초록 ▼

A combustion initiation system includes an initiating device for producing, containing and propelling a combustion initiating plasma having an energy density approaching that produced by combustion of the fuel itself, and is suitable for initiating combustion in relatively lean mixtures of various t

A combustion initiation system includes an initiating device for producing, containing and propelling a combustion initiating plasma having an energy density approaching that produced by combustion of the fuel itself, and is suitable for initiating combustion in relatively lean mixtures of various types of fuels. A high voltage power supply delivers electrical energy by a coaxial cable to the initiating device which communicates with a fuel mixture in a combustion area such as the combustion chamber of an ordinary internal combustion engine. The initiating device includes a capacitive portion for storing a large quantity of electrical energy therein derived from the power supply, and an electrode portion integral with the capacitive portion which comprises a pair of concentric, rod shaped electrodes for producing a high energy, umbrella shaped plasma discharge, using the inverse pinch technique. Due to the close proximity between the capacitive and electrode portions of the initating device, rapid energy transfer from the former to the latter creates high magnetic pressures which transform the discharge into a high energy plasma jet which is delivered well into the combustion area.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of initiating combustion of fuel, including the steps of: (A) delivering a quantity of electrical energy from a source thereof to an area proximal to said fuel, said quantity of electrical energy being sufficient in magnitude to produce a cylindrical sheath discharge of plasma between two e

A method of initiating combustion of fuel, including the steps of: (A) delivering a quantity of electrical energy from a source thereof to an area proximal to said fuel, said quantity of electrical energy being sufficient in magnitude to produce a cylindrical sheath discharge of plasma between two electrodes; (B) temporarily storing said quantity of electrical energy at said area; (C) producing an inverse pinch electrical discharge between said two electrodes using said stored quantity of electrical energy, said discharge including a generally cylindrical sheath of plasma circumscribing an axis of one of said electrodes; (D) creating an electromagnetic force field around said axis; and, (E) urging said sheath of plasma radially outward from said axis using said electromagnetic force field.