Internal-combustion engine and homogeneous charge compression ignition process

US8347850B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Martin Schenk · Graz, AT
• Michael Guenthner · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 8, 2011
• Grant date: Jan 8, 2013
• Expiry date: Jun 8, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/40
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An internal-combustion engine can be operated in a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode at least under certain operating conditions. The combustion mixture present in the combustion chamber reaches auto-ignition conditions and ignites itself. The internal-combustion engine includes a triggering unit for triggering the auto-ignition during the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode before the auto-ignition conditions have been reached. The triggering unit is constructed as a corona ignition system and can be operated for triggering the auto-ignition during the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode, particularly by generating a non-thermal plasma.