Combustion control via homogeneous combustion radical ignition (HCRI) or partial HCRI in cyclic IC engines

摘要

A process is provided for enhancing homogeneous combustion and improving ignition in rotary and reciprocating piston IC engines. Physical embodiments supporting this process have secondary chambers embedded in the cylinder periphery to initiate radical ignition (“RI”) species generation in an earlier cycle for use in the main chamber combustion of a later cycle. These communicate with the main chamber via small conduits. Coordinated with the progressions facilitated by these secondary chambers are novel control measures for regulating the quantities of RI species ultimately generated for and conveyed to the later cycle. The pre-determinable presence of RI species so supplied then alters or adds controlled variety to the dominant chain-initiation reactions of the main combustion ignition mechanism of the later cycle. This presence does so by lowering both the heat and the fuel ratios required for starting and sustaining combustion. While this presence dominates in RI mode embodiments, this presence can also assist ignition and combustion in embodiments that are instead dominated by the spark ignition (“SI”) and compression ignition (“CI”) modes. The process results in improved combustion with increased efficiencies, decreased emissions and a wider range of fuel tolerances.