Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a plasma ignition system having an in-cylinder dielectric barrier-discharge igniter, and a direct-injection fuel injector having an in-cylinder fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle protrudes into the combustion chamber proximal to the igniter. A controller operatively connects to the internal combustion engine, the plasma ignition system and the fuel injection system. The controller controls the internal combustion engine at an air/fuel ratio that is lean of stoichiometry. The fuel injector injects a first fuel pulse prior to activation of the igniter, and then the igniter initiates a plasma energy pulse. The fuel injector is controlled to inject a second fuel pulse during the plasma energy pulse.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a plasma ignition system having an in-cylinder dielectric barrier-discharge igniter, and a direct-injection fuel injector having an in-cylinder fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle protrudes into the combustion chamber proximal to the igniter. A controller operatively connects to the internal combustion engine, the plasma ignition system and the fuel injection system. The controller controls the internal combustion engine at an air/fuel ratio that is lean of stoichiometry. The fuel injector injects a first fuel pulse prior to activation of the igniter, and then the igniter initiates a plasma energy pulse. The fuel injector is controlled to inject a second fuel pulse during the plasma energy pulse.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a combustion chamber therein, and a cylinder head mated to the cylinder block such that the cylinder head covers the combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine also includes a fuel nozzle configured for injecting a fuel into the combustion chamber and a plasma igniter configured for ejecting a plasma into the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel. The plasma igniter extends through the cylinder head and protrudes into the combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine further includes a dielectric coating disposed on the cylinder head. A vehicle including the internal combustion engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for a swirl flow two valve spark ignition direct injection engine includes a cylinder with a closed end having a wedge shaped combustion chamber recess. A fuel injector extends through the closed end near a shallow side of the wedge recess. A spark plug extends through the closed end at a deeper part of the wedge recess opposite from the injector. A single pair of laterally spaced intake and exhaust valves control intake and exhaust ports opening into the wedge recess. A piston in the cylinder has an outer diameter and includes a head end having a raised pedestal with a shallow upwardly angled face ending at a raised ridge and enclosing a shallow bowl in the head end. The bowl is generally oval with a major dimension generally aligned with a cylinder centerline through the valves.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for a swirl flow two valve spark ignition direct injection engine includes a cylinder with a closed end having a wedge shaped combustion chamber recess. A fuel injector extends through the closed end near a shallow side of the wedge recess. A spark plug extends through the closed end at a deeper part of the wedge recess opposite from the injector. A single pair of laterally spaced intake and exhaust valves control intake and exhaust ports opening into the wedge recess. A piston in the cylinder has an outer diameter and includes a head end having a raised pedestal with a shallow upwardly angled face ending at a raised ridge and enclosing a shallow bowl in the head end. The bowl is generally oval with a major dimension generally aligned with a cylinder centerline through the valves.