Mid-IR fiber optic sensors for internal combustion engines

Matthew J. Hall

doi:10.1117/12.372805

10 December 1999 Mid-IR fiber optic sensors for internal combustion engines

Matthew J. Hall

Proceedings Volume 3849, Infrared Optical Fibers and Their Applications; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.372805
Event: Photonics East '99, 1999, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Environmental regulations are driving development of cleaner spark ignition, diesel, and gas turbine engines. Emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, NOx, and CO can be affected by the characteristics of the mixing of the fuel with air in the engine, and by the amount of exhaust gas recirculated to the engine intake. Fiber optic sensors have been developed that can measure the local fuel concentration in the combustion chamber of a spark ignition engine near the spark plug. The sensors detect the absorption of 3.4 micrometer radiation corresponding to the strongest absorption band common to all hydrocarbons. The sensors have been applied to both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon fuels, and liquid fuels injected directly into the engine combustion chamber. The sensors use white light sources and are designed to detect the absorption throughout the entire band minimizing calibration problems associated with pressure and temperature broadening. Other sensors can detect the concentration of CO2 in the engine intake manifold providing time-resolved measurement of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Proper EGR levels are critical for achieving low engine-out emissions of NOx while maintaining acceptable engine performance.

Citation Download Citation

Matthew J. Hall "Mid-IR fiber optic sensors for internal combustion engines", Proc. SPIE 3849, Infrared Optical Fibers and Their Applications, (10 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.372805

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