Gas engine with prechamber ignition

Research project: Development of a state-of-the-art REMAN gas engine with prechamber ignition through new development of the cylinder head in conjunction with innovative ignition technology.

The research involved combustion process development for reman gas engines. In view of stricter emission limits in the future, the ignition system was redesigned to ensure improved ignition and combustion. In the course of this objective, a partially gas-purged antechamber (PGV) was investigated and tested. This was integrated and measured on the FM18 single-cylinder research engine.

During the bench tests, various parameters and their influence on the firing process were investigated. For this purpose, a prechamber spark plug and the partially purged prechamber were used and these ignition systems were compared. In the comparison, for example, the ignition timing or the fuel-air ratio λ were varied while maintaining various parameters.

In principle, it can be stated that the PGV allows a wider range of variation than the prechamber spark plug, which means that efficiency potentials can be tapped in the case of the purged prechamber. It has been found that an earlier center of gravity position has a positive effect on efficiency and emissions at higher loads.

Collaborative partners were companies and research institutions from the fields of prototype production, development/testing and calculation of physical principles. These are listed below:

• Giggel Jig and Fixture Construction Ltd.
• Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg / IKAM