Patent ID: 6637393
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: F02B,F02D,F02P,Y02T

Abstract:
Apparatus for controlling compression ignition of a homogeneous air fuel charge in a piston engine, the apparatus comprising:a variable volume combustion chamber defined in part by a movable piston having compression and expansion motions; means for providing a homogeneous air fuel mixture in the combustion chamber prior to completion of the piston compression motion; a defined volume forming a portion of the combustion chamber defined by a recess having a substantial wall area and a side in open communication with the remainder of the chamber; and a heater element disposed on a major portion of the recess wall area and forming a hot spot in the recess capable of variably heating compressed air fuel mixtures therein to controlled temperatures able to initiate compression ignition of the variable lean mixtures in the hot spot and to complete combustion of the lean mixtures in the combustion chamber over a wide range of lean combustion conditions.