Concurrent method for resonant frequency detection in corona ignition systems
US9831639B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/40
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for detecting resonant frequency of a corona igniter concurrent with operation of the corona igniter is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of pulses of energy to the corona igniter, each having a pulse duration and spaced from one another by a deadtime duration during which no energy is provided to the corona igniter. Each pulse duration is ceased before current flowing in the corona igniter crosses zero, and each zero crossing of the current occurs during one of the deadtime durations. The next pulse of energy is provided to the corona igniter in response to the zero crossing of the current. A resonant frequency value is then obtained based on a sum of the pulse and deadtime durations of two consecutive cycles, or the time between zero crossings. The resonant frequency values become more accurate over time, and the drive frequency is adjusted accordingly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.