EP2072803A2 - Device for igniting a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Device for igniting a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2072803A2
EP2072803A2 EP08021525A EP08021525A EP2072803A2 EP 2072803 A2 EP2072803 A2 EP 2072803A2 EP 08021525 A EP08021525 A EP 08021525A EP 08021525 A EP08021525 A EP 08021525A EP 2072803 A2 EP2072803 A2 EP 2072803A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
combustion chamber
laser light
fluid
fuel
window
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Granted
Application number
EP08021525A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2072803A3 (en
EP2072803B1 (en
Inventor
Friedrich Gruber
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Innio Jenbacher GmbH and Co OG
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GE Jenbacher GmbH and Co OHG
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P13/00—Sparking plugs structurally combined with other parts of internal-combustion engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M57/00—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices
    • F02M57/06—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices the devices being sparking plugs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P23/00—Other ignition
    • F02P23/04—Other physical ignition means, e.g. using laser rays

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for igniting a fuel / air mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, wherein the combustion chamber has at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve, wherein further a laser light generating means for emitting laser light and a combustion chamber window for coupling the laser light are provided in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine , Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular gas engine, using a laser light generating device which introduces laser light into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, wherein the laser light generating means comprises a combustion chamber window, via which the laser light is introduced into the combustion chamber. Finally, the invention relates to an internal combustion engine with a device of the aforementioned type.
  • Laser ignition is an ignition system under development for internal combustion engine-driven internal combustion engines, which is based on the principle that an intensive laser pulse is concentrated in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine to a focal point, wherein the extremely high field strengths of the laser light beam occurring in the focal point or focus the gas is ionized and subsequently heated to plasma temperatures (several 1000 degrees Kelvin).
  • plasma temperatures hundreds of degrees Kelvin.
  • the ignition laser which generates the ignition pulse, via an optical fiber via a pump light source (eg a semiconductor laser) pumped longitudinally until the activation energy reaches a level required for the oscillation and breakdown of the ignition laser pulse.
  • the beam of the pulse laser is introduced into the combustion chamber via suitable optics, which consists of a focusing device and a transition window (combustion chamber window).
  • suitable optics which consists of a focusing device and a transition window (combustion chamber window).
  • the coupling optics of the laser pulse into the combustion chamber of the engine consists of a suitable lens system and the so-called combustion chamber window, which represents the last optical element before the jet entry into the combustion chamber.
  • the advantage of laser ignition over conventional spark ignition is, among other things, that the spark can be placed freely in the depth of the combustion chamber, where optimal conditions of ignition exist.
  • the combustion introduction takes place in the conventional spark ignition in the immediate vicinity of the combustion chamber wall, wherein the flat, the spark limiting electrodes hinder the Flammkem Struktur.
  • the energy of the laser spark can be greatly increased by increasing the power of the laser system, without resulting in increased wear, as it is given in the spark ignition with respect to the electrode wear.
  • Another advantage of laser ignition is that with increasing engine power, the minimum required pulse energy (that is, the energy of the plasma arc that is minimally required to ignite the fuel-air mixture) decreases.
  • the conventional spark ignition systems are increasingly coming up against their system limits in the future planned engine output.
  • gas engines which represent a preferred application in the present case, a continuous use of both engine and ignition device with long maturities must be possible to keep downtimes, for example, to replace ignition devices as short as possible.
  • One of the main problems in the realization and serial implementation of laser ignition is, among other things, the guarantee or maintenance of the optical properties of the combustion chamber window over the running time of the internal combustion engine.
  • high thermo-chemical stresses and the deposition of solid residues from the combustion can lead to turbidity of the surface, whereby both the beam weakened, ie partially absorbed and scattered, resulting in either a significant reduction in the energy of the plasma arc or even to the absence of the plasma arc.
  • Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device of the type mentioned above and a method of the type mentioned, with which the disadvantages of the prior art are reduced.
  • deposits in the combustion chamber side of the combustion chamber window should be reduced.
  • a device for igniting a fuel / air mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having at least one inlet valve and at least one discharge valve, wherein furthermore a laser light generating device for emitting laser light and a combustion chamber window for coupling the laser light into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine are provided characterized by at least one of the or the inlet valve (s) separate fluid supply means with which a fluid at least on areas of the surface of the combustion chamber window or between the combustion chamber window and focal point of the laser light can be flowed.
  • a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular gas engine provided using a laser light generating device which introduces laser light into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, wherein the laser light generating device comprises a combustion chamber window, via which the laser light is introduced into the combustion chamber, wherein during operation of the internal combustion engine a separate fluid from the fuel is directed to the combustion chamber window or between the combustion chamber window and focal point of the laser light.
  • a device With a device according to the invention, it is possible to continuously flow a fluid onto the combustion chamber window and indeed to the combustion chamber-side boundary surface of the combustion chamber window or to flow between the focal point and combustion chamber window so that deposits which form as a result of the combustion of the fuel / air mixture, can not deposit on the combustion chamber window.
  • the combustion chamber window is kept free of deposits on the combustion chamber side, and the laser can be operated at lower power, since there is no interference absorption due to deposits on the combustion chamber window.
  • the inventive method makes it possible to flow the fluid to the combustion chamber window (and indeed to the combustion chamber side interface of the combustion chamber window) or the area between the combustion chamber window and focal point of the laser light. It is expediently provided that the fluid does not enter into any or only minimal interactions with the laser light, so that in the preferred case the fluid is a gas, particularly preferably air or an inert gas. As an inert gas in the present case is sufficient if the interaction with the laser light leads to no chemical reaction.
  • Air which can not be regarded as inert gas in the conventional sense due to the high oxygen content, in the present case may well be an inert gas, as Air is usually not reacted with laser light alone, or only in a small, not disturbing extent. Overall, this depends on the laser light side, for example on the light intensities, wavelengths and pulse durations, so that the average person skilled in the art is able to select a suitable fluid.
  • Suitable inert gas would be, for example, CO 2 , nitrogen, noble gas or mixtures thereof. Low light absorption by the fluid can be accepted.
  • the fluid - preferably gas - with a pressure above the boost pressure or, the filling pressure of the Brennraums is, is flowing.
  • the overpressure is at least 1 bar above the boost pressure.
  • the fluid supply device has at least one fluid outlet opening. This makes it possible to direct the flow of the fluid through one or more targeted fluid outlet opening (s) in the desired areas.
  • the fluid supply device has a valve for fluid metering.
  • a valve By means of a valve, the amount of fluid can be optimally dosed.
  • the valve is designed as a check valve, a return flow of gases is prevented from the combustion chamber.
  • the valve is designed as a metering valve, the amount and pressure of the fluid is optimally regulated.
  • the device has an antechamber, which is arranged at least partially between the combustion chamber window and the focal point of the laser light.
  • the region in which the fluid flows between the combustion chamber window and the focal point can be spatially optimally regulated.
  • the gas flow is reduced from the combustion chamber to the combustion chamber window due to the spatial limitation.
  • the antechamber is arranged between the combustion chamber window and the focal point of the laser light, whereby the area which is traversed by gas fluid, is clearly defined. It has been shown that such an antechamber reduces the required amount of fluid, if necessary, the fluid supply during operation can also be temporarily interrupted.
  • the device has a further prechamber, which encloses the first prechamber at least in regions.
  • the second prechamber serves to precede the first prechamber from gas flow shield the combustion chamber even better and reduce turbulent flow.
  • a fluid can be introduced into the second prechamber.
  • the fluid which can be introduced into the second pre-chamber is an air / fuel mixture which preferably has a lower lambda ⁇ (ratio of air to fuel) than the lambda ⁇ in the combustion chamber ,
  • the second pre-chamber area with higher fuel content can be used for pre-ignition, which then initiates the actual ignition of the lean mixture in the combustion chamber.
  • the focal point of the laser light is arranged in the edge region or in the central region of the second antechamber.
  • the proposed solution according to the invention is based in particular on the fact that the combustion chamber window is not directly exposed to the combustion gases, but by a fluid cushion - in the simplest case, an air cushion - is separated from the combustion gases.
  • the laser beam can be passed through an, for example, cylindrical antechamber flushed with fluid (for example air).
  • the focal point of the beam path is in front of or in the crossing area of the antechamber to the main combustion chamber or already directly in the main combustion chamber.
  • the prechamber may be purged with fluids such as (compressed) air or other suitable inert gas during the charge cycling phase of the cylinder.
  • the supply pressure of the purge gas is significantly above the boost pressure or filling pressure of the engine (for example> 1 bar over boost pressure).
  • the combustion chamber window is blown open between the work cycles and cooled, on the other hand the combustion chamber window is protected from the action of the flame or the hot combustion gases by the presentation of an air cushion.
  • the combustion residues can thus no longer or only to a very small extent deposit on the surface of the window.
  • Fig. 1 is given a rough schematic overview of a cylinder 30 of an internal combustion engine having a piston 31 in a known per se.
  • the piston compresses fuel introduced into the combustion chamber 11 of the cylinder 30 via the inlet 36 and the inlet valve 34.
  • a laser light generating device 1 generates an ignitable laser beam which generates a spark at the focal point 4.
  • the laser light generating device 1 is pumped by a pump light source 32 and a light guide 33 until a corresponding laser pulse for igniting the fuel / air mixture is discharged into the combustion chamber 11. After the ignition of the fuel / air mixture, the burned gas is discharged from the combustion chamber 11 via the fuel outlet 37 and the exhaust valve 35.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross section through the front portion of an embodiment of a device sketched where a laser light generating device (laser spark plug) 1 is inserted into a pre-chamber sleeve 2, preferably screwed.
  • the laser light generating device 1 is designed as known per se, so that at this point only briefly the known parts.
  • the resonator 21 fed by a pump light source has (in the Fig. 2 shown below) to a Auskoppelapt 23, via which the laser light 8 (shown in the form of outer boundary rays) is coupled to the focusing device 22 from the resonator 21.
  • the focusing device 22 (indicated here in a simplified manner via the optical axis) can be a lens or a lens system and focuses the laser light 8 onto the focal point 4, which here coincides with the ignition point at which the plasma signal forms.
  • An antechamber sleeve 2 encloses the laser spark plug 1 up to the beam path 8 of the laser light pulse.
  • a separate pre-chamber sleeve 2 is also conceivable to form the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine at the location of the laser light entry as antechamber.
  • the free cross section in the beam path of the laser light 8 is the here in the direction of the combustion chamber 11 narrowing antechamber 5.
  • the prechamber 5 is here so a kind of truncated pyramid, the focal point 4 is just outside the pre-chamber 5.
  • the pre-chamber 5 extends in the present case between Vorschggse 2 and laser light generating device 1 approximately gap-shaped to the fluid supply device 6. It forms such a lateral channel 24.
  • the fluid (eg compressed air) is via a supply hole 6 (in the drawing from the top right side to the bottom left) introduced into the antechamber 5.
  • a valve 7 for example a check valve (shown here) or a clocked solenoid valve in the supply bore, a backflow during the compression and power stroke is prevented.
  • the fluid flow takes place in the exemplary embodiment along the channel 24 or the gap between the laser light generating device 1 and the prechamber sleeve in such a way that a fluid flow between the combustion chamber side interface 3a of the combustion chamber window 3 and the focal point 4 can be flowed.
  • the plasma image is formed, here in the embodiment, this is located outside of the cone-shaped prechamber 5, but in principle the plasma signal could be ignited within the cone, since the prechamber 5 in the front region, especially in the combustion chamber side area - depending on the pressure through the Compression stroke of the piston - filled area with fuel / air mixture.
  • the advantage of positioning the plasma arc outside the pre-chamber 5 in conjunction with the special shaping of the pre-chamber 5 is that high-energy radicals generated by the laser pulse in the plasma by the flow components of the cylinder charge (eg swirl and / or squish flow) of drift away the antechamber 5 and thus can no longer reach the combustion chamber window 3.
  • high-energy radicals generated by the laser pulse in the plasma by the flow components of the cylinder charge (eg swirl and / or squish flow) of drift away the antechamber 5 and thus can no longer reach the combustion chamber window 3.
  • Fig. 3 is a modification of the variant of Fig. 2 shown, wherein the shape of the pre-chamber 5 is rotated by 180 °. Because the components of Fig. 2 to 5 are largely identical, is already based on the Fig. 1 explained features not discussed in detail on Fig. 2 directed.
  • Fig. 3 expands the antechamber 5 from the inside (ie, starting from the combustion chamber window 3 in the direction of the main combustion chamber), thus represents a truncated pyramid in the reverse direction, ie, that the small boundary surface of the truncated pyramid is oriented to the combustion chamber window 3.
  • the focal point 4 and thus also the plasma plasma could be moved further inward, ie into the pre-chamber 5, without any disadvantages for the flame propagation.
  • the advantage of this arrangement is particularly useful in laser concepts where multiple, spatially separated plasma peaks or foci 4 are generated via one and the same coupling optics 22.
  • Fig. 4 An exemplary embodiment with two prechambers 5, 9 is shown.
  • the inner chamber 5 corresponds to the antechamber 5 of the variants of Fig. 2 3. This essentially shields the combustion chamber window 3 or the combustion chamber-side boundary surface 3a of the combustion chamber window 3 from the flame front or the combustion gases, by attaching the fluid rinse to the inner prechamber 5.
  • the outer chamber 9 serves to optimize the mixture ignition and the flame progress, whereby a Vorhunt bin is achieved by defined conditions with respect to the temperature and the flow conditions in this part.
  • the plasma funnel can be placed in an optimal position (inside, at the opening or outside the inner or outer antechamber).
  • FIG. 5 a more elaborate variant is shown.
  • the antechamber 5 again - as in variant of Fig. 4 -
  • a second, outer pre-chamber 9 is provided.
  • the inner pre-chamber 5 is flushed to protect the combustion chamber window 5 with fluid
  • the outer pre-chamber 9 is used to optimize the mixture flame, which is rinsed here in contrast to variant 3 here with fuel or fuel / air mixture 10 in order to achieve a refining of this combustion chamber part.
  • flushing at the outer prechamber 9 does not have to mean that the entire chamber volume is flooded or flushed with fuel, fuel / air mixture or fuel-inert gas mixture, but it may also have a smaller volume of the outer pre-chamber 9 so fill out.
  • Flushed pre-chambers 9 are preferably used in large-volume gas-lean engines, as is introduced by the ideal ignition conditions in these atria 9 and by the intense ignition (Zündfackel), which is ignited after ignition of the pre-chamber volume in the main combustion chamber 11, very lean mixtures with high ignition safety and relatively high energy conversion rates can be burned.
  • Fig. 5 The advantage of the arrangement of Fig. 5 lies in the fact that the fuel / air mixture can be ignited in a nearly stoichiometric mixture at the focal point 4 by means of the plasma spark.
  • only a fraction (eg 10%) of the minimum pulse energy required for mixture ignition is necessary for a stoichiometric mixture.
  • pulse energies of less than 1 mJ which not only enables very cost-effective laser systems, but also prevents the occurrence of a "laser-coating effect".
  • Laser coating effect is called the increased contamination of the combustion chamber side surface of the combustion chamber window by the action of laser light above a certain threshold intensity and below the Freibrennintenstician).
  • Fig. 5 can be provided that the focal point or the plasma signal is ignited in a region of the prechamber, where the fuel-air mixture has a nearly stoichiometric combustion air ratio.
  • the fluid supply via fluid supply means 6 and 25, respectively. These are connected to fluid sources (not shown).
  • the fluid supply device 6 is separate from the intake valves or exhaust valves.
  • the intake valves in the conventional sense, in particular for the fuel, are arranged elsewhere in the combustion chamber.
  • the fuel is conveniently introduced to the focal point 4 or into the combustion chamber 11, but not to the combustion chamber window. 3
  • the laser pulse has an energy of 0.5 to 1.5 mJ.
  • the laser ignition system can be designed for these pulse energies.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Combustion Methods Of Internal-Combustion Engines (AREA)

Abstract

The device (10) ignites fuel air mixture in a combustion chamber (11). The combustion chamber has an inlet valve (34) and an outlet (35). The inlet valve (s) has a separate body fluid intake (6) for a fluid and on the surface of the areas of the combustion chamber window (3) or between the combustion chamber windows (3) a laser light is provided. An independent claim is included for a method to operate an engine fuel, and an internal combustion engine.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Zündung eines Brennstoff/Luftgemischs im Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine, wobei der Brennraum mindestens ein Einlassventil und mindestens ein Auslassventil aufweist, wobei weiters eine Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung zur Abgabe von Laserlicht und ein Brennraumfenster zum Einkoppeln des Laserlichts in einen Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine vorgesehen sind. Weiters betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Brennkraftmaschine, insbesondere Gasmotor, unter Verwendung einer Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung, welche Laserlicht in einen Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine einbringt, wobei die Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung ein Brennraumfenster aufweist, über welches das Laserlicht in den Brennraum eingebracht wird. Schließlich betrifft die Erfindung eine Brennkraftmaschine mit einer Vorrichtung der vorgenannten Art.The invention relates to a device for igniting a fuel / air mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, wherein the combustion chamber has at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve, wherein further a laser light generating means for emitting laser light and a combustion chamber window for coupling the laser light are provided in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine , Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular gas engine, using a laser light generating device which introduces laser light into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, wherein the laser light generating means comprises a combustion chamber window, via which the laser light is introduced into the combustion chamber. Finally, the invention relates to an internal combustion engine with a device of the aforementioned type.

Die Laserzündung ist ein, sich in Entwicklung befindliches Zündsystem für ottomotorisch betriebene Brennkraftmaschinen, das auf dem Prinzip beruht, dass ein intensiver Laserimpuls im Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine auf einen Brennpunkt konzentriert wird, wobei durch die im Brennpunkt bzw. Fokus auftretenden, extrem hohen Feldstärken des Laserlichtstrahles das Gas ionisiert und in der Folge auf Plasmatemperaturen (mehrere 1000 Grad Kelvin) aufgeheizt wird. Durch die Fokusierung des Laserlichtstrahls auf den Brennpunkt wird (werden) dort der (die) Zündfunke(n) generiert. Der dabei entstehende Plasmafunke entzündet in ähnlicher Weise wie bei der konventionellen Funkenzündung, bei welcher der Funke durch elektrischen Überschlag zwischen zwei Elektroden erzeugt wird, das Treibstoff / LuftGemisch.Laser ignition is an ignition system under development for internal combustion engine-driven internal combustion engines, which is based on the principle that an intensive laser pulse is concentrated in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine to a focal point, wherein the extremely high field strengths of the laser light beam occurring in the focal point or focus the gas is ionized and subsequently heated to plasma temperatures (several 1000 degrees Kelvin). By focusing the laser light beam on the focal point, the spark (s) are (are) generated there. The resulting plasma plasma ignites in a similar manner as in the conventional spark ignition, in which the spark is generated by electrical flashover between two electrodes, the fuel / air mixture.

Zur Erzeugung des Laserlichtimpulses gibt es unterschiedliche Konzepte. Ein bevorzugtes Konzept besteht darin, dass über eine Pumplichtquelle (z.B. einem Halbleiterlaser) der Zündlaser, der den Zündimpuls erzeugt, über eine optische Faser longitudinal gepumpt, bis die Aktivierungsenergie ein Niveau erreicht, das für das Anschwingen und den Durchbruch des Zündlaserpulses erforderlich ist. Der Strahl des Pulslasers wird über eine geeignete Optik, die aus einer Fokussiereinrichtung und einem Übertrittsfenster (Brennraumfenster) besteht, in den Brennraum eingeleitet. Die Einkoppeloptik des Laserpulses in den Brennraum des Motors besteht aus einem geeigneten Linsensystem sowie dem sogenannten Brennraumfenster, das das letzte optische Element vor dem Strahleintritt in den Brennraum darstellt.There are different concepts for generating the laser light pulse. A preferred concept is that the ignition laser, which generates the ignition pulse, via an optical fiber via a pump light source (eg a semiconductor laser) pumped longitudinally until the activation energy reaches a level required for the oscillation and breakdown of the ignition laser pulse. The beam of the pulse laser is introduced into the combustion chamber via suitable optics, which consists of a focusing device and a transition window (combustion chamber window). The coupling optics of the laser pulse into the combustion chamber of the engine consists of a suitable lens system and the so-called combustion chamber window, which represents the last optical element before the jet entry into the combustion chamber.

Der Vorteil der Laserzündung gegenüber der herkömmlichen Funkenzündung besteht unter Anderem darin, dass der Zündfunke frei in der Tiefe des Brennraumes gelegt werden kann, wo optimale Entflammungsbedingungen bestehen. Im Gegensatz dazu erfolgt die Verbrennungseinleitung bei der konventionellen Funkenzündung in unmittelbarer Brennraumwandnähe, wobei die flächigen, den Zündfunken begrenzenden Elektroden die Flammkembildung behindern. Die Energie des Laserfunkens kann durch Anhebung der Leistung der Lasersystems stark gesteigert werden, ohne dass sich dadurch ein erhöhter Verschleiß ergibt, wie es bei der Funkenzündung im Hinblick auf den Elektrodenverschleiß gegeben ist.The advantage of laser ignition over conventional spark ignition is, among other things, that the spark can be placed freely in the depth of the combustion chamber, where optimal conditions of ignition exist. In contrast, the combustion introduction takes place in the conventional spark ignition in the immediate vicinity of the combustion chamber wall, wherein the flat, the spark limiting electrodes hinder the Flammkembildung. The energy of the laser spark can be greatly increased by increasing the power of the laser system, without resulting in increased wear, as it is given in the spark ignition with respect to the electrode wear.

Ein weiterer Vorteil der Laserzündung ist, dass mit zunehmender Motorleistung die erforderliche Mindestpulsenergie (das ist jene Energie des Plasmafunkens, die zur Entflammung des Treibstoff-Luftgemisches minimal erforderlich ist) abnimmt. Demgegenüber stoßen die konventionellen Funkenzündsysteme bei den in Zukunft geplanten Motorleistungen zusehends an deren Systemgrenzen. Insbesondere bei stationären Großmotoren, vorzugsweise Gasmotoren, die im vorliegenden Fall ein bevorzugtes Einsatzgebiet darstellen, muss ein Dauereinsatz sowohl von Motor als auch von Zündeinrichtung mit langen Laufzeiten ermöglicht sein, um Standzeiten beispielsweise zum Austausch von Zündeinrichtungen möglichst kurz zu halten.Another advantage of laser ignition is that with increasing engine power, the minimum required pulse energy (that is, the energy of the plasma arc that is minimally required to ignite the fuel-air mixture) decreases. On the other hand, the conventional spark ignition systems are increasingly coming up against their system limits in the future planned engine output. Especially in stationary large engines, preferably gas engines, which represent a preferred application in the present case, a continuous use of both engine and ignition device with long maturities must be possible to keep downtimes, for example, to replace ignition devices as short as possible.

Zu den Hauptproblemen bei der Realisierung und serienmäßigen Umsetzung der Laserzündung zählt unter anderem die Gewährleistung bzw. Beibehaltung der optischen Eigenschaften des Brennraumfensters über die Laufzeit der Brennkraftmaschine. Speziell bei der brennraumseitigen Grenzfläche des Brennraumfensters können hohe thermo-chemische Belastungen und die Ablagerung fester Rückstände aus der Verbrennung zur Trübung der Oberfläche führen, wodurch sowohl der Strahl geschwächt, d.h. teilweise absorbiert als auch gestreut wird, was entweder zu einer erheblichen Reduktion der Energie des Plasmafunkens oder aber auch zum Ausbleiben des Plasmafunkens führt.One of the main problems in the realization and serial implementation of laser ignition is, among other things, the guarantee or maintenance of the optical properties of the combustion chamber window over the running time of the internal combustion engine. Especially at the combustion chamber side boundary surface of the combustion chamber window, high thermo-chemical stresses and the deposition of solid residues from the combustion can lead to turbidity of the surface, whereby both the beam weakened, ie partially absorbed and scattered, resulting in either a significant reduction in the energy of the plasma arc or even to the absence of the plasma arc.

Diesem Problem begegnet man üblicherweise damit, dass durch hohe Pulsenergien zum Einen Reserven für laufzeitbedingte Abschwächungen und Verluste geschaffen werden, und zum Anderen durch die hohen Pulsleistungen ein Freibrenneffekt der Fensteroberfläche erzielt wird. Der Nachteil dieser Vorgangsweise besteht in den erheblichen Mehrkosten für die erforderliche hohe Laserleistung und in der hohen spezifischen Belastung der Oberfläche, an der das Freibrennen erfolgt.This problem is usually met by the fact that high pulse energies on the one hand reserves for runtime-related attenuations and losses are created, and on the other hand by the high pulse power a burn-out effect of the window surface is achieved. The disadvantage of this approach is the significant additional cost of the required high laser power and the high specific load of the surface at which the burning takes place.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Gattung sowie ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Gattung bereitzustellen, mit denen die Nachteile des Standes der Technik verringert sind. Insbesondere sollen Ablagerungen im brennraumseitigen Bereich des Brennraumfensters verringert werden.Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device of the type mentioned above and a method of the type mentioned, with which the disadvantages of the prior art are reduced. In particular, deposits in the combustion chamber side of the combustion chamber window should be reduced.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 bzw. durch ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and by a method according to claim 1.

Vorgesehen ist also eine Vorrichtung zur Zündung eines Treibstoff/Luftgemischs im Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine, wobei der Brennraum mindestens ein Einlassventil und mindestens ein Austassventil aufweist, wobei weiters eine Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung zur Abgabe von Laserlicht und ein Brennraumfenster zum Einkoppeln des Laserlichts in einen Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine vorgesehen sind, gekennzeichnet durch zumindest eine von dem bzw. den Einlassventil(en) gesonderte Fluidzufuhreinrichtung mit der ein Fluid zumindest auf Bereiche der Oberfläche des Brennraumfensters oder zwischen Brennraumfenster und Brennpunkt des Laserlichtes strömbar ist. Daneben ist ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Brennkraftmaschine, insbesondere Gasmotor, vorgesehen, unter Verwendung einer Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung, welche Laserlicht in einen Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine einbringt, wobei die Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung ein Brennraumfenster aufweist, über welches das Laserlicht in den Brennraum eingebracht wird, wobei im Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine ein vom Treibstoff gesondertes Fluid auf das Brennraumfenster oder zwischen Brennraumfenster und Brennpunkt des Laserlichtes geleitet wird.Thus, provision is made for a device for igniting a fuel / air mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, the combustion chamber having at least one inlet valve and at least one discharge valve, wherein furthermore a laser light generating device for emitting laser light and a combustion chamber window for coupling the laser light into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine are provided characterized by at least one of the or the inlet valve (s) separate fluid supply means with which a fluid at least on areas of the surface of the combustion chamber window or between the combustion chamber window and focal point of the laser light can be flowed. In addition, a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular gas engine, provided using a laser light generating device which introduces laser light into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, wherein the laser light generating device comprises a combustion chamber window, via which the laser light is introduced into the combustion chamber, wherein during operation of the internal combustion engine a separate fluid from the fuel is directed to the combustion chamber window or between the combustion chamber window and focal point of the laser light.

Mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist es möglich, ein Fluid ständig auf das Brennraumfenster und zwar an die brennraumseitige Grenzfläche des Brennraumfensters strömen zu lassen bzw. zwischen Brennpunkt und Brennraumfenster strömen zu lassen, sodass sich Ablagerungen, die sich durch die Verbrennung des Treibstoff/Luftgemisches bilden, nicht am Brennraumfenster ablagern können. Dadurch wird das Brennraumfenster brennraumseitig von Ablagerungen freigehalten und der Laser kann mit geringerer Leistung betrieben werden, da es keine Störabsorption durch Ablagerungen am Brennraumfenster gibt. Auch ist es nicht notwendig, den Laser mit einer Leistung zu betreiben, der Ablagerungen am Brennraumfenster wieder abträgt bzw. freibrennt. Insgesamt erhöht diese Maßnahme die Lebensdauer der gesamten Vorrichtung in hohem Grad. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ermöglicht es, das Fluid auf das Brennraumfenster (und zwar auf die brennraumseitige Grenzfläche des Brennraumfensters) bzw. den Bereich zwischen Brennraumfenster und Brennpunkt des Laserlichtes strömen zu lassen. Günstigerweise ist vorgesehen, dass das Fluid mit dem Laserlicht keine oder nur minimale Wechselwirkungen eingeht, sodass das Fluid im bevorzugten Fall ein Gas, besonders bevorzugt Luft oder ein Inertgas ist. Als Inertgas ist im vorliegenden Fall ausreichend, wenn die Wechselwirkung mit dem Laserlicht zu keiner chemischen Reaktion führt. Bei einem Treibstoff/Luftgemisch im richtigen Mischungsverhältnis führt die Wechselwirkung zu einer Zündung, sodass ein solches Fluid ungeeignet wäre, während Luft, die im herkömmlichen Sinne aufgrund des hohen Sauerstoffgehaltes nicht als Inertgas angesehen werden kann, im gegenständlichen Fall durchaus ein Inertgas sein kann, da Luft im Regelfall mit Laserlicht alleine nicht zur Reaktion gebracht wird, bzw. nur in einem geringen, nicht störenden Ausmaß. Insgesamt hängt dies laserlichtseitig z.B. von den Lichtintensitäten, Wellenlängen und Pulsdauern ab, sodass der Durchschnittsfachmann in der Lage ist, ein geeignetes Fluid auszuwählen. Als Inertgas kämen beispielsweise CO2, Stickstofff, Edelgas oder Mischungen daraus in Frage. Geringe Lichtabsorption durch das Fluid kann in Kauf genommen werden.With a device according to the invention, it is possible to continuously flow a fluid onto the combustion chamber window and indeed to the combustion chamber-side boundary surface of the combustion chamber window or to flow between the focal point and combustion chamber window so that deposits which form as a result of the combustion of the fuel / air mixture, can not deposit on the combustion chamber window. As a result, the combustion chamber window is kept free of deposits on the combustion chamber side, and the laser can be operated at lower power, since there is no interference absorption due to deposits on the combustion chamber window. Also, it is not necessary to operate the laser with a power that ablates deposits on the combustion chamber window again or runs frereibrennt. Overall, this measure increases the life of the entire device to a high degree. The inventive method makes it possible to flow the fluid to the combustion chamber window (and indeed to the combustion chamber side interface of the combustion chamber window) or the area between the combustion chamber window and focal point of the laser light. It is expediently provided that the fluid does not enter into any or only minimal interactions with the laser light, so that in the preferred case the fluid is a gas, particularly preferably air or an inert gas. As an inert gas in the present case is sufficient if the interaction with the laser light leads to no chemical reaction. In a fuel / air mixture in the correct mixing ratio, the interaction leads to an ignition, so that such a fluid would be unsuitable, while air, which can not be regarded as inert gas in the conventional sense due to the high oxygen content, in the present case may well be an inert gas, as Air is usually not reacted with laser light alone, or only in a small, not disturbing extent. Overall, this depends on the laser light side, for example on the light intensities, wavelengths and pulse durations, so that the average person skilled in the art is able to select a suitable fluid. Suitable inert gas would be, for example, CO 2 , nitrogen, noble gas or mixtures thereof. Low light absorption by the fluid can be accepted.

Aufgrund der im Brennraum hohen Drücke ist bevorzugt vorgesehen, dass das Fluid - vorzugsweise Gas - mit einem Druck, der über dem Ladedruck bzw, dem Fülldruck des Brennraums liegt, eingeströmt wird. Im Idealfall liegt der Überdruck zumindest 1 bar über dem Ladedruck. Durch eine solche Wahl des Druckes kann den hohen Drücken im Brennraum entgegengewirkt werden, sodass die Diffusion der Verbrennungsrückstände hin zum Brennraumfenster in hohem Maße verringert werden. Folglich ist eine Druckerzeugungsvorrichtung zur Druckerhöhung des Fluids vorteilhaft.Due to the high pressure in the combustion chamber is preferably provided that the fluid - preferably gas - with a pressure above the boost pressure or, the filling pressure of the Brennraums is, is flowing. Ideally, the overpressure is at least 1 bar above the boost pressure. By such a choice of pressure, the high pressures in the combustion chamber can be counteracted, so that the diffusion of the combustion residues toward the combustion chamber window are greatly reduced. Consequently, a pressure generating device for increasing the pressure of the fluid is advantageous.

Günstigerweise ist vorgesehen, dass die Fluidzufuhreinrichtung zumindest eine Fluidaustrittsöffnung aufweist. Dadurch ist es möglich, durch eine oder mehrere gezielte Fluidaustrittsöffnung(en) die Strömung des Fluids in die gewünschten Bereiche zu leiten.It is expediently provided that the fluid supply device has at least one fluid outlet opening. This makes it possible to direct the flow of the fluid through one or more targeted fluid outlet opening (s) in the desired areas.

Weiters kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Fluidzufuhreinrichtung ein Ventil zur Fluiddosierung aufweist. Mittels eines Ventils lässt sich die Menge an Fluid optimal dosieren. Im Falle, dass das Ventil als Rückschlagventil ausgebildet ist, ist ein Rückstrom von Gasen aus dem Brennraum unterbunden. Im Falle, dass das Ventil als Dosierventil ausgebildet ist, ist die Menge und der Druck des Fluids optimal regulierbar.Furthermore, it can be provided that the fluid supply device has a valve for fluid metering. By means of a valve, the amount of fluid can be optimally dosed. In the case that the valve is designed as a check valve, a return flow of gases is prevented from the combustion chamber. In the case that the valve is designed as a metering valve, the amount and pressure of the fluid is optimally regulated.

Besonders bevorzugt ist vorgesehen, dass die Vorrichtung eine Vorkammer aufweist, welche zumindest bereichsweise zwischen Brennraumfenster und Brennpunkt des Laserlichtes angeordnet ist. Durch diese Maßnahme lässt sich der Bereich, in den das Fluid zwischen Brennraumfenster und Brennpunkt geströmt wird, räumlich optimal regulieren. Außerdem ist der Gasstrom aus dem Brennraum hin zum Brennraumfenster aufgrund der räumlichen Begrenzung verringert. Dabei ist günstigerweise vorgesehen, dass die Vorkammer zwischen Brennraumfenster und Brennpunkt des Laserlichtes angeordnet ist, wodurch der Bereich, der durch Gasfluid durchströmt wird, klar definiert ist. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass eine solche Vorkammer die benötigte Fluidmenge reduziert, gegebenenfalls kann die Fluidzufuhr im Betrieb auch zeitweise unterbrochen werden.Particularly preferably, it is provided that the device has an antechamber, which is arranged at least partially between the combustion chamber window and the focal point of the laser light. By means of this measure, the region in which the fluid flows between the combustion chamber window and the focal point can be spatially optimally regulated. In addition, the gas flow is reduced from the combustion chamber to the combustion chamber window due to the spatial limitation. It is advantageously provided that the antechamber is arranged between the combustion chamber window and the focal point of the laser light, whereby the area which is traversed by gas fluid, is clearly defined. It has been shown that such an antechamber reduces the required amount of fluid, if necessary, the fluid supply during operation can also be temporarily interrupted.

In einem Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, dass die Vorrichtung eine weitere Vorkammer aufweist, welche die erste Vorkammer zumindest bereichsweise umschließt. Hierbei lassen sich wiederum zwei vorteilhafte Varianten unterscheiden. Im ersten Fall dient die zweite Vorkammer dazu, die erste Vorkammer vor Gasstrom aus dem Brennraum noch besser abzuschirmen und turbulente Strömung zu verringern. Im zweiten Fall kann vorgesehen sein, dass in die zweite Vorkammer ein Fluid einbringbar ist. In diesem Fall kann in einer weiteren Ausführungsvariante vorgesehen sein, dass das Fluid, welches in die zweite Vorkammer einbringbar ist, ein Luft/Treibstoffgemisch ist, welches bevorzugt ein niedrigeres Lambda λ (Verhältnis von Luft zu Treibstoff) aufweist, als das Lambda λ im Brennraum. So kann der zweite Vorkammerbereich mit höherem Treibstoffgehalt zur Vorzündung benützt werden, der anschließend die eigentliche Zündung des mageren Gemisches im Brennraum initiiert. Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Brennpunkt des Laserlichtes im Randbereich oder im Zentralbereich der zweiten Vorkammer angeordnet ist.In one embodiment, it is provided that the device has a further prechamber, which encloses the first prechamber at least in regions. Here again two advantageous variants can be distinguished. In the first case, the second prechamber serves to precede the first prechamber from gas flow shield the combustion chamber even better and reduce turbulent flow. In the second case it can be provided that a fluid can be introduced into the second prechamber. In this case, it can be provided in a further embodiment variant that the fluid which can be introduced into the second pre-chamber is an air / fuel mixture which preferably has a lower lambda λ (ratio of air to fuel) than the lambda λ in the combustion chamber , Thus, the second pre-chamber area with higher fuel content can be used for pre-ignition, which then initiates the actual ignition of the lean mixture in the combustion chamber. It can be provided that the focal point of the laser light is arranged in the edge region or in the central region of the second antechamber.

Der erfindungsgemäße Lösungsvorschlag beruht insbesondere darauf, dass das Brennraumfenster nicht direkt den Verbrennungsgasen ausgesetzt wird, sondern durch einen Fluidpolster - im einfachsten Fall ein Luftpolster - von den Verbrennungsgasen getrennt ist. Dabei kann der Laserstrahl nach Durchtritt durch das Brennraumfenster durch eine beispielsweise zylindrische, mit Fluid (z.B. Luft) gespülte Vorkammer geleitet werden. Der Brennpunkt des Strahlenganges ist vor oder im Übertrittsbereich der Vorkammer zum Hauptbrennraum oder bereits direkt im Hauptbrennraum. Die Vorkammer kann während der Ladungswechselphase des Zylinders mit Fluiden, wie (Press-)Luft oder mit einem anderen geeigneten Inertgas gespült werden.The proposed solution according to the invention is based in particular on the fact that the combustion chamber window is not directly exposed to the combustion gases, but by a fluid cushion - in the simplest case, an air cushion - is separated from the combustion gases. In this case, after passing through the combustion chamber window, the laser beam can be passed through an, for example, cylindrical antechamber flushed with fluid (for example air). The focal point of the beam path is in front of or in the crossing area of the antechamber to the main combustion chamber or already directly in the main combustion chamber. The prechamber may be purged with fluids such as (compressed) air or other suitable inert gas during the charge cycling phase of the cylinder.

Demgemäß ist es günstig, wenn der Versorgungsdruck des Spülgases deutlich über dem Ladedruck bzw. Fülldruck des Motors liegt (z.B. > 1 bar über Ladedruck).Accordingly, it is favorable if the supply pressure of the purge gas is significantly above the boost pressure or filling pressure of the engine (for example> 1 bar over boost pressure).

Durch diese Maßnahme wird zum einen das Brennraumfenster zwischen den Arbeitstakten freigeblasen und gekühlt, zum anderen wird durch Vorlage eines Luftpolsters das Brennraumfenster vor der Einwirkung der Flamme bzw. den heißen Verbrennungsgasen geschützt. Die Verbrennungsrückstände können sich damit nicht mehr oder nur noch in sehr geringem Ausmaß an der Oberfläche des Fensters ablagern.By virtue of this measure, on the one hand the combustion chamber window is blown open between the work cycles and cooled, on the other hand the combustion chamber window is protected from the action of the flame or the hot combustion gases by the presentation of an air cushion. The combustion residues can thus no longer or only to a very small extent deposit on the surface of the window.

Weitere Vorteile und Details der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Figuren und Figurenbeschreibungen. Es zeigen im Querschnitt

Fig. 1
eine Übersicht über einen Zylinder einer Brennkraftmaschine mit Laserlichterzeugungsvorrichtung,
Fig. 2
ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung mit einfacher Vorkammer,
Fig. 3
ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung mit einfacher Vorkammer, jedoch unterschiedlicher Geometrie,
Fig.4
ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der Vorrichtung mit zwei Vorkammern und
Fig.5
ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel mit zwei Vorkammern, wobei die zweite Vorkammer zur Zündung des Luft/Treibstoffgemisches im Brennraum vorgezündet wird.
Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the figures and the description of the figures. It show in cross section
Fig. 1
an overview of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine with laser light generating device,
Fig. 2
A first embodiment of a device with a simple prechamber,
Fig. 3
Another embodiment of a device with a simple pre-chamber, but different geometry,
Figure 4
a first embodiment of the device with two prechambers and
Figure 5
a second embodiment with two prechambers, wherein the second prechamber is pre-ignited for igniting the air / fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

In Fig. 1 ist ein grob schematischer Überblick über einen Zylinder 30 einer Brennkraftmaschine gegeben, der einen Kolben 31 in an sich bekannter Bauart aufweist. Der Kolben verdichtet über den Einlass 36 und das Einlassventil 34 eingelassenen Treibstoff in der Brennkammer 11 des Zylinders 30. Eine Laserlichterzeugungsvorrichtung 1 erzeugt einen zündfähigen Laserstrahl, der am Brennpunkt 4 einen Zündfunken erzeugt. Die Laserlichterzeugungsvorrichtung 1 wird von einer Pumplichtquelle 32 und über einen Lichtleiter 33 gepumpt bis ein entsprechender Laserpuls zum Zünden des Treibstoff/Luftgemisches in den Brennraum 11 abgegeben wird. Nach der Zündung des Treibstoff/Luftgemisches wird das verbrannte Gas über den Treibstoffauslass 37 und das Auslassventil 35 aus der Brennkammer 11 ausgeschieden.In Fig. 1 is given a rough schematic overview of a cylinder 30 of an internal combustion engine having a piston 31 in a known per se. The piston compresses fuel introduced into the combustion chamber 11 of the cylinder 30 via the inlet 36 and the inlet valve 34. A laser light generating device 1 generates an ignitable laser beam which generates a spark at the focal point 4. The laser light generating device 1 is pumped by a pump light source 32 and a light guide 33 until a corresponding laser pulse for igniting the fuel / air mixture is discharged into the combustion chamber 11. After the ignition of the fuel / air mixture, the burned gas is discharged from the combustion chamber 11 via the fuel outlet 37 and the exhaust valve 35.

In Fig. 2 ist ein Querschnitt durch den vorderen Abschnitt eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung skizziert, wo eine Laserlichterzeugungsvorrichtung (Laserzündkerze) 1 in eine Vorkammerhülse 2 eingesetzt, vorzugsweise eingeschraubt ist. Die Laserlichterzeugungsvorrichtung 1 ist wie an sich bekannt ausgeführt, sodass an dieser Stelle nur kurz auf die bekannten Teile eingegangen wird. Der von einer nicht gezeigten Pumplichtquelle gespeiste Resonator 21 weist (in der Fig. 2 unten dargestellt) einen Auskoppelspiegel 23 auf, über welchen das Laserlicht 8 (dargestellt in Form von äußeren Begrenzungsstrahlen) zur Fokussiervorrichtung 22 aus dem Resonator 21 ausgekoppelt wird. Die Fokussiervorrichtung 22 (hier vereinfacht über die optische Achse angedeutet) kann eine Linse oder ein Linsensystem sein und fokussiert das Laserlicht 8 auf den Brennpunkt 4, der hier mit dem Zündpunkt, an dem sich der Plasmafunke bildet, zusammenfällt.In Fig. 2 is a cross section through the front portion of an embodiment of a device sketched where a laser light generating device (laser spark plug) 1 is inserted into a pre-chamber sleeve 2, preferably screwed. The laser light generating device 1 is designed as known per se, so that at this point only briefly the known parts. The resonator 21 fed by a pump light source (not shown) has (in the Fig. 2 shown below) to a Auskoppelspiegel 23, via which the laser light 8 (shown in the form of outer boundary rays) is coupled to the focusing device 22 from the resonator 21. The focusing device 22 (indicated here in a simplified manner via the optical axis) can be a lens or a lens system and focuses the laser light 8 onto the focal point 4, which here coincides with the ignition point at which the plasma signal forms.

Eine Vorkammerhülse 2 umschließt die Laserzündkerze 1 bis auf den Strahlengang 8 des Laserlichtpulses. Anstatt einer separaten Vorkammerhülse 2 ist auch denkbar, den Zylinderkopf der Brennkraftmaschine an der Stelle des Laserlichteintrittes als Vorkammer auszubilden. Der freie Querschnitt im Strahlengang des Laserlichtes 8 ist die hier sich in Richtung Brennraum 11 verengende Vorkammer 5. Die Vorkammer 5 ist hier also eine Art Pyramidenstumpf, wobei der Brennpunkt 4 hier knapp außerhalb der Vorkammer 5 liegt. Die Vorkammer 5 erstreckt sich im vorliegenden Fall auch zwischen Vorkammerhülse 2 und Laserlichterzeugungsvorrichtung 1 etwa spaltförmig bis zur Fluidzufuhreinrichtung 6. Es bildet sich so ein seitlicher Kanal 24. Das Fluid (z.B. Pressluft) wird über eine Zufuhrbohrung 6 (in der Zeichnung von seitlich rechts oben nach links unten) in die Vorkammer 5 eingeleitet. Durch Vorsehen eines Ventils 7, beispielsweise eines Rückschlagventils (hier gezeigt) oder eines getakteten Magnetventils in der Zufuhrbohrung wird ein Rückströmen während des verdichtungs- und Arbeitstaktes unterbunden. Der Fluidstrom erfolgt im Ausführungsbeispiel entlang des Kanals 24 bzw. dem Spalt zwischen Laserlichterzeugungsvorrichtung 1 und der Vorkammerhülse und zwar in der Art, dass ein Fluidstrom zwischen brennraumseitige Grenzfläche 3a des Brennraumfensters 3 und Brennpunkt 4 einströmbar ist.An antechamber sleeve 2 encloses the laser spark plug 1 up to the beam path 8 of the laser light pulse. Instead of a separate pre-chamber sleeve 2 is also conceivable to form the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine at the location of the laser light entry as antechamber. The free cross section in the beam path of the laser light 8 is the here in the direction of the combustion chamber 11 narrowing antechamber 5. The prechamber 5 is here so a kind of truncated pyramid, the focal point 4 is just outside the pre-chamber 5. The pre-chamber 5 extends in the present case between Vorkammerhülse 2 and laser light generating device 1 approximately gap-shaped to the fluid supply device 6. It forms such a lateral channel 24. The fluid (eg compressed air) is via a supply hole 6 (in the drawing from the top right side to the bottom left) introduced into the antechamber 5. By providing a valve 7, for example a check valve (shown here) or a clocked solenoid valve in the supply bore, a backflow during the compression and power stroke is prevented. The fluid flow takes place in the exemplary embodiment along the channel 24 or the gap between the laser light generating device 1 and the prechamber sleeve in such a way that a fluid flow between the combustion chamber side interface 3a of the combustion chamber window 3 and the focal point 4 can be flowed.

Im Brennpunkt 4 bildet sich der Plasmafunke, hier im Ausführungsbeispiel ist dieser außerhalb der konusförmigen Vorkammer 5 eingezeichnet, prinzipiell könnte der Plasmafunke aber auch innerhalb des Konus gezündet werden, da die Vorkammer 5 im vorderen Bereich, insbesondere im brennraumseitigen Bereich - abhängig vom Druck durch den Verdichtungshub des Kolbens - mit Treibstoff/Luftgemisch bereichsweise gefüllt ist.In the focal point 4, the plasma image is formed, here in the embodiment, this is located outside of the cone-shaped prechamber 5, but in principle the plasma signal could be ignited within the cone, since the prechamber 5 in the front region, especially in the combustion chamber side area - depending on the pressure through the Compression stroke of the piston - filled area with fuel / air mixture.

Der Vorteil der Positionierung des Plasmafunkens außerhalb der Vorkammer 5 in Verbindung mit der speziellen Formgebung der Vorkammer 5 besteht darin, dass hochenergetische Radikale, die durch den Laserimpuls im Plasma erzeugt werden, durch die Strömungskomponenten der Zylinderladung (z.B. Drall- und/oder Quetschflächenströmung) von der Vorkammer 5 wegdriften und damit das Brennraumfenster 3 nicht mehr erreichen können.The advantage of positioning the plasma arc outside the pre-chamber 5 in conjunction with the special shaping of the pre-chamber 5 is that high-energy radicals generated by the laser pulse in the plasma by the flow components of the cylinder charge (eg swirl and / or squish flow) of drift away the antechamber 5 and thus can no longer reach the combustion chamber window 3.

In Fig. 3 ist eine Modifikation der Variante der Fig. 2 dargestellt, wobei die Form der Vorkammer 5 um 180 ° gedreht ist. Da die Komponenten der Fig. 2 bis 5 weitestgehend identisch sind, wird auf bereits anhand der Fig. 1 erläuterte Merkmale nicht näher eingegangen sonder auf Fig. 2 verwiesen. Im Beispiel der Fig. 3 weitet sich die Vorkammer 5 von innen (d.h. vom Brennraumfenster 3 ausgehend in Richtung Hauptbrennraum) auf, stellt also einen pyramidenstumpf in umgekehrter Richtung dar, d.h., dass die kleiner Begrenzungsfläche des Pyramidenstumpfes zum Brennraumfenster 3 orientiert ist. In dieser Ausführung könnte der Brennpunkt 4 und damit auch der Plasmafunke ohne Nachteile für die Flammausbreitung weiter nach innen, d.h. in die Vorkammer 5 hinein verlegt werden. Der Vorteil dieser Anordnung kommt insbesondere bei Laserkonzepten zum Tragen, wo mehrere, räumlich getrennte Plasmafunken bzw. Brennpunkte 4 über ein und dieselbe Einkoppeloptik 22 erzeugt werden.In Fig. 3 is a modification of the variant of Fig. 2 shown, wherein the shape of the pre-chamber 5 is rotated by 180 °. Because the components of Fig. 2 to 5 are largely identical, is already based on the Fig. 1 explained features not discussed in detail on Fig. 2 directed. In the example of Fig. 3 expands the antechamber 5 from the inside (ie, starting from the combustion chamber window 3 in the direction of the main combustion chamber), thus represents a truncated pyramid in the reverse direction, ie, that the small boundary surface of the truncated pyramid is oriented to the combustion chamber window 3. In this embodiment, the focal point 4 and thus also the plasma plasma could be moved further inward, ie into the pre-chamber 5, without any disadvantages for the flame propagation. The advantage of this arrangement is particularly useful in laser concepts where multiple, spatially separated plasma peaks or foci 4 are generated via one and the same coupling optics 22.

In Fig. 4 ist ein Ausführurtgsbeispiel mit zwei Vorkammern 5, 9 dargestellt. Die innere Kammer 5 entspricht der Vorkammer 5 der Varianten der Fig. 2 bzw. 3. Diese schirmt im Wesentlichen das Brennraumfenster 3 bzw. die brennraumseitige Grenzfläche 3a des Brennraumfensters 3 von der Flammenfront bzw. den Verbrennungsgasen ab, indem die Fluidspülung an der inneren Vorkammer 5 ansetzt. Die äußere Kammer 9 dient der Optimierung der Gemischentflammung und des Flammenfortschrittes, wobei durch definierte Bedingungen in Bezug auf die Temperatur und die Strömungsverhältnisse in diesem Teil ein Vorkammereffekt erzielt wird. Der Plasmafunke kann gezielt auf eine optimale Position gelegt werden (innerhalb, an der Öffnung oder Außerhalb der inneren oder äußeren Vorkammer).In Fig. 4 An exemplary embodiment with two prechambers 5, 9 is shown. The inner chamber 5 corresponds to the antechamber 5 of the variants of Fig. 2 3. This essentially shields the combustion chamber window 3 or the combustion chamber-side boundary surface 3a of the combustion chamber window 3 from the flame front or the combustion gases, by attaching the fluid rinse to the inner prechamber 5. The outer chamber 9 serves to optimize the mixture ignition and the flame progress, whereby a Vorkammereffekt is achieved by defined conditions with respect to the temperature and the flow conditions in this part. The plasma funnel can be placed in an optimal position (inside, at the opening or outside the inner or outer antechamber).

In Fig. 5 ist schließlich eine aufwendigere Variante gezeigt. wobei neben der Vorkammer 5 wieder - wie bei Variante der Fig. 4 - eine zweite, äußere Vorkammer 9 vorgesehen ist. Die innere Vorkammer 5 wird zum Schutz des Brennraumfensters 5 mit Fluid gespült, die äußere Vorkammer 9 dient zur Optimierung der Gemischentflammung, die zum Unterschied zu Variante 3 hier mit Treibstoff bzw. Treibstoff/Luftgemisch 10 gespült wird, um eine Auffettung dieses Brennraumteiles zu erreichen. Die Fluidzufuhr an der äußeren Vorkammer 9 erfolgt über einen gesonderten Einlass 25. Die Bezeichnung Spülung bei der äußeren Vorkammer 9 muss nicht bedeuten, dass das gesamte Kammervolumen mit Treibstoff, Treibstoff/Luftgemisch bzw. Treibstoff-Inertgas-Gemisch geflutet bzw. gespült wird, sondern es kann auch ein kleineres Volumen der äußeren Vorkammer 9 damit ausgefüllt werden. Gespülte Vorkammern 9 werden bevorzugt bei großvolumigen Gas-Magermotoren eingesetzt, da durch die idealen Entflammungsbedingungen in diesen Vorkammern 9 sowie durch den intensiven Zündstrahl (Zündfackel), der nach Entflammung des Vorkammervolumens in den Hauptbrennraum 11 eingeleitet wird, sehr magere Gemische mit hoher Zündsicherheit und mit relativ hohen Energieumsatzraten verbrannt werden können. Denkbar wäre es aber auch die äußere Brennkammer 9 mit dem Fluid so zu spülen, dass ein Strom des Fluids zwischen Brennraumfenster 3 und Brennpunkt 4 zustande kommt. In diesem Fall müsste der Brennpunkt 4 entsprechend weiter in den Brennraum 11 verlagert werden.In Fig. 5 Finally, a more elaborate variant is shown. where next to the antechamber 5 again - as in variant of Fig. 4 - A second, outer pre-chamber 9 is provided. The inner pre-chamber 5 is flushed to protect the combustion chamber window 5 with fluid, the outer pre-chamber 9 is used to optimize the mixture flame, which is rinsed here in contrast to variant 3 here with fuel or fuel / air mixture 10 in order to achieve a refining of this combustion chamber part. The fluid supply to the outer pre-chamber 9 via a separate inlet 25. The term flushing at the outer prechamber 9 does not have to mean that the entire chamber volume is flooded or flushed with fuel, fuel / air mixture or fuel-inert gas mixture, but it may also have a smaller volume of the outer pre-chamber 9 so fill out. Flushed pre-chambers 9 are preferably used in large-volume gas-lean engines, as is introduced by the ideal ignition conditions in these atria 9 and by the intense ignition (Zündfackel), which is ignited after ignition of the pre-chamber volume in the main combustion chamber 11, very lean mixtures with high ignition safety and relatively high energy conversion rates can be burned. It would also be conceivable, however, to flush the outer combustion chamber 9 with the fluid in such a way that a flow of the fluid between the combustion chamber window 3 and the focal point 4 takes place. In this case, the focal point 4 would have to be further displaced into the combustion chamber 11 accordingly.

Der Vorteil der Anordnung der Fig. 5 liegt darin, dass im Brennpunkt 4 mittels des Plasmafunken das Treibstoff/Luftgemisch in einem nahezu stöchiometrischen Gemisch gezündet werden kann. Gegenüber sehr mageren Gemischen (beispielsweise Lambda λ bei = 1.7) ist bei einem stöchiometrischen Gemisch nur ein Bruchteil (z.B. 10 %) der minimalen, zur Gemischentflammung erforderlichen Pulsemergie notwendig. Beispielsweise könnte hier mit Pulsenergien von weniger als 1 mJ gearbeitet werden, was nicht nur sehr kostengünstige Lasersysteme ermöglicht, sondern wodurch auch kein "Laserbeschichtungseffekt" mehr auftreten könnte. (Laserbeschichtungseffekt wird die verstärkte Verschmutzung der brennraumseitigen Oberfläche des Brennraumfensters durch die Einwirkung von Laserlicht oberhalb einer bestimmten Schwellintensität und unterhalb der Freibrennintensität genannt).The advantage of the arrangement of Fig. 5 lies in the fact that the fuel / air mixture can be ignited in a nearly stoichiometric mixture at the focal point 4 by means of the plasma spark. Compared with very lean mixtures (for example lambda λ at = 1.7), only a fraction (eg 10%) of the minimum pulse energy required for mixture ignition is necessary for a stoichiometric mixture. For example, it would be possible to work with pulse energies of less than 1 mJ, which not only enables very cost-effective laser systems, but also prevents the occurrence of a "laser-coating effect". (Laser coating effect is called the increased contamination of the combustion chamber side surface of the combustion chamber window by the action of laser light above a certain threshold intensity and below the Freibrennintensität).

Bei der Ausführungsvariante gemäß Fig. 5 kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Brennpunkt bzw. der Plasmafunke in einem Bereich der Vorkammer gezündet wird, wo das Treibstoff-Luftgemisch ein nahezu stöchiometrisches Verbrennungsluftverhältnis aufweist.In the embodiment according to Fig. 5 can be provided that the focal point or the plasma signal is ignited in a region of the prechamber, where the fuel-air mixture has a nearly stoichiometric combustion air ratio.

Bei den gezeigten Ausführungsbeispielen erfolgt die Fluidzufuhr über Fluidzufuhreinrichtungen 6 bzw. 25. Diese sind mit Fluidquellen verbunden (nicht gezeigt). Die Fluidzufuhreinrichtung 6 ist von den Einlassventilen bzw. Auslassventilen gesondert. Die Einlassventile im herkömmlichen Sinn insbesondere für den Treibstoff, sind an anderer Stelle im Brennraum angeordnet. Der Treibstoff wird günstigerweise zum Brennpunkt 4 oder in den Brennraum 11 eingeleitet, nicht aber an das Brennraumfenster 3.In the embodiments shown, the fluid supply via fluid supply means 6 and 25, respectively. These are connected to fluid sources (not shown). The fluid supply device 6 is separate from the intake valves or exhaust valves. The intake valves in the conventional sense, in particular for the fuel, are arranged elsewhere in the combustion chamber. The fuel is conveniently introduced to the focal point 4 or into the combustion chamber 11, but not to the combustion chamber window. 3

Für alle Ausführungsbeispiele kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Laserpuls eine Energie von 0,5 - 1,5 mJ aufweist. Somit kann das Laserzündsystem für diese Pulsenergien ausgelegt sein.For all embodiments, it may be provided that the laser pulse has an energy of 0.5 to 1.5 mJ. Thus, the laser ignition system can be designed for these pulse energies.

Claims (15)

Vorrichtung (10) zur Zündung eines Treibstoff/Luftgemischs im Brennraum (11) einer Brennkraftmaschine, wobei der Brennraum mindestens ein Einlassventil (34) und mindestens ein Auslassventil (35) aufweist, wobei weiters eine Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung (1) zur Abgabe von Laserlicht und ein Brennraumfenster (3) zum Einkoppeln des Laserlichts in einen Brennraum (11) der Brennkraftmaschine vorgesehen sind, gekennzeichnet durch zumindest eine von dem bzw. den Einlassventil(en) (34) gesonderte Fluidzufuhreinrichtung (6), mit der ein Fluid zumindest auf Bereiche der Oberfläche des Brennraumfensters (3) oder zwischen Brennraumfenster (3) und Brennpunkt (4) des Laserlichtes strömbar ist.Device (10) for igniting a fuel / air mixture in the combustion chamber (11) of an internal combustion engine, wherein the combustion chamber has at least one inlet valve (34) and at least one outlet valve (35), wherein further comprises a laser light generating means (1) for emitting laser light and a combustion chamber window (3) for coupling the laser light into a combustion chamber (11) of the internal combustion engine, characterized by at least one of the inlet valve (s) (34) separate fluid supply means (6), with a fluid at least on areas of the surface of the Combustion chamber window (3) or between the combustion chamber window (3) and focal point (4) of the laser light can be flowed. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet durch eine Vorkammer (5), welche zumindest bereichsweise zwischen Brennraumfenster (3) und Brennpunkt (4) des Laserlichtes angeordnet ist.Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by an antechamber (5), which at least partially between the combustion chamber window (3) and focal point (4) of the laser light is arranged. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorkammer (5) zwischen Brennraumfenster (3) und Brennpunkt (4) des Laserlichtes angeordnet ist.Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the pre-chamber (5) between the combustion chamber window (3) and focal point (4) of the laser light is arranged. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2 oder Anspruch 3, gekennzeichnet durch eine weitere Vorkammer (9), welche die erste Vorkammer (5) zumindest bereichsweise umschließt.Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized by a further pre-chamber (9), which surrounds the first pre-chamber (5) at least in regions. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in die zweite Vorkammer (9) ein Fluid einbringbar ist.Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that in the second prechamber (9) a fluid can be introduced. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Fluid, welches in die zweite Vorkammer (9) einbringbar ist, ein Luft /Treibstoffgemisch ist.Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the fluid which is introduced into the second pre-chamber (9), an air / fuel mixture. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Brennkraftmaschine, insbesondere Gasmotor, unter Verwendung einer Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung (1), welche Laserlicht in einen Brennraum (11) der Brennkraftmaschine einbringt, wobei die Laserlichterzeugungseinrichtung (1) ein Brennraumfenster (3) aufweist, über welches das Laserlicht in den Brennraum (11) eingebracht wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass im Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine ein vom Treibstoff gesondertes Fluid auf das Brennraumfenster (3) oder zwischen Brennraumfenster (3) und Brennpunkt des Laserlichtes geleitet wird.Method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular a gas engine, using a laser light generating device (1), which laser light in a combustion chamber (11) of the internal combustion engine, wherein the laser light generating device (1) has a combustion chamber window (3) via which the laser light is introduced into the combustion chamber (11), characterized in that during operation of the internal combustion engine a separate fluid from the fuel the combustion chamber window (3) or between the combustion chamber window (3) and the focal point of the laser light is passed. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Fluid Luft ist.A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the fluid is air. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Fluid ein Gas, vorzugsweise ein Inertgas ist.A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the fluid is a gas, preferably an inert gas. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Fluid unter erhöhtem Druck steht.Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the fluid is under elevated pressure. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 10 unter Verwendung einer Vorrichtung (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11Method according to one of claims 7 to 10 using a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 10 unter Verwendung einer Vorrichtung (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in die zweite Vorkammer (9) ein Luft/Treibstoffgemisch mit einem λ2 unterschiedlich dem λ1 im Brennraum (11) eingebracht wird.Method according to one of claims 7 to 10 using a device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that in the second pre-chamber (9) an air / fuel mixture having a λ 2 different from the λ 1 in the combustion chamber (11 ) is introduced. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verhältnis Luft / Treibstoff λ2 in der Vorkammer (9) niedriger ist, als das Verhältnis Luft /Treibstoff λ1 im Brennraum (11),A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the ratio of air / fuel λ 2 in the pre-chamber (9) is lower than the ratio air / fuel λ 1 in the combustion chamber (11), Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Luft /Treibstoffgemisch in der Vorkammer (9) durch das Laserlicht vorgezündet wird, welches dann das Luft/Treibstoffgemisch im Brennraum (4) zündet.A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the air / fuel mixture in the antechamber (9) is pre-ignited by the laser light, which then ignites the air / fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (4). Brennkraftmaschine mit einer Vorrichtung (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6.Internal combustion engine with a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6.
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AT506200B1 (en) 2009-09-15
EP2072803A3 (en) 2011-01-26
AT506200A1 (en) 2009-07-15
CN101463791A (en) 2009-06-24
US20090159031A1 (en) 2009-06-25
EP2072803B1 (en) 2020-04-22
US7806094B2 (en) 2010-10-05

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