SEMINAR REPORT LASER IGNITION FOR COMBUSTION SYSTEM

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Since very long time, spark plugs have powered internal combustion engines. Located at
the top of each engine cylinder, spark plugs send a high-voltage electrical spark across a
gap between their two metal electrodes. That spark ignites the compressed air-fuel
mixture in the cylinder, causing a controlled mini- explosion that pushes the piston
down. One by product of the process is toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx), which pollute the
air causing smog and acid rain. Engines would produce less NOx if they burnt more air
and less fuel, but they would require the plugs to produce higher-energy sparks in order
to do so. While this is technically possible, the voltages involved would burn out the
electrodes quite quickly. Since lean mixtures have relatively slower flame speed than
stoichiometric mixtures, any technique which may provide increase in the air-fuel
mixture burning rate, would be beneficial. Flame speed in the lean burn SI engine can be
increased either by generating turbulence in the cylinder or by shortening the flame
travel distance for the same mixture strength. Reduction in flame travel path can be
realized by employing multiple spark plugs in each cylinder or by placing the ignition
point at an optimum location inside the combustion chamber. It is rather challenging to
install multiple spark plugs in multi-cylinder engines because of already overcrowded
cylinder head. Optimum spark location inside the combustion chamber is also difficult
in case of conventional spark ignition systems because spark location is always very
close to the top of combustion chamber. So the best solution for this is Laser Ignition
System, in which we use laser igniters instead of conventional spark plug. Laser igniter
is ignition leaner mixtures without self- destructing because they don't have electrodes.
The operation of internal combustion engines with lean gas-air mixtures, laser igniters
results in increase of fuel efficiencies and reduce green-house gas emissions by
significant amounts. The spark ignited Otto engine has a widespread use and has been
subject to continuous, sophisticated improvements. The ignition source, however,
changed little in the last 100 years. An electrical spark plug essentially consists of two
electrodes with a gap in between where, upon application of a high voltage, an electrical
breakthrough occurs. A laser based ignition source, i.e. replacing the spark plug by the
focused beam of a pulsed laser, has been envisaged for some time. Also, it was tried to
control auto ignition by a laser light source.

Ignition
Ignition is the process of starting radical reactions until a self-sustaining flame has
developed. One can distinguish between auto ignition, induced ignition and photo-
ignition, the latter being caused by photolytic generation of radicals.

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Ignition Types
1. Compression Ignition (CI) or Auto Ignition

At certain values of temperature and pressure a mixture will ignite spontaneously, this is
known as the auto ignition or compression ignition.

2.Induced Ignition

A process where a mixture, which would not ignite by it, is ignited locally by an ignition
source (i.e. Electric spark plug, pulsed laser, microwave ignition source) is called
induced ignition. In induced ignition, energy is deposited, leading to a temperature rise
in a small volume of the mixture, where auto ignition takes place or the energy is used
for the generation of radicals. In both cases subsequent flame propagation occurs and
sets the mixture on fire. The process begins with multi- photon ionization of few gas
molecules which releases electrons that readily absorb more photons via the inverse
bremsstrahlung process to increase their kinetic energy. Electrons liberated by this
means collide with other molecules and ionize them, leading to an electron avalanche,
and breakdown of the gas.

3. Conventional Spark Plug

A spark plug (sometimes, in British English, a sparking plug, and, colloquially, a plug)
is a device for delivering electric current from an ignition system to the combustion
chamber of a spark-ignition engine to ignite the compressed fuel/air mixture by an
electric spark, while containing combustion pressure within the engine. A spark plug has
a metal threaded shell, electrically isolated from a central electrode by a porcelain
insulator. The central electrode, which may contain a resistor, is connected by a heavily
insulated wire to the output terminal of an ignition coil or magneto. The spark plug's
metal shell is screwed into the engine's cylinder head and thus electrically grounded. The
central electrode protrudes through the porcelain insulator into the combustion chamber,
forming one or more

spark gaps between the inner end of the central electrode and usually one or more
protuberances or structures attached to the inner end of the threaded shell and designated
the side, earth, or ground electrode(s). Spark plugs may also be used for other purposes;
in Saab Direct Ignition when they are not firing, spark plugs are used to measure
ionization in the cylinders this ionic current measurement is used to replace the ordinary
cam phase sensor, knock sensor and misfire measurement function. Spark plugs may
also be used in other applications such as furnaces wherein a combustible fuel/air
mixture must be ignited. In this case, they are sometimes referred to as flame

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Spark Plug Ignition

Conventional spark plug ignition has been used for many years. For ignition of a fuel-air
mixture the fuel-air mixture is compressed and at the right moment a high voltage is
applied to the electrodes of the spark plug. When the ignition switch is turned on current
flows from the battery to the ignition coil. Current flows through the Primary winding of
the ignition coil where one end is connected to the contact breaker. A cam which is
directly connected to the camshaft opens and closes the contact breaker (CB) points
according to the number of the cylinders. When the cam lobe Pushes CB switch, the CB
point opens which causes the current from the primary circuit to break. Due to a break in
the current, an EMF is induced in the second winding having more number of turns than
the primary which increases the battery 12 volts to 22,000 volts. The high voltage
produced by the secondary winding is then transferred to the distributor. Higher voltage
is then transferred to the spark plug terminal via a high tension cable. A voltage
difference is generated between the central electrode .

.
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ground electrode of the spark plug. The voltage is continuously transferred through the
central electrode (which is sealed using an insulator). When the voltage exceeds the
dielectric of strength of the gases between the electrodes, the gases are ionized. Due to
the ionization of gases, they become conductors and allow the current to flow through
the gap and the spark is finally produced. In this stroke the piston compresses the air-
fuel mixture in preparation for ignition during the power stroke (below). The
combustion leads to the production of high pressure gases. Due to this tremendous force
the piston is driven back to the bottom of the cylinder. As the piston moves downwards,
the crankshaft rotates which rotates the wheels of the vehicle

Limitation of Spark Ignition System

Location of spark plug is not flexible as it requires shielding of plug from immense heat
and fuel spray.

Ignition location cannot be chosen optimally.

Spark plug electrodes can disturb the gas flow within the combustion chamber.

It is not possible to ignite inside the fuel spray.

It requires frequent maintenance to remove carbon deposits.

Leaner mixtures cannot be burned, ratio between fuel and air has to be within the correct
range.

Degradation of electrodes at high pressure and temperature.

Flame propagation is slow..

Multi point fuel ignition is not feasible.

Higher turbulence levels are required.

Erosion of spark plug electrodes.

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Chapter 2

LASER

LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is a device
which produces highly directional light. It emits light through a process called stimulated
emission of radiation which increases the intensity of light. A laser is different from
conventional light sources in four ways: coherence, directionality, monochromatic, and high
intensity. The light waves of ordinary light sources have many wavelengths. Hence, the photons
emitted by ordinary light sources are out of phase. Thus, ordinary light is incoherent. On the
other hand, the light waves of laser light have only one wavelength. Hence, all the photons
emitted by laser light are in phase. Thus, laser light is coherent. The light waves from laser
contain only one wavelength or color so it is known as monochromatic light. The laser beam is
very narrow and can be concentrated on a very small area. This makes laser light highly
directional. The laser light spreads in a small region of space. Hence, all the energy is
concentrated on a narrow region. Therefore, laser light has greater intensity than the ordinary
light. Einstein gave the theoretical basis for the development of laser in 1917, when he predicted
the possibility of stimulated emission.

In 1954, C.H. Townes and his co-workers put Einstein's prediction for practical realization. They
developed a microwave amplifier based on stimulated emission of radiation. It was called as
MASER (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Maser operates on
principles similar to laser but generates microwaves rather than light radiation. In 1958, C.H.
Townes and A. Schawlow extended the principle of masers to light. In 1960, T.H. Maiman built
the first laser device.

Lasers are classified into 4 types based on the type of laser medium used:

 Solid-state laser
 Gas laser
 Liquid laser
 Semiconductor laser

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(ND: YAG) Solid State Laser

Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (ND: YAG) laser is a solid state laser in
which ND: YAG is used as a laser medium. These lasers have many different
applications in the medical and scientific field for processes such as Lasik surgery and
laser spectroscopy. ND: YAG laser is a four-level laser system, which means that the
four energy levels are involved in laser action. These lasers operate in both pulsed and
continuous mode. ND: YAG laser generates laser light commonly in the near-infrared
region of the spectrum at 1064 nanometers (nm). It also emits laser light at several
different wavelengths including 1440 nm, 1320 nm, 1120 nm, and 940 nm.

1 Nd: Yag Laser Construction

Nd: YAG laser consists of three important elements: an energy source, active medium,
and optical resonator.

2 Energy Source

The energy source or pump source supplies energy to the active medium to achieve
population inversion. In Nd: YAG laser, light energy sources such as flashtube or laser
diodes are used as energy source to supply energy to the active medium.

In the past, flashtubes are mostly used as pump source because of its low cost. However,
nowadays, laser diodes are preferred over flashtubes because of its high efficiency.

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Active Medium

The active medium or laser medium of the Nd:YAG laser is made up of a synthetic
crystalline material (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG)) doped with a chemical element
(neodymium (Nd)). The lower energy state electrons of the neodymium ions are excited
to the higher energy state to provide lasing action in the active medium.

Optical Resonator

The Nd:YAG crystal is placed between two mirrors. These two mirrors are optically
coated or silvered. Each mirror is silvered or coated differently. One mirror is fully
silvered whereas, another mirror is partially silvered. The mirror, which is fully silvered,
will completely reflect the light and is known as fully reflecting mirror.

On the other hand, the mirror which is partially silvered will reflect most part of the light
but allows a small portion of light through it to produce the laser beam. This mirror is
known as a partially reflecting mirror.

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Chapter 3

LASER IGNITION SYSTEM

Laser ignition, or laser-induced ignition, is the process of starting combustion by the
stimulus of a laser light source. Laser ignition uses an optical breakdown of gas
molecule caused by an intense laser pulse to ignite gas mixtures. The beam of a
powerful short pulse laser is focused by a lens into a combustion chamber and near the
focal spot and hot and bright plasma is generated

The process begins with multi-photon ionization of few gas molecules which releases
electrons that readily absorb more photons via the inverse bremsstrahlung process to
increase their kinetic energy. Electrons liberated by this means collide with other
molecules and ionize them, leading to an electron avalanche, and breakdown of the gas.
Multi photon absorption processes are usually essential for the initial stage of
breakdown because the available photon energy at visible and near IR wavelengths is
much smaller than the ionization energy. For very short pulse duration (few
picoseconds) the multi photon processes alone must provide breakdown, since there is
insufficient time for electron-molecule collision to occur. Thus this avalanche of
electrons and resultant ions collide with each other producing immense heat hence
creating plasma which is sufficiently strong to ignite the fuel. The wavelength of laser
depends upon the absorption properties of the laser and the minimum energy required
depends upon the number of photons required for producing the electron avalanche.

Principles of Laser Ignition System

1.1 Thermal Initiation

In thermal initiation of ignition, there is no electrical breakdown of the gas and a laser
beam is used to raise the kinetic energy of target molecules in translational, rotational, or
vibrational forms. Consequently, molecular bonds are broken and chemical reaction
occur leading to ignition with typically long ignition delay times. This method is suitable
for fuel/oxidizer mixtures with strong absorption at the laser wavelength. However, if in
a gaseous or liquid mixtures is an objective, thermal ignition is unlikely a preferred
choice due to energy absorption along the laser propagation direction. Conversely, this is
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Thermal ignition method has been used successfully for solid fuels due to their
absorption ability at infrared wavelengths.

1.2 Non-Resonant Breakdown

In non-resonant breakdown ignition method, because typically the light photon energy is
invisible or UV range of spectrum, multi photon processes are required for molecular
ionization. This is due to the lower photon energy in this range of wavelengths in
comparison to the molecular ionization energy. The electrons thus freed will absorb
more energy to boost their kinetic energy (KE), facilitating further molecular ionization
through collision with other molecules. This process shortly leads to an electron
avalanche and ends with gas breakdown and ignition. By far, the most commonly used
technique is the non-resonant initiation of ignition primarily because of the freedom in
selection of the laser wavelength and ease of implementation.

Resonant breakdown The resonant breakdown laser ignition process involves, first, a
non-resonant multi photon dissociation of molecules resulting to freed atoms, followed
by a resonant photo ionization of these atoms. This process generates sufficient electrons
needed for gas breakdown. Theoretically, less input energy is required due to the
resonant nature of this method.

1.3 Photochemical Mechanisms

In photochemical ignition approach, very little direct heating takes place and the laser
beam brings about molecular dissociation leading to formation of radicals (i.e., highly
reactive chemical species), if the production rate of the radicals. produced by this
approach is higher than the recombination rate (i.e., neutralizing the radicals), then the
number of these highly active species will reach a threshold value, leading to an ignition
event. This (radical) number augmentation scenario is named as chain branching in
chemical terms.

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Chapter 4

IGNITION IN COMBUSTION CHAMBER

The laser beam is passed through a convex lens, this convex lens diverges the beam and
make it immensely strong and sufficient enough to start combustion at that point. Hence
the fuel is ignited, at the focal point. The focal point is adjusted. where the ignition is
required to have. To provide more understanding of laser ignition, also for higher initial
temperatures than 200°C provided by the combustion chamber 1, a new combustion
chamber which can be heated up to maximum temperatures of 400°C was constructed
(combustion chamber 2). Higher initial temperatures are also interesting because they
are nearer to engine like conditions

Mechanism of Laser Ignition It is well known that short and intensive laser pulses are
able to produce an "optical breakdown" in air. Necessary intensities are in the range
between 1010 to 1011W/cm2. At such intensities, gas molecules are dissociated and
ionized within the vicinity of the focal spot of a laser beam and hot plasma is generated.
This. plasma is heated by the incoming laser beam and a strong shock wave occurs.
The20expanding hot plasma can be used for the ignition of fuel-gas mixtures. By
comparing the field strength of the field between the electrodes of a spark plug and the
field of a laser pulse it should be possible to estimate the required laser intensity for
generation of an optical breakdown. The field strength reaches values in the range of
approximately 3-104V/cm between the electrodes of a conventional spark plug. Since
the intensity of an electromagnetic wave is proportional to the square of the electric field
strength, one can estimate that the intensity should be in the order of 2 106 W/cm² which
is several orders of magnitude lower as indicated by experiments on laser ignition. The
reason is that usually no free electrons are available within the irradiated volume. At the
electrodes of a spark plug electro In contrary, ionization due to irma several photons hit
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comparing the field strength of the field between the electrodes of a spark plug and the
field of a laser pulse it should be possible to estimate the required laser intensity for
generation of an optical breakdown. The field strength reaches values in the range of
approximately 3×104V/cm between the electrodes of a conventional spark plug. Since
the intensity of an electromagnetic wave is proportional to the square of the electric field
strength, one can estimate that the intensity should be in the order of 2 × 106 W/ cm²
which is several orders of magnitude lower as indicated by experiments on laser
ignition. The reason is that usually no free electrons are available within the irradiated
volume. At the electrodes of a spark plug electrons can be liberated by field emission
processes. In contrary, ionization due to irradiation requires a "multi photon" process
where several photons hit the atom at nearly the same time. Such multi photon
ionization processes can only happen at very high irradiation levels (in the order of
1010to 1011W/ cm2.) where the number of photons is extremely high. For example,
nitrogen has an ionization energy of approximately 14.5 eV, whereas one photon emitted
by a Nd: YAG laser has an energy of 1.1 eV, thus more than 13 photons are required for
ionization of nitrogen. The pulse energy of a laser system for ignition can be estimated
by the following calculation. The diameter d of a focused laser beam is (D = 2 × wfx M²
× 2f nd) where M² is the beam quality, F is the focal length of the optical element and D
is the diameter of the laser beam with the wavelength A. Now it is assumed that the laser
beam irradiates a spherical volume. From the thermodynamic gas equation, the number
of particles N in a volume V is, (V = 4nw³), (N = pv kt)With the pressure p, temperature
T and Boltzmann's constant k = 1.38×10- 23J/K. Inside the irradiated volume, N
molecules have to be dissociated where first the dissociation energy Wd is required and
finally 2N atoms are ionized (ionization energy Wi). Using known values for Wd= 9.79
eV and Wi= 14.53 eVfor nitrogen, the energy for dissociating and ionizing all particles
inside thevolume can be calculated as W = (πρd3 6kt) × (Wd+ 2Wi) For a spot radius
ofabout 100 µm the equation gives a maximum energy of approximately 1 mJ. Since not
all particles inside the irradiated volume have to be ionized, even smaller energies
should be sufficient for generation of an optical breakdown. It is assumed that the
intensity which is necessary for the generation of an optical breakdown processes is
related to the pressure of the gas I a 1/Pn with n = 1...5 depending on the mechanism of
multi photon process. Higher pressures, like in a combustion chamber should ease the
ignition process what favors the laser induced ignition.

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Chapter 5

ARRANGEMENT OF LASER IGNITION SYSTEM

A laser ignition device for irradiating and condensing laser beams in a combustion
chamber of an internal combustion engine so as to ignite fuel particles within the
combustion chamber, includes: a laser beam generating unit for emitting the laser
beams; and a condensing optical member for guiding the laser beams into the
combustion chamber such that the laser beams are condensed in the combustion
chamber.

Power Source

The average power requirements for a laser spark plug are relatively modest. A four
stroke engine operating at maximum of 1200 rpm requires an ignition spark 10 times per
second or 10Hz (1200rpm/2x60). For example, 1-Joule/pulse electrical diode pumping
levels we are readily able to generate high mill joule levels of Q-switched energy. This
provides us with an average power requirement for the laser spark plug of say
approximately 1-Joule times 10Hz equal to approximately 10 Watts.

Combustion Chamber Window

Since the laser ignition system is located outside the combustion chamber a window is
required to optically couple the laser beam. The window must: a) Withstand the thermal
and mechanical stresses from the engine. b) Withstand the high laser power. c) Exhibit
low propensity to fouling.
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Optic Fiber Wire

It is used to transport the laser beam from generating unit to the focusing unit.

Focusing Unit

A set of optical lenses are used to focus the laser beam into the combustion chamber.
The focal length of the lenses can be varied according to where ignition is required. The
lenses used may be either com bined or separated.

Laser Plug
Located at the top of each engine cylinder, spark plugs send a high-voltage electrical
power to plasma. That plasma spark ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture in the
cylinder, causing a controlled mini-explosion that pushes the piston down. Additionally,
engine timing could be improved, as lasers can pulse within. Nano seconds, while spark
plugs require milli-seconds. In order to cause the desired combustion, a laser would have
to be able to focus light to approximately 100 giga -watts per square centimeter with
short pulses of more than 10 - joules each. Previously, that sort of performance could
only be achieved by large, inefficient, relatively unstable lasers. The Japanese
researchers, however, have created a small, robust and efficient laser that can do the job.
They did so by heating ceramic powders, fusing them into optically-transparent solids,
then embedding them with metal ions in order to tune their properties.

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Chapter 6

WORKING OF LASER IGNITION SYSTEM

The laser ignition system has a laser transmitter with a fibre-optic cable powered by the
car's battery. The average power requirements for a laser spark plug are relatively
modest. A four stroke engine operating at maximum of 1200 rpm requires an ignition
spark 10 times per second or 10Hz (1200rpm/2x60). For example, 1-Joule/pulse
electrical diode pumping levels we are readily able to generate high mill joule levels of
Q-switched energy. This provides us with an average power requirement for the laser
spark plug of say approximately 1-Joule times 10Hz equal to approximately 10 Watts. It
shoots the laser beam to a focusing lens that would consume a much smaller space than
current spark plugs. The lenses focus the beams into an intense pinpoint of light by
passing through an optical window.

The laser beam is passed through a convex lens, this convex lens diverges the beam and
make it immensely strong and sufficient enough to start combustion at that point. Hence
the fuel is ignited, at the focal point, with the mechanism shown above. The focal point
is adjusted where the ignition is required to have, when the fuel is injected into the
engine, the laser is fired and produces enough energy (heat) to ignite the fuel. Hence the
fuel is ignited, at the focal point, with the mechanism shown above. The focal point is
adjusted where the ignition is required to have. The plasma generated by the Laser beam
results in two of the following actions: 1. Emission of high energy photons 2. Generation
of shock waves The high energy photons, heat and ionize the charge present in the path
of laser beam which can be seen from the propagation of the flame which propagates
longitudinally along the laser beam. 3. The shock waves carry energy out wards from the
laser beam and thus help in propagation of flame. If the electrons gain sufficient energy,
they can ionize other gas molecules on impact, leading to an electron cascade and
breakdown of the gas in the focal region .

It is
important to note that this process requires initial seed electrons. These electrons are
produced from impurities in the gas mixture (dust, aerosols and soot particles) which are
always present. These impurities absorb the laser radiation. and lead to high local
temperature and in consequence to free electrons starting the avalanche process. In
contrast to multi photon ionization (MPI), no wavelength dependence is expected for
this initiation path.The minimum ignition energy required for laser ignition is more than
that for electric spark ignition because of following reasons: An initial comparison is
useful for establishing the model requirements, and for identifying causes of the higher
laser MIE. First, the volume of a typical electrical ignition spark is 103 cm³. The focal
volume for a typical laser spark is 10-5 cm³ Since atmospheric air contains 1000
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external circuit that controls the power input, which may last milliseconds, although
high power input to ignition sparks is usually designed to last < 100 ns. Breakdown and
heating of laser sparks depend only on the gas, optical, and laser parameters, while the
energy balance of spark discharges depends on the circuit, gas, and electrode
characteristics. The efficiency of energy transfer to near-threshold laser sparks is
substantially lower than to electrical sparks, so more power is required to heat laser
sparks. Another reason is that, energy in the form of photons is wasted before the beam
reach the focal point. Hence heating and ionizing the charge present in the path

This can also be seen from the propagation of flame which propagates longitudinally
along the laser beam. Hence this loss of photons is another reason for higher minimum
energy required for laser ignition than that for electric spark.

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Chapter 7

ADVANTAGES OF LASER IGNITION SYSTEM

 A choice of arbitrary positioning of the ignition plasma in the combustion

cylinder.
 Absence of quenching effects by the spark plug electrodes.

 Ignition of leaner mixtures than with the spark plug; lower combustion
temperatures and less NO, emissions.

 No erosion effects as in the case of the spark plugs, lifetime of a laser ignition
System expected to be significantly longer than that of a spark plug.

 High load/ignition pressures possible, increasing efficiency.

 Precise ignition timing possible.

 Exact regulation of the ignition energy deposited in the ignition plasma.

 Easier possibility of multipoint ignition.

 Shorter ignition delay time and shorter combustion time.

 The thermodynamic requirements of a high compression ratio and a high power

density are fulfilled well by laser

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Chapter 8

DISADVANTAGES OF LASER IGNITION SYSTEM

 High system cost.

 Concept proven, but no commercial system available in market yet

 Laser induced optical damage

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Chapter 9

FUTURE RESEARCHES & APPLICATIONS

Future Researches

Delivering the beam through free space and channeling it into the combustion chamber
through the optical plug achieved the best results reducing the Coefficient of Variation,
making combustion smoother and more fuel efficient. The team was particularly keen to
deliver the beam via optical fiber, since this was likely to be less susceptible to engine
vibration and could facilitate improved engine layout. They tried out a range of optical
fibers, including silica and sapphire, and experimented with different internal fiber
structures, core sizes and beam coupling optics. Delivering the beam via optical fiber
proved to be more difficult than the research team had hoped. The fiber didn't respond
well to engine vibration, which increased the divergence of the output beam and reduced
the beam mode quality. Bending the fiber was also problematical and up to 20 per cent
of the beam energy was lost with small bend diameters, while tight bends caused the
fiber to fail altogether after a period. What's more, the high density of laser energy can
cause immediate or long term degradation, leading to loss of beam transmission and
therefore loss of ignition. Careful design of laser parameters, fiber coupling and choice
of optical media is crucial to avoid this. These problems can be solved with further
research. From the perspective of dwindling oil resources laser ignition system is good
as it reduces the fuel consumption. From the environmental point of view, it is very
significant since it considerably reduces the emission. Seen as the current best
alternative to conventional sparkplug ignition system. Some of leading institutes and
organizations researching and came with adaptive results are

 University of Liverpool in collaboration with Ford Motor Company.

 National Energy Technological laboratory, United States of America.
 Colorado University& National Institutes of Natural Sciences-Japan

Application

Laser ignition may be used in various applications besides high-speed, hypersonic

aircraft. Examples include standard internal combustion engines, such as in automobiles
and aircraft, as well as industrial combustion facilities which generate large amounts
power. Laser ignition is considered as a potential ignition system for non-hypergolic
liquid rocket engines and reaction control systems which need an ignition system.
Conventional ignition technologies like torch igniters are more complex in sequencing
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are heavy compared to a laser ignition system. Pyrotechnical devices allow only one
ignition per unit and imply increased launch pad precautions as they are made of
explosives

According to the latest international reports, Mazda's upcoming rotary sports car could
feature laser ignition technology. This would replace the spark plug ignition system
which is currently applied to every petrol car on the market. It's also a setup a revolution
in spark plug which has been not change aroundsince 1860. Ford Motor Co. and
researchers at the University of Liverpool are developing a car ignition system that
swaps spark plugs for a laser beam to start vehicles. while generating fewer greenhouse
gas emissions.

Mazda RX-9 16X Rotar

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Chapter 10

CONCLUSION

it is described the positive research work on laser ignitions which can replace the
conventional spark plug in near future very soon due to avoid the drawbacks of spark
plug ignition system. Main advantages are the free choice of the ignition location within
the combustion chamber and Significant reductions in fuel consumption & exhaust gas.
From the point of view of components development, the main goal is the creation of a
laser system which meets the engine- specific requirements. Basically, it is possible to
ignite mixtures with different laser systems. The concept with the greatest development
potential regarding efficiency and miniaturization is the diode pumped solid-state laser.
At present, a laser ignition plug is very expensive as compared to spark plugs. But
potential advantages will surely bring it in to market for many practical applications.

 The applicability of a laser-induced ignition system on direct injected gasoline

engine has been proven by many experiments conducted around the world.
 Application of this system would be a great step in reduction of environmental
pollution.
 As we are shifting towards hybrid system for better fuel economy then we can
use this system also because the system is capable of burning leaner mixture that
results in lower fuel consumption.
 The optical window is capable of clean itself after several cycle so the
maintenance would be very less and life is also very long that is 150 million
shots (good) and 600 million shots (better).
 Ignition-delay times are smaller and pressure gradients are much steeper
compared to conventional spark plug ignition.
 At present, a laser ignition plug is very expensive compared to a standard
electrical spark plug ignition system and it is nowhere near ready for
deployment. But the potential and advantages certainly make the laser ignition
more attractive in many practical applications.

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SEMINAR REPORT LASER IGNITION FOR COMBUSTION SYSTEM

Chapter 11

REFERENCES

[1] Hrushikesh Mantri and Prof. Manoday Ramteke, "Laser Ignition System in IC
Engine", International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, ISSN: 2394-
9333, Vol-3,2016.

[2] Mr. Utsav Kothari, Mr. Pravin Bharane, Mr. Akashi Modasara, "Laser Ignition
System for internal combustion engine", International Journal of Engineering Sciences
& Research Technology, ISSN: 2277-9655, Vol-5, 2016.

[3] M. Srinivasnaik. T. Sudhakar, B. Balunaik, A. SomiReddy, "Laser Ignition System

for Internal Combustion Engine", International Journal of Engineering and Computer
Science, ISSN:2319-7242, Vol-4, 2015.

[4] Abhishek Saxena, "Laser ignition system in IC engines for cleaner environment",
International Advanced Research Journal in Science Engineering and Technology
(LARJSET), ISSN: 2394-1588, Vol-2, 2015.

[5] Swapnil Harel, Mohnish Khairnar, Vipul Sonawane," Laser Ignition System for IC
Engines, International Journal of Science and Research (USR) ISSN: 2319- 7064, Vol-1,
2015.

[6] Vikas Sharma, "Laser Spark Ignition in lean burn CNG Engine", IOSR Journal of
Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE), ISSN: 2320-334X, Vol-11, 2014

[7] Mullett, J. D., Dodd, R., Triantos, G., Dearden, G., Shenton, A. T., Watkins, K. G.,
Carroll, S. D., Scarisbrick, A. D. and Keen.S, "Effects of laser parameters on laser
ignition in an internal combustion engine", Department of Engg. University of
Liverpool, Vol-1,2006.

[8] M. Lackner, F. Winter, "Laser Ignition in Internal Combustion Engines A

Contribution to a Sustainable Environment Institute of Chemical Engineering, Vienna
University of Technology, Vol-1, 2006

[9] J. D. Dale by "Advancing lean combustion of hydrogen-air mixtures by laser induced

ignition system" Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 TTS, UK, Vol-3, 2007 [10] Ernst
Wintner, Heinrich Kofler, Avinash Kumar Agarwal, "Annual Journal Of Electronics,
ISSN 1314-0078, Vol-2, 2014.

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