lot of what goes on inside the engine and whatnot. You said the laser could ignite a very lean fuel mixture right? That mean with this technology we might be able to run very lean a/f ratios without any problems? This is kind of off topic, but does running lean open up much more power anyway?

 

Running lean is for cruise-mode economy, not power. Go too lean when you are trying to make max power and that is when you get detonation. Apex seals don't like that

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

Dude, they were using Diesel engines in aircraft prior to WWII.

 

OK smarty-pants, but not common modern practice.

The application I was talking about is a direct bolt-up replacement for use in Cessnas! I should have been more specific.

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

that's funky.. i was thinking about a better way to ignite gasoline today.. and then.. someone does it..

 

AFAIK, the technology is being applied initially to large stationary engines, eg, generation units. Application to auto engines isn't there yet. The large stationary engines typically run lean. I think the point about lean mixtures and detonation with the laser technology is that much better control is possible, and this technology possibly offers a way around it. I would only say: watch this space. The time between experimentation and commercial adoption of new technologies in cars is shrinking all the time. The main drivers are the relentless pressure for reducing fuel consumption and with it reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. We're seeing improvements in diesel engines, such that in Europe the majority of new vehicles sold will be diesels. Petrol engines are cheaper to build, so if laser ignition technology can bring about efficiencies then the pendulum may swing back that way.

Whike the fuel cell is being touted as the future, auto manufacturers will continue to pull out all stops to improve the internal combustion engine, because although these new technologies appear revolutionary they are really only incremental improvements when compared to the complete change of automobile technology that fuel cells represent. A thought: what will auto forums of the future have to talk about if fuel cell technology takes over from the internal combustion engine. No turbo versus supercharger arguments, no exhaust mods, no after market air inlets. Will there be an after market in souped up Nafion fuel cell membranes with higher current densities? Sound so boring, doesn't it.

 

My 32 pole motor eats your 24 pole motor for breakfast, buddy.....

 

I'd still be interested in knowing who's working on this ...

 

Hymee, here you are:
http://www.diamond-air.at/en/products/DA40/
http://www.centurion-engines.com/index.htm

 

WOW, sound very cool...not sure if it's feasable but cool either way. Now...quick, call Mazda and get our Rotary to hit 25/32 with 300HP...lol...always dreaming aint I...