Form 9B Proposal Summary
NASA SBIR 98-1 SOLICITATION
FORM 9B - PROJECT SUMMARY
PROPOSAL NUMBER 98-1 05.02-2723 (Chron: 980715)
PROJECT TITLE
Catalytic Ignition System
TECHNICAL ABST CT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The catalytic ignition (CI) system will benefit NASA's General Aviation Propulsion
Plan. With no moving parts, the Cl or "SmartPlug" replaces magnetos, high
tension leads and plugs and represents revolutionary rather than evolutionary component
innovation. The core technology is a pre-heated catalyst on a ceramic rod mounted in a
small pre-combustion chamber. Heating of the catalyst is accomplished by an embedded DC
heater. The SmartPlug consists of a hollow metallic threaded body with flame nozzles and
prechamber which installs in replacement of spark plugs. The replaceable catalytic heating
element initiates combustion and controls timing. Compression ignition is induced by timed
catalytic reduction of the pre-chamber's activation energy producing almost instantaneous
combustion in the pre-chamber. Multiple high velocity torches (flames) propagate toward
the center of the cylinder. This combines the best features of Otto and Diesel cycles
creating a more complete combustion than possible with spark, hot surface or straight
combustion ignition. The Cl is the only ignition which can selectively ionize fuel and
oxygen prior to gaseous combustion. These reactions not only lead to more complete
combustion (allowing ultra-lean burn) but also provide in-cylinder reduction of NOx. Once
combustion is initiated, self-sustaining operation is possible without outside energy
input.
Phase I Technical Objectives
The overall objectives of Phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility of CI ignition by
operation of prototype units in a Continental aircraft engine. Specific objectives are:
1. Operate the Continental 0-200 engine with CI over a range of operating conditions.
Operating conditions will include testing on 1OOLL avgas (general aviation standard),
MOGAS (military unleaded gasoline)and JP Other and "heavy" fuels.
2. Establish quantitative improvements in efficiencies over conventions ignition systems
using the CI.
3. Establish that initial and life cyle costs of the CI system are at least 50% lower than
conventional ignition systems.
4. Prepare a plan for Phase II implementation based upon successful completion of
objectives.
Meeting Phase I objectives will require the completion of tasks integral to the test
and evaluation process. These specific tasks are:
1. Fabrication of CI to meet existing spark plug dimensions
2. Configuring aircraft test cell, engine and stand
3. Operation of test engine with CI
a. determination of thermal and catalytic timing requirements
b. balance of catalytic elements 'in two ignitor heads
c. comparability with I OOLL (avgas) and auto pump gas
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