System and method for detecting arc formation in a corona discharge ignition system
US9181920B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02P17/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for detecting arc formation in a corona discharge ignition system is provided. The system includes a driver circuit conveying energy oscillating at a resonant frequency; a corona igniter for receiving the energy and providing a corona discharge; and a frequency monitor for identifying a variation in an oscillation period of the resonant frequency, wherein the variation in the oscillation period indicates the onset of arc formation. The method includes supplying the energy to the driver circuit and to the corona igniter; obtaining the resonant frequency of the energy in the oscillating driver circuit; and identifying a variation in the oscillation period of the resonant frequency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.