Characteristics of a pre-combustion plasma jet igniter

Plasma ignition technology has delivered good performance in the aerospace industry. In this study, a pre-combustion plasma jet igniter was designed, and its characteristics were examined from three aspects: the morphology, temperature, and discharge characteristics and process of ignition. Images of the OH distribution were obtained by using an OH Planar Laser⁃Induced Fluorescence (OH-PLIF) experimental system. Results have shown that the proposed plasma jet had a higher OH concentration, longer length, and larger area than those of a traditional igniter. The stability of discharge of the igniter was improved as the equivalence ratio φ was increased, and reducing gas flow reduced the pulsation of the plasma jet. When the input current was increased from 15 A to 35 A, the highest average temperature increased from 5127 K to 7987 K. An increase in the equivalence ratio reduced the region of arc ionization, but expanded the regions of the core combustion reaction and the outer flame. Herein, this study has obtained a deep understanding of the jet and ignition law and developed a new idea for the application of plasma in the ignition field. A pre-combustion plasma jet igniter can significantly improve the efficiency of ignition and shorten the ignition process compared with a traditional igniter.