Optimization of Electrode Arrangement and Prechamber Geometry of Passive Prechamber Spark Plugs for Turbocharged Gas Engines With High Charge Motion

Abstract

Turbocharged gas engines for combined heat and power units are optimized to increase efficiency while observing and maintaining legitimate exhaust gas emissions. In order to do so, the charge motion is raised. This study investigates the influence of passive prechamber spark plugs in high turbulent combustion chambers. The subjects of investigation are two different gas engine types, one of them running on sewage gas the other one on biogas. The occurring charge motions initiated by the cylinder heads are measured by integrative determination of swirl motion on a flow bench. In addition, three different passive prechamber spark plugs are characterized by a combustion analysis. Each of the three spark plugs comes with a different electrode or prechamber geometry. The resulting combustion and operating conditions are compared while the equal brake mean effective pressure and constant NOx-emissions are sustained. The results of the combustion analysis show a rising influence of the spark plug with increasing air-to-fuel-ratio induced by charge motion. Furthermore, clear differences between the spark plugs are determined: electrode arrangement and prechamber geometry help to influence lean misfire limits, engine smoothness, start behavior and ignition delay. The results indicate the capability of spark plugs to increase lifetime and engine efficiency.