Autoignition Control of Fuel and Air Mixtures Using Photochemical Isomerization

Autoignition control of fuel and air mixtures via photochemical isomerization was simulated using chemical kinetic calculations for the ignition of 1,3-cyclohexadiene diluted in n-pentane. The calculations showed that ignition in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine may be controlled if the fuel is photochemically isomerized using light irradiation prior to the combustion process. The calculations illustrate how photochemical reactions may be applied to fuels, to control the combustion process in engines. The theoretical energy required to achieve the photochemical conversion, based on the quantum conversion, constitutes 0.3% of the fuel energy, which may be offset by increased engine efficiency resulting from ignition timing control.