Corona and Laser Ignition in Internal Combustion Engines: a Comparison to Conventional Spark Plug Ignition

Internal combustion engines are widely spread in our civilization. They are used in various areas spanning from energy production to transportation. At the moment most of them are ignited by spark plugs which are the dominating technology. However an increase in fuel efficiency and a simultaneously decreasing level of pollutant emissions are badly needed. The two most promising new types of alternative ignition systems are the Laser ignition and the Corona ignition. Laser ignition uses short but highly intense laser pulses on a nanosecond time scale. Corona ignition applies high voltage electrostatic fields in order to create widely branched Corona discharges. In this work these concepts are compared with an up-to-date spark plug ignition system. Their capability of igniting a lean methane-air mixture is regarded. Static ignition experiments in a combustion chamber at 110 °C are carried out. An assessment of the technologies and perspectives for further developments are offered.