Plasma Bursts Could Replace Sparks in Car Engines

[Hokiefyd]

Could the traditional spark plug soon be replaced with plasma?

FoxNews article

 

[Nick R]

I'm more interested in hcci technologies, if you don't know what that is it basically is a gas engine that works like a diesel.

 

[justinf89]

I think it will be lasers

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: justinf89
I think it will be lasers


Agreed, lasers are cool...

http://youtu.be/Bh7bYNAHXxw

 

[Quest]

plasma is cool but that would take some time to perfect.

Similar to that electronic solenoid driven intake/exhaust valvetrain configurations: technologically-advance (huge potential), but difficult to implement (cost, longevity and reliability shall always be a concern).

Maybe this may happen in my lifetime?

Q.

 

[mopar_monkey]

a new plug costs me $3, how much will it be when my plasma igniter fouls out?

 

[Shannow]

I thought that the spark kernel was actually plasma in the first place.

 

[L_Sludger]

"Phased plasma ignition in the 40 watt range"

 

[Hermann]

Originally Posted By: mopar_monkey
a new plug costs me $3, how much will it be when my plasma igniter fouls out?



My thoughts exactly

 

[Popinski]

Good bye NGK and Champion....

 

[KrisZ]

First it was the "freaking" lasers and now plasma

 

[Ryan]

Originally Posted By: L_Sludger
"Phased plasma ignition in the 40 watt range"


Hey its just what you see pal!

 

[mechtech2]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
I thought that the spark kernel was actually plasma in the first place.


So did I. And the spark in any wires follows a plasma field, not through the wire like we think.

 

[artificialist]

Sure, new spark plugs may cost $3 new, but what about the other stuff in a modern ignition? Having to replace some individual coils or coil packs can get costly.

The price of the plasma stuff might not be too bad.