Numerical Study and Experimental Validation of Minimum Ignition Energy for Microwave Spark Ignition

Microwave plasma ignition has the potential for energy savings and emission reductions, minimum (MIE) lean limit can be determined by microwave spark plugs (MSPs) under same power. To predict relationship among electric field intensity (EFI), equivalence ratio (φ) MIE, a physical model of is established. The calculation results show that MIE U-shaped with φ, value methane-air at point φ = 0.7. Then, novel MSP three different electrode structures EFIs enabled. Finally, this paper presents combustion performance analysis focusing on flame kernel, pressure, composition emissions. indicate larger kernel size, peak pressure in chamber higher fuel efficiency are all achieved condition 0.7 MSP. On one hand, 1 EFI lower than MSPs 2 3; other experimental between qualitatively similar to theoretical prediction paper.