EP3520184B1 - Method for testing a semiconductor spark plug - Google Patents

Method for testing a semiconductor spark plug Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3520184B1
EP3520184B1 EP17783944.6A EP17783944A EP3520184B1 EP 3520184 B1 EP3520184 B1 EP 3520184B1 EP 17783944 A EP17783944 A EP 17783944A EP 3520184 B1 EP3520184 B1 EP 3520184B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spark plug
characteristic
electric
terminal
test method
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EP17783944.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3520184A1 (en
Inventor
David Gino STIFANIC
Joël Yvan Marcel Robert BERTON
Denis Robert Gaston HAUSSAIRE
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Safran Aircraft Engines SAS
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Safran Aircraft Engines SAS
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/58—Testing
    • H01T13/60—Testing of electrical properties
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/52—Sparking plugs characterised by a discharge along a surface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/58—Testing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/20—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation
    • H01T13/38—Selection of materials for insulation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of semiconductor spark plugs fitted to turbomachines used for propelling aircraft.
  • the invention relates more particularly to a method intended to test such a spark plug.
  • Semiconductor spark plugs are widely used to initiate combustion of the air and fuel mixture within the combustion chambers of aircraft turbomachines.
  • spark plugs comprising a central electrode, a ground electrode surrounding the central electrode, and a semiconductor element, of annular shape, interposed between the two electrodes.
  • the ground electrode is electrically and physically in contact with this semiconductor element while there is a small air gap of a few tenths of a millimeter between the central electrode and the semiconductor element.
  • the air present in the air gap then becomes ionized and thus contributes to the formation of an electric arc between the two electrodes. Due to the surface polarization of the semiconductor, the arc “adheres” to the semiconductor independently of the surrounding pressure.
  • Spark plugs of this type thus have the advantage of being able to be supplied at relatively low voltages, typically of the order of 3 kV.
  • the voltage required for supplying such a spark plug is also independent of the internal pressure of the combustion chamber.
  • the document FR 2 960 913 A1 discloses a method of igniting a turbomachine comprising a step of preheating a spark plug, and specifies that under certain icing or wet conditions, a plug of ice or water may cover the exposed surface of the semiconductor .
  • the object of the invention is in particular to provide a simple, economical and effective solution to the above problem.
  • the proposed method thus consists in cracking the spark plug in the presence of a small quantity of water on its head. After intense research, the inventors have in fact noticed that such a test proves to be particularly effective in discriminating the still functional spark plugs from the defective spark plugs. In addition, the use of water in the proposed test method has the advantage of not requiring special precautions to guarantee the safety of operators and not to cause environmental pollution.
  • the first characteristic is the number of electric arcs observed during a predetermined period of time during which the electric voltage is applied.
  • the first characteristic may be the dispersion or absence of dispersion of the water meniscus after a predetermined time.
  • the above two types of characteristics can be cumulatively identified and used to determine the operational or defective character of the spark plug.
  • the step of applying the electrical voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal is preferably implemented by means of a turbomachine ignition unit.
  • the preliminary test step makes it possible to detect the most defective spark plugs and to avoid the implementation of the subsequent steps of the test method for these spark plugs.
  • the second characteristic is preferably the number of electric arcs observed during a predetermined period of time during which the electric voltage is applied.
  • test method according to the invention finds a particularly advantageous application to the test of used spark plugs, but this method can also be used to test new spark plugs, for example at the end of the production line.
  • the figure 1 illustrates a semiconductor spark plug 10 of known type, generally comprising two terminals 12, 14, and a head 16 comprising two electrodes 18, 20 respectively connected to the two terminals 12, 14 and separated from one another. the other by a semiconductor element 22, for example of the semiconductor ceramic type.
  • the spark plug comprises a hollow outer body 30 extending along an axis 32, a hollow intermediate body 34 extending along the axis 32, inside the outer body 30, and an inner body 36 in the general shape of a rod extending along the axis 32, inside the intermediate body 34.
  • the semiconductor element 22 extends in the extension of the intermediate body 34 and in contact with the latter, inside the outer body 30 and around the inner body 36.
  • the outer body 30 comprises a generally cylindrical part 40 having a first end forming one of the electrodes 18, called a “ground electrode”, a second end 42 forming one of the terminals 12, which is thus connected to the control electrode. mass 18, and an annular plate 44 for supporting the spark plug. Spark plugs of other types may alternatively include a thread or any other means allowing the attachment of the spark plug in an engine. Furthermore, terminal 12 externally delimits the entry of a connector of the spark plug.
  • the internal body 36 has a first end forming the other electrode 20, called the "central electrode”, which is surrounded at a distance by the ground electrode 18, and an opposite second end forming the other terminal 14, which is thus connected. at the central electrode 20.
  • the intermediate body 34 comprises a part 50 in contact with the internal body 36, and a part 52 arranged axially at and beyond the terminal 14 formed by the internal body 36 and having an internal diameter enlarged so as to leave a space between this part 52 and the terminal 14 and thus to define externally a bottom part of the connector of the spark plug.
  • the outer 30 and inner 36 bodies are made of an electrically conductive material capable of operating under high temperatures, such as a nickel-based superalloy with low creep at high temperature.
  • the intermediate body 34 is made of an electrically insulating material of ceramic type to guarantee the insulation between the electrodes 18 and 20.
  • the present invention provides a reliable test method for determining whether such a used spark plug 10 is still operational or, on the contrary, the spark plug is to be discarded.
  • the operating voltage of the spark plug 10 is typically of amplitude equal to 3 kV.
  • the water can be in the liquid state or in the frozen state, depending on the operating conditions to be simulated.
  • the spark plug surmounted by the water meniscus is therefore placed under conditions allowing the water to freeze, prior to the implementation of step S2.
  • the deposit of water on the head 16 of the spark plug in step S1 can be implemented manually by an operator, or by means of a controlled or automated device provided for this purpose.
  • the aforementioned first characteristic is the number of electric arcs 62 observed during a predetermined period of time.
  • Step S4 then consists in comparing this number with a theoretical number calculated as a function of the frequency of the voltage applied to the terminals 12, 14 of the spark plug and of the duration of the period of time considered.
  • the comparison between the number of electric arcs 62 observed and the theoretical number preferably consists simply in verifying the absence of misfires of electric arcs during the predetermined period of time.
  • the power of the electric arcs 62 is sufficient to disperse the water meniscus 58 in the first seconds of application of the electric voltage (as illustrated schematically by the 64 water droplets on the figure 5 ).
  • this power is generally insufficient to disperse the water meniscus 58 when the tested spark plug is unfit for service.
  • the first characteristic of the electric arcs 62 identified during the aforementioned step S3 can be the dispersion or the absence of dispersion of the water meniscus 58 after a predetermined time.
  • the quantity of water deposited on the semiconductor element 22 typically represents the volume of two to three drops, and is more generally less than 1 cm 3 .
  • the water can for example be deposited by means of a pipette, or by dipping the head 16 of the candle in a container containing water.
  • the counting of the electric arcs 62 can for example be carried out by means of an optical fiber 66 placed a few centimeters opposite the electrodes 18 and 20 in the axis 32 of the spark plug 10, and an electronic box 68 converting the light produced by electric arcs into electric pulses and counting them.
  • the testing process is terminated and the spark plug is considered to be defective.
  • the test method continues with the implementation of steps S1 to S4.
  • the second characteristic of the electric arcs 70 identified during the preliminary test step S0 is preferably of the same type as the first characteristic of the electric arcs 62 identified during the step S3.
  • the preliminary test step S0 is similar to the sequence of steps S1-S4, except that the semiconductor element is exposed to air in the preliminary test step S0.
  • the preliminary test step S0 therefore offers a simple and rapid means of detecting the most defective spark plugs and of avoiding the implementation of the subsequent steps of the test method for these spark plugs.
  • the subsequent steps S1-S4 allow a finer discrimination between the operational spark plugs and the defective spark plugs, and thus make it possible to optimize the reliability of the test method.
  • step S1 offers the advantage of not requiring any restrictive provisions to guarantee the safety of the operators using it.
  • test method described above in its application to used spark plugs, can also find an application in the validation of unused spark plugs before marketing, that is to say before they are put into service for the first time.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des bougies d'allumage à semi-conducteur équipant les turbomachines servant à la propulsion des aéronefs.The present invention relates to the field of semiconductor spark plugs fitted to turbomachines used for propelling aircraft.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un procédé destiné à tester une telle bougie d'allumage.The invention relates more particularly to a method intended to test such a spark plug.

ÉTAT DE LA TECHNIQUE ANTÉRIEURESTATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Les bougies d'allumage à semi-conducteur sont largement utilisées pour initier la combustion du mélange d'air et de carburant au sein des chambres de combustion des turbomachines d'aéronef.Semiconductor spark plugs are widely used to initiate combustion of the air and fuel mixture within the combustion chambers of aircraft turbomachines.

Il s'agit de bougies comportant une électrode centrale, une électrode de masse entourant l'électrode centrale, et un élément semi-conducteur, de forme annulaire, interposé entre les deux électrodes. L'électrode de masse est électriquement et physiquement en contact avec cet élément semi-conducteur alors qu'il y a un petit entrefer de quelques dixièmes de millimètres entre l'électrode centrale et l'élément semi-conducteur.These are spark plugs comprising a central electrode, a ground electrode surrounding the central electrode, and a semiconductor element, of annular shape, interposed between the two electrodes. The ground electrode is electrically and physically in contact with this semiconductor element while there is a small air gap of a few tenths of a millimeter between the central electrode and the semiconductor element.

Lorsque qu'une tension suffisante est appliquée entre les deux électrodes, l'air présent dans l'entrefer devient alors ionisé et contribue ainsi à la formation d'un arc électrique entre les deux électrodes. De par la polarisation surfacique du semi-conducteur, l'arc « adhère » au semi-conducteur indépendamment de la pression environnante.When a sufficient voltage is applied between the two electrodes, the air present in the air gap then becomes ionized and thus contributes to the formation of an electric arc between the two electrodes. Due to the surface polarization of the semiconductor, the arc “adheres” to the semiconductor independently of the surrounding pressure.

Les bougies d'allumage de ce type présentent ainsi l'avantage de pouvoir être alimentées sous des tensions relativement basses, typiquement de l'ordre de 3 kV. La tension requise pour l'alimentation d'une telle bougie est en outre indépendante de la pression interne de la chambre de combustion.Spark plugs of this type thus have the advantage of being able to be supplied at relatively low voltages, typically of the order of 3 kV. The voltage required for supplying such a spark plug is also independent of the internal pressure of the combustion chamber.

Lorsqu'une défaillance de démarrage est observée sur une turbomachine d'aéronef équipée d'une telle bougie d'allumage, cette dernière est retirée pour être remplacée.When a starting failure is observed on an aircraft turbomachine equipped with such a spark plug, the latter is removed to be replaced.

Toutefois, dans un souci d'économie, il est souhaitable de disposer d'un procédé fiable permettant de déterminer avec un faible taux d'erreur le caractère opérationnel ou défectueux d'une telle bougie d'allumage, de manière à éviter la mise au rebut de bougies encore bonnes pour le service tout en évitant de remettre en service des bougies défectueuses.However, for the sake of economy, it is desirable to have a reliable method making it possible to determine with a low error rate the operational or defective nature of such a spark plug, so as to avoid the setting. discarding spark plugs that are still good for service while avoiding putting defective spark plugs back into service.

Le document FR 2 960 913 A1 divulgue un procédé d'allumage d'une turbomachine comportant une étape de préchauffage d'une bougie d'allumage, et précise que dans certaines conditions givrantes ou humides, un bouchon de glace ou d'eau peut recouvrir la surface exposée du semi-conducteur.The document FR 2 960 913 A1 discloses a method of igniting a turbomachine comprising a step of preheating a spark plug, and specifies that under certain icing or wet conditions, a plug of ice or water may cover the exposed surface of the semiconductor .

Le document US 3 376 367 A divulgue un procédé de test d'érosion d'un matériau semi-conducteur.The document US 3,376,367 A discloses a method for testing the erosion of a semiconductor material.

EXPOSÉ DE L'INVENTIONDISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

L'invention a notamment pour but d'apporter une solution simple, économique et efficace au problème ci-dessus.The object of the invention is in particular to provide a simple, economical and effective solution to the above problem.

Elle propose à cet effet un procédé de test d'une bougie d'allumage à semi-conducteur comprenant deux bornes et une tête comportant deux électrodes respectivement reliées aux deux bornes et séparées l'une de l'autre par un élément semi-conducteur, le procédé comprenant :

  • une étape consistant à déposer de l'eau sur la tête, entre les deux électrodes, de sorte que l'eau forme un ménisque recouvrant l'élément semi-conducteur,
  • une étape consistant à appliquer entre la première borne et la deuxième borne une tension électrique égale à une tension de fonctionnement de la bougie d'allumage,
  • une étape consistant à identifier au moins une caractéristique d'arcs électriques induits entre les électrodes lors de l'application de la tension électrique, et
    • une étape consistant à déterminer le caractère opérationnel ou défectueux de la bougie d'allumage en fonction de la caractéristique des arcs électriques.
For this purpose, it proposes a method for testing a semiconductor spark plug comprising two terminals and a head comprising two electrodes respectively connected to the two terminals and separated from one another by a semiconductor element, the process comprising:
  • a step of depositing water on the head, between the two electrodes, so that the water forms a meniscus covering the semiconductor element,
  • a step of applying between the first terminal and the second terminal an electric voltage equal to an operating voltage of the spark plug,
  • a step consisting in identifying at least one characteristic of electric arcs induced between the electrodes during the application of the electric voltage, and
    • a step of determining the operational or defective character of the spark plug as a function of the characteristic of the electric arcs.

Le procédé proposé consiste ainsi à faire claquer la bougie d'allumage en présence d'une faible quantité d'eau sur sa tête. Après d'intenses recherches, les inventeurs se sont en effet aperçus qu'un tel test se révèle particulièrement efficace pour discriminer les bougies encore fonctionnelles des bougies défectueuses. De plus, l'utilisation d'eau dans le procédé de test proposé présente l'avantage de ne pas requérir de précautions particulières pour garantir la sécurité des opérateurs et de ne pas occasionner de pollution de l'environnement.The proposed method thus consists in cracking the spark plug in the presence of a small quantity of water on its head. After intense research, the inventors have in fact noticed that such a test proves to be particularly effective in discriminating the still functional spark plugs from the defective spark plugs. In addition, the use of water in the proposed test method has the advantage of not requiring special precautions to guarantee the safety of operators and not to cause environmental pollution.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, la première caractéristique est le nombre d'arcs électriques observés pendant un laps de temps prédéterminé durant lequel est appliquée la tension électrique.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first characteristic is the number of electric arcs observed during a predetermined period of time during which the electric voltage is applied.

En variante, la première caractéristique peut être la dispersion ou l'absence de dispersion du ménisque d'eau au bout d'une durée prédéterminée.Alternatively, the first characteristic may be the dispersion or absence of dispersion of the water meniscus after a predetermined time.

En variante encore, les deux types de caractéristiques ci-dessus peuvent être identifiés de manière cumulative et utilisés pour déterminer le caractère opérationnel ou défectueux de la bougie d'allumage.Still alternatively, the above two types of characteristics can be cumulatively identified and used to determine the operational or defective character of the spark plug.

L'étape consistant à appliquer la tension électrique entre la première borne et la deuxième borne est de préférence mise en œuvre au moyen d'un boitier d'allumage de turbomachine.The step of applying the electrical voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal is preferably implemented by means of a turbomachine ignition unit.

Dans le mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, le procédé de test comprend une étape de test préalable, mise en œuvre avant l'étape consistant à déposer de l'eau sur la tête de la bougie d'allumage, et consistant à :

  • appliquer entre la première borne et la deuxième borne une tension électrique égale à la tension de fonctionnement de la bougie d'allumage, l'élément semi-conducteur étant exposé à l'air,
  • identifier au moins une caractéristique d'arcs électriques induits entre les électrodes lors de l'application de la tension électrique, et
  • poursuivre ou arrêter le procédé de test en fonction de la caractéristique des arcs électriques.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the test method comprises a preliminary test step, carried out before the step consisting in depositing water on the head of the spark plug, and consisting in:
  • applying between the first terminal and the second terminal an electrical voltage equal to the operating voltage of the spark plug, the semiconductor element being exposed to air,
  • identify at least one characteristic of electric arcs induced between the electrodes during the application of the electric voltage, and
  • continue or stop the test process depending on the characteristic of the electric arcs.

L'étape de test préalable permet de détecter les bougies d'allumage les plus défectueuse et d'éviter la mise en œuvre des étapes ultérieures du procédé de test pour ces bougies.The preliminary test step makes it possible to detect the most defective spark plugs and to avoid the implementation of the subsequent steps of the test method for these spark plugs.

La deuxième caractéristique est de préférence le nombre d'arcs électriques observés pendant un laps de temps prédéterminé durant lequel est appliquée la tension électrique.The second characteristic is preferably the number of electric arcs observed during a predetermined period of time during which the electric voltage is applied.

Le procédé de test selon l'invention trouve une application particulièrement avantageuse au test de bougies d'allumage usagées, mais ce procédé peut également être utilisé pour tester des bougies d'allumage neuves, par exemple en sortie de chaîne de fabrication.The test method according to the invention finds a particularly advantageous application to the test of used spark plugs, but this method can also be used to test new spark plugs, for example at the end of the production line.

BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

L'invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres détails, avantages et caractéristiques de celle-ci apparaîtront à la lecture de la description suivante faite à titre d'exemple non limitatif et en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en section axiale d'une bougie d'allumage à semi-conducteur;
  • la figure 2 est un diagramme d'un procédé de test applicable à la bougie d'allumage de la figure 1 conformément à un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention ;
  • les figures 3-5 illustrent une tête de la bougie d'allumage, respectivement au cours de différentes étapes du procédé de la figure 2.
The invention will be better understood, and other details, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic view in axial section of a semiconductor spark plug;
  • the figure 2 is a diagram of a test procedure applicable to the spark plug of the figure 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
  • the figures 3-5 illustrate a head of the spark plug, respectively during different stages of the process of the figure 2 .

Dans l'ensemble de ces figures, des références identiques peuvent désigner des éléments identiques ou analogues.In all of these figures, identical references can designate identical or similar elements.

EXPOSÉ DÉTAILLÉ DE MODES DE RÉALISATION PRÉFÉRÉSDETAILED PRESENTATION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

La figure 1 illustre une bougie d'allumage 10 à semi-conducteur de type connu, comprenant de manière générale deux bornes 12, 14, et une tête 16 comportant deux électrodes 18, 20 respectivement reliées aux deux bornes 12, 14 et séparées l'une de l'autre par un élément semi-conducteur 22 par exemple de type céramique semiconductrice.The figure 1 illustrates a semiconductor spark plug 10 of known type, generally comprising two terminals 12, 14, and a head 16 comprising two electrodes 18, 20 respectively connected to the two terminals 12, 14 and separated from one another. the other by a semiconductor element 22, for example of the semiconductor ceramic type.

Plus précisément, la bougie d'allumage comporte un corps externe 30 creux s'étendant selon un axe 32, un corps intermédiaire 34 creux s'étendant selon l'axe 32, à l'intérieur du corps externe 30, et un corps interne 36 en forme générale de tige s'étendant selon l'axe 32, à l'intérieur du corps intermédiaire 34. De plus, l'élément semi-conducteur 22 s'étend dans le prolongement du corps intermédiaire 34 et au contact de ce dernier, à l'intérieur du corps externe 30 et autour du corps interne 36.More specifically, the spark plug comprises a hollow outer body 30 extending along an axis 32, a hollow intermediate body 34 extending along the axis 32, inside the outer body 30, and an inner body 36 in the general shape of a rod extending along the axis 32, inside the intermediate body 34. In addition, the semiconductor element 22 extends in the extension of the intermediate body 34 and in contact with the latter, inside the outer body 30 and around the inner body 36.

Le corps externe 30 comporte une partie globalement cylindrique 40 présentant une première extrémité formant l'une des électrodes 18, dite « électrode de masse », une seconde extrémité 42 formant l'une des bornes 12, qui est ainsi reliée à l'électrode de masse 18, et une platine annulaire 44 de support de la bougie. Des bougies d'autres types peuvent en variante comporter un filetage ou tout autre moyen permettant la fixation de la bougie dans un moteur. Par ailleurs, la borne 12 délimite extérieurement l'entrée d'un connecteur de la bougie d'allumage.The outer body 30 comprises a generally cylindrical part 40 having a first end forming one of the electrodes 18, called a “ground electrode”, a second end 42 forming one of the terminals 12, which is thus connected to the control electrode. mass 18, and an annular plate 44 for supporting the spark plug. Spark plugs of other types may alternatively include a thread or any other means allowing the attachment of the spark plug in an engine. Furthermore, terminal 12 externally delimits the entry of a connector of the spark plug.

Le corps interne 36 présente une première extrémité formant l'autre électrode 20, dite « électrode centrale », qui est entourée à distance par l'électrode de masse 18, et une seconde extrémité opposée formant l'autre borne 14, qui est ainsi reliée à l'électrode centrale 20.The internal body 36 has a first end forming the other electrode 20, called the "central electrode", which is surrounded at a distance by the ground electrode 18, and an opposite second end forming the other terminal 14, which is thus connected. at the central electrode 20.

Le corps intermédiaire 34 comporte une partie 50 en contact avec le corps interne 36, et une partie 52 agencée axialement au niveau et au-delà de la borne 14 formée par le corps interne 36 et présentant un diamètre intérieur élargi de manière à ménager un espace entre cette partie 52 et la borne 14 et à délimiter ainsi extérieurement une partie de fond du connecteur de la bougie d'allumage.The intermediate body 34 comprises a part 50 in contact with the internal body 36, and a part 52 arranged axially at and beyond the terminal 14 formed by the internal body 36 and having an internal diameter enlarged so as to leave a space between this part 52 and the terminal 14 and thus to define externally a bottom part of the connector of the spark plug.

Les corps externe 30 et interne 36 sont réalisés en un matériau conducteur de l'électricité et apte à opérer sous de fortes températures, tel qu'un superalliage à base de nickel à faible fluage à haute température. Le corps intermédiaire 34 est réalisé en un matériau électriquement isolant de type céramique pour garantir l'isolation entre les électrodes 18 et 20.The outer 30 and inner 36 bodies are made of an electrically conductive material capable of operating under high temperatures, such as a nickel-based superalloy with low creep at high temperature. The intermediate body 34 is made of an electrically insulating material of ceramic type to guarantee the insulation between the electrodes 18 and 20.

Comme expliqué ci-dessus, lorsque qu'une tension suffisante est appliquée aux bornes 12 et 14 d'une telle bougie d'allumage au sein d'une chambre de combustion de turbomachine, un faible courant électrique parcourt l'élément semi-conducteur 22 et favorise l'ionisation du mélange d'air et de carburant près de la bougie, favorisant ainsi la formation d'arcs électriques 56 entre les deux électrodes 18 et 20.As explained above, when sufficient voltage is applied to terminals 12 and 14 of such a spark plug within a turbomachine combustion chamber, a low electric current flows through the semiconductor element 22. and promotes ionization of the mixture of air and fuel near the spark plug, thereby promoting the formation of electric arcs 56 between the two electrodes 18 and 20.

En fonctionnement, il est généralement souhaitable d'obtenir une série de tels arcs électriques. Par conséquent, une tension discontinue ou variable est appliquée aux bornes 12 et 14 de la bougie de manière à soumettre lesdites bornes par intermittence à une tension d'un niveau suffisant pour déclencher une décharge électrique.In operation, it is generally desirable to obtain a series of such electric arcs. Consequently, a discontinuous or variable voltage is applied to the terminals 12 and 14 of the spark plug so as to subject said terminals by intermittently at a voltage of sufficient level to trigger an electric shock.

Lorsqu'un problème de démarrage a été détecté sur une turbomachine en fonctionnement, la ou les bougies d'allumage équipant la turbomachine sont démontées.When a starting problem has been detected on a turbomachine in operation, the spark plug or plugs fitted to the turbomachine are removed.

La présente invention propose un procédé de test fiable permettant de déterminer si une telle bougie d'allumage 10 usagée est encore opérationnelle ou si au contraire la bougie d'allumage est à mettre au rebut.The present invention provides a reliable test method for determining whether such a used spark plug 10 is still operational or, on the contrary, the spark plug is to be discarded.

Le procédé de test selon l'invention comprend en particulier :

  • une étape S1 consistant à déposer de l'eau sur la tête 16 de la bougie, entre les deux électrodes 18 et 20, de sorte que l'eau forme un ménisque 58 recouvrant l'élément semi-conducteur 22 (figures 2 et 4),
  • une étape S2 consistant à appliquer entre la première borne 12 et la deuxième borne 14 une tension électrique égale à une tension de fonctionnement de la bougie d'allumage 10, par exemple au moyen d'un boitier d'allumage de turbomachine 60 (illustré très schématiquement sur les figures 3-5),
  • une étape S3 consistant à identifier au moins une première caractéristique d'arcs électriques 62 induits entre les électrodes 18, 20 lors de l'application de la tension électrique (figures 2 et 5), et
  • une étape S4 consistant à déterminer le caractère opérationnel ou défectueux de la bougie d'allumage 10 en fonction de la première caractéristique des arcs électriques 62.
The test method according to the invention comprises in particular:
  • a step S1 consisting in depositing water on the head 16 of the spark plug, between the two electrodes 18 and 20, so that the water forms a meniscus 58 covering the semiconductor element 22 ( figures 2 and 4 ),
  • a step S2 consisting in applying between the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 an electrical voltage equal to an operating voltage of the spark plug 10, for example by means of a turbomachine ignition unit 60 (illustrated very schematically on figures 3-5 ),
  • a step S3 consisting in identifying at least a first characteristic of electric arcs 62 induced between the electrodes 18, 20 during the application of the electric voltage ( figures 2 and 5 ), and
  • a step S4 consisting in determining the operational or defective character of the spark plug 10 as a function of the first characteristic of the electric arcs 62.

La tension de fonctionnement de la bougie d'allumage 10 est typiquement d'amplitude égale à 3 kV.The operating voltage of the spark plug 10 is typically of amplitude equal to 3 kV.

Au moment de la mise en œuvre de l'étape S2, l'eau peut être à l'état liquide ou à l'état gelé, en fonction des conditions de fonctionnement à simuler. Dans le cas d'eau gelée, la bougie d'allumage surmontée du ménisque d'eau est donc placée dans des conditions permettant le gel de l'eau, préalablement à la mise en œuvre de l'étape S2.At the time of the implementation of step S2, the water can be in the liquid state or in the frozen state, depending on the operating conditions to be simulated. In the case of frozen water, the spark plug surmounted by the water meniscus is therefore placed under conditions allowing the water to freeze, prior to the implementation of step S2.

Dans tous les cas, le dépôt de l'eau sur la tête 16 de la bougie dans l'étape S1 peut être mis en œuvre manuellement par un opérateur, ou au moyen d'un dispositif commandé ou automatisé prévu à cet effet.In all cases, the deposit of water on the head 16 of the spark plug in step S1 can be implemented manually by an operator, or by means of a controlled or automated device provided for this purpose.

Dans le mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, la première caractéristique précitée est le nombre d'arcs électriques 62 observés pendant un laps de temps prédéterminé. L'étape S4 consiste alors à comparer ce nombre à un nombre théorique calculé en fonction de la fréquence de la tension appliquée aux bornes 12, 14 de la bougie et de la durée du laps de temps considéré.In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned first characteristic is the number of electric arcs 62 observed during a predetermined period of time. Step S4 then consists in comparing this number with a theoretical number calculated as a function of the frequency of the voltage applied to the terminals 12, 14 of the spark plug and of the duration of the period of time considered.

De plus, la comparaison entre le nombre d'arcs électriques 62 observés et le nombre théorique consiste de préférence simplement à vérifier l'absence de ratés d'arcs électriques pendant le laps de temps prédéterminé.In addition, the comparison between the number of electric arcs 62 observed and the theoretical number preferably consists simply in verifying the absence of misfires of electric arcs during the predetermined period of time.

Dans le cas d'une bougie d'allumage opérationnelle, il est à noter que la puissance des arcs électriques 62 est suffisante pour disperser le ménisque d'eau 58 dans les premières secondes d'application de la tension électrique (comme illustré schématiquement par les gouttelettes d'eau 64 sur la figure 5). Au contraire, cette puissance est en général insuffisante pour disperser le ménisque d'eau 58 lorsque la bougie d'allumage testée est inapte pour le service.In the case of an operational spark plug, it should be noted that the power of the electric arcs 62 is sufficient to disperse the water meniscus 58 in the first seconds of application of the electric voltage (as illustrated schematically by the 64 water droplets on the figure 5 ). On the contrary, this power is generally insufficient to disperse the water meniscus 58 when the tested spark plug is unfit for service.

À cet égard, en variante, la première caractéristique des arcs électriques 62 identifiée au cours de l'étape S3 précitée peut être la dispersion ou l'absence de dispersion du ménisque d'eau 58 au bout d'une durée prédéterminée.In this regard, as a variant, the first characteristic of the electric arcs 62 identified during the aforementioned step S3 can be the dispersion or the absence of dispersion of the water meniscus 58 after a predetermined time.

Par ailleurs, la quantité d'eau déposée sur l'élément semi-conducteur 22 représente typiquement le volume de deux à trois gouttes, et est plus généralement inférieure à 1 cm3. L'eau peut par exemple être déposée au moyen d'une pipette, ou par trempage de la tête 16 de la bougie dans un récipient contenant de l'eau.Furthermore, the quantity of water deposited on the semiconductor element 22 typically represents the volume of two to three drops, and is more generally less than 1 cm 3 . The water can for example be deposited by means of a pipette, or by dipping the head 16 of the candle in a container containing water.

Le comptage des arcs électriques 62 peut par exemple être réalisé au moyen d'une fibre optique 66 placée à quelques centimètres en regard des électrodes 18 et 20 dans l'axe 32 de la bougie d'allumage 10, et d'un boitier électronique 68 convertissant la lumière produite par les arcs électriques en impulsions électriques et comptant ces dernières.The counting of the electric arcs 62 can for example be carried out by means of an optical fiber 66 placed a few centimeters opposite the electrodes 18 and 20 in the axis 32 of the spark plug 10, and an electronic box 68 converting the light produced by electric arcs into electric pulses and counting them.

Dans le mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, le procédé de test comporte une étape de test préalable S0 (figures 2 et 3) mise en œuvre avant l'étape S1 consistant à déposer de l'eau sur la tête 16. Cette étape de test préalable S0 consiste à :

  • appliquer entre la première borne 12 et la deuxième borne 14 une tension électrique égale à la tension de fonctionnement de la bougie d'allumage 10, l'élément semi-conducteur 22 étant exposé à l'air (sous-étape S0-A),
  • identifier au moins une deuxième caractéristique d'arcs électriques 70 induits entre les électrodes 18, 20 lors de l'application de la tension électrique (sous-étape S0-B), et
  • poursuivre ou arrêter le procédé de test en fonction de la caractéristique des arcs électriques 70 (sous-étape S0-C).
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the test method comprises a preliminary test step S0 ( figures 2 and 3 ) implementation before step S1 consisting in depositing water on the head 16. This preliminary test step S0 consists in:
  • apply between the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 an electrical voltage equal to the operating voltage of the spark plug 10, the semiconductor element 22 being exposed to air (substep S0-A),
  • identify at least a second characteristic of electric arcs 70 induced between the electrodes 18, 20 during the application of the electric voltage (sub-step S0-B), and
  • continuing or stopping the test method as a function of the characteristic of the electric arcs 70 (sub-step S0-C).

Ainsi, si la deuxième caractéristique des arcs électriques 70 diffère d'une caractéristique attendue, le procédé de test est terminé et la bougie d'allumage est considérée comme défectueuse. En revanche, si la deuxième caractéristique des arcs électriques 70 est conforme à la caractéristique attendue, le procédé de test se poursuit par la mise en œuvre des étapes S1 à S4.Thus, if the second characteristic of the electric arcs 70 differs from an expected characteristic, the testing process is terminated and the spark plug is considered to be defective. On the other hand, if the second characteristic of the electric arcs 70 conforms to the expected characteristic, the test method continues with the implementation of steps S1 to S4.

La deuxième caractéristique des arcs électriques 70 identifiée au cours de l'étape de test préalable S0 est de préférence de même type que la première caractéristique des arcs électriques 62 identifiée au cours de l'étape S3. Dans ce cas, l'étape de test préalable S0 est similaire à l'enchaînement des étapes S1-S4, à cette différence près que l'élément semi-conducteur est exposé à l'air dans l'étape de test préalable S0.The second characteristic of the electric arcs 70 identified during the preliminary test step S0 is preferably of the same type as the first characteristic of the electric arcs 62 identified during the step S3. In this case, the preliminary test step S0 is similar to the sequence of steps S1-S4, except that the semiconductor element is exposed to air in the preliminary test step S0.

L'étape de test préalable S0 offre donc un moyen simple et rapide de détecter les bougies d'allumage les plus défectueuse et d'éviter la mise en œuvre des étapes ultérieures du procédé de test pour ces bougies. Au contraire, les étapes ultérieures S1-S4 permettent une discrimination plus fine entre les bougies d'allumage opérationnelles et les bougies défectueuses, et permettent ainsi d'optimiser la fiabilité du procédé de test.The preliminary test step S0 therefore offers a simple and rapid means of detecting the most defective spark plugs and of avoiding the implementation of the subsequent steps of the test method for these spark plugs. On the contrary, the subsequent steps S1-S4 allow a finer discrimination between the operational spark plugs and the defective spark plugs, and thus make it possible to optimize the reliability of the test method.

De plus, l'utilisation d'eau dans l'étape S1 offre l'avantage de ne pas requérir de dispositions contraignantes pour garantir la sécurité des opérateurs le mettant en œuvre.In addition, the use of water in step S1 offers the advantage of not requiring any restrictive provisions to guarantee the safety of the operators using it.

Il est à noter que le procédé de test, décrit ci-dessus dans son application à des bougies d'allumage usagées, peut également trouver une application dans la validation de bougies d'allumage non usagées avant commercialisation, c'est-à-dire avant leur première mise en service.It should be noted that the test method, described above in its application to used spark plugs, can also find an application in the validation of unused spark plugs before marketing, that is to say before they are put into service for the first time.

Claims (7)

  1. Method for testing a semiconductor spark plug (10) comprising two terminals (12, 14) and a head (16) comprising two electrodes (18, 20) each connected to one of the two terminals and separated from each other by a semiconducting element (22), the method comprising:
    - a step (S1) consisting of depositing water on the head (16) between the two electrodes (18, 20), such that the water forms a water meniscus (58) covering the semiconducting element (22),
    - a step (S2) consisting of applying an electric voltage equal to an operating voltage of the spark plug (10) between the first terminal (12) and the second terminal (14),
    - a step (S3) consisting of identifying at least a first characteristic of the electric arcs (62) induced between the electrodes (18, 20) when the electric voltage is applied, and
    - a step (S4) consisting of determining the operational or defective nature of the spark plug (10) depending on the first characteristic of the electric arcs (62).
  2. Test method according to claim 1, wherein the first characteristic is the number of electric arcs (62) observed during a predetermined time period during which the electric voltage is applied.
  3. Test method according to claim 1, wherein the first characteristic is the dispersion or absence of dispersion of the water meniscus (58) at the end of a predetermined duration.
  4. Test method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step (S2) consisting of applying an electric voltage between the first terminal (12) and the second terminal (14) is preferably implemented by means of a turbomachine ignition box (68).
  5. Test method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a preliminary test step (S0) implemented before the step (S1) consisting of depositing water on the head (16), and consisting of:
    - applying an electric voltage between the first terminal (12) and the second terminal (14) equal to the operating voltage of the spark plug (10), the semiconducting element (22) being exposed to air,
    - identifying at least one second characteristic of electric arcs (70) induced between the electrodes (18, 20) when the electric voltage is applied, and
    - continuing or stopping the test method depending on the second characteristic of the electric arcs (70).
  6. Test method according to claim 5, wherein the second characteristic is the number of electric arcs (70) observed during a predetermined time period during which the electric voltage is applied.
  7. Test method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the spark plug (10) is a used plug.
EP17783944.6A 2016-09-30 2017-09-27 Method for testing a semiconductor spark plug Active EP3520184B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1659424A FR3057113B1 (en) 2016-09-30 2016-09-30 METHOD FOR TESTING A SEMICONDUCTOR IGNITION CANDLE
PCT/FR2017/052596 WO2018060592A1 (en) 2016-09-30 2017-09-27 Method for testing a semiconductor spark plug

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Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3238447A (en) * 1961-08-15 1966-03-01 Gen Motors Corp Igniter plug with spark-sensing means
US3376367A (en) * 1965-08-16 1968-04-02 Gen Motors Corp Method of manufacturing a spark gap semiconductor
JP4369963B2 (en) * 2007-06-22 2009-11-25 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Inspecting method of insulator for spark plug
EP2159583A1 (en) * 2008-08-29 2010-03-03 ODERSUN Aktiengesellschaft System and method for localizing and passivating defects in a photovoltaic element
US7923910B2 (en) * 2008-12-05 2011-04-12 Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Spark plug having a metallic shell with defined relationship between its outer and inner surfaces
FR2960913B1 (en) * 2010-06-04 2012-07-13 Snecma PREHEATING AN IGNITION CANDLE
FR2980575B1 (en) 2011-09-26 2013-10-18 Snecma METHOD FOR DETERMINING A COMBUSTION CHAMBER IGNITION SPARK PLUG POSITIONING AREA AND ASSOCIATED COMBUSTION CHAMBER
FR3017255B1 (en) 2014-02-03 2017-10-13 Snecma SEMICONDUCTOR IGNITION CANDLE FOR AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE, INCLUDING ECOPES FOR THE EVACUATION OF POSSIBLE FUEL RELIQUATES
US10120015B2 (en) * 2015-01-30 2018-11-06 Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Method for inspecting insulator for spark plug

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Title
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EP3520184A1 (en) 2019-08-07
US20190229502A1 (en) 2019-07-25
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US10855058B2 (en) 2020-12-01
FR3057113B1 (en) 2018-12-07

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