Lasers to replace spark plugs?

[Pops900]

Two things I can think of in my 'non-expertise' of lasers:
- how will the lens remain clean?
- how long will the ending target surface (what solid object the laser runs into) last?
If the same spot gets hit over and over, seems like it would weaken that part of the cylinder wall or piston top.

As far as burning leaner fuel producing less NOx, well, yes it's true, but I believe you will also have less power produced? So you need more fuel to produce the same horsepower output hence the same NOx totals?

It's an interesting concept and would be good to hear their final results. I would imagine that I will not see them in my lifetime since the current spark plugs are pretty cheap and not replaced very often. My Jeep has 80K miles and I have only changed the plugs once. By the time the lasers are of commercial distribution, we will be driving electric cars?

Let's be careful out there,
Pops and Carlito

[cowancom]

Check out Ecomotors. Laser spark induction. 500ft lbs of tourque from a 1.5 liter displacment. Signed a contract with navistar. You can run one in front-one in rear or place them in series. Indy racing is in development.

EcoMotors

EcoMotors, With Navistar as a Customer, Pushes Forward With New Engine | Xconomy

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by Pops900

Two things I can think of in my 'non-expertise' of lasers:
- how will the lens remain clean?
- how long will the ending target surface (what solid object the laser runs into) last?
If the same spot gets hit over and over, seems like it would weaken that part of the cylinder wall or piston top.

As far as burning leaner fuel producing less NOx, well, yes it's true, but I believe you will also have less power produced? So you need more fuel to produce the same horsepower output hence the same NOx totals?

As per the article, the laser(s) can be focused to specific points within the combustion chamber. So the bulk of their energy would be focused on igniting the air/fuel mixture, not on the cylinder wall.

The scheme also claims to produce a more efficient and complete combustion, therefore producing fewer NOx compounds. More efficient combustion also means a leaner mix can produce equal HP.

[gbryers]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

As per the article, the laser(s) can be focused to specific points within the combustion chamber. So the bulk of their energy would be focused on igniting the air/fuel mixture, not on the cylinder wall.

That will certainly change the nature of a tune-up - instead of cleaning and re-gapping the plug, you will need to re-focus the lasers. A job, by the sound of it, for a TV technician more than mechanic, but it will certainly be interesting to watch this develop!

[deepblueQ]

Whoa, wait a minute here... The article says running leaner gives lower NOx emissions. It actually gives higher NOx emissions. It's the more complete combustion that laser ignition would have potential for that would lower NOx (and CO, and HC) drastically.

[NCC1701]

But, don't you mean a leaner mix produces more NOx with conventional plugs, because they aren't designed for it?

[deepblueQ]

Leaner mix means more O2 left over to combine with atmospheric nitrogen (most of what your car actually breathes, remember) therefore more NOx.

[RCRsmart]

Originally Posted by Kermit

I want a shark with a laser beam attached to its friggin head.

I was hoping someone would post an Austin Powers reference