Ford Developing Laser Ignition

Mr Hardware · 16-07-2009, 01:42 PM

For a totally different spin on the term 'Ford Laser'

Quote:

Ford Motor Co. and researchers at the University of Liverpool are developing a car ignition system that swaps spark plugs for a laser beam to start vehicles while generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Read more here

Buzz Box · 16-07-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Ford Developing Laser Ignition to Cut Exhaust Emissions
By Tilde Herrera
July 14, 2009

Ford Motor Co. and researchers at the University of Liverpool are developing a car ignition system that swaps spark plugs for a laser beam to start vehicles while generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

The team has just received nearly £200,000 (US$320,000) in grants to test the technology from the Carbon Trust, a government funded entity charged with helping businesses in the transition to a low carbon economy. The award is part of the Carbon Trust’s Applied Research grant that supports the development of low carbon technologies.

Ford reportedly plans to install the laser ignitions in a select range of vehicles in the next few years before expanding the laser ignitions on a larger scale. The technology works like this: The laser is quickly directed toward the combustion chamber where the fuel is most concentrated, allowing the engine to run on a more efficient mix of fuel and air. Bigger diameter valves that improve engine gas flow could be used in such a system because the thin fiber optic cable delivering the laser beam is smaller than a spark plug. The laser is also more reliable than a traditional spark plug.

The laser ignition may also overcome a significant barrier to widespread adoption of biofuels -- starting the vehicle when the engine is cold. According to the Telegraph, reflecting part of the laser back from inside the cylinder can deliver information on fuel type and ignition level to allow vehicles to optimally adjust the air/fuel mix.

“Laser ignition is a really exciting technology because it improves the efficiency of petrol cars and could, in the future, speed the uptake of cars run on biofuels derived from sustainable organic materials such as algae,” Mark Williamson, the Carbon Trust’s director of innovations, said in a statement.

For the lazy people lol

JOHNNOSF6 · 16-07-2009, 02:08 PM

Amazing what they are coming up with

alecrain · 16-07-2009, 02:21 PM

Good on them, I think it's worth investing in new technologies, they might open new possibilities in the future...

Wretched · 16-07-2009, 02:23 PM

nice, now all that they need is to implement cam less engines

Mr Hardware · 16-07-2009, 02:43 PM

pushrod?
i think that's been done...

Wretched · 16-07-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

pushrod?
i think that's been done...

still has a cam in the middle of the block.
I was talking more about solenoids actuating the valves.
I think Renault at one stage were researching this technology for their F1 program.

Streets · 16-07-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzz Box

For the lazy people lol

Ta mate, much appreciated

This is great, can't wait to see what kind of technologies they're going to have in cars in the near future. I just wish they'd drop this whole climate thing. If I hear the words "greenhouse gas emissions" one more time I'm going to kick myself in the back of the head.

Powdered Toast Man · 16-07-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wretched

still has a cam in the middle of the block.
I was talking more about solenoids actuating the valves.
I think Renault at one stage were researching this technology for their F1 program.

I think BMW were working on solenoid actuated valves a few year back too.

I think they may use a mix nowadays for variable timing using a cam and solinoids. Or are working on it. I know iI read it somewhere!!

**Peuty** · 16-07-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

pushrod?
i think that's been done...

You do know what a pushrod's job is don't you?

LOCO XP · 16-07-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peuty

You do know what a pushrod's job is don't you?

Nah, camless pushrods that are rods that connect directly from the top of the piston to the bottom of the valve....

phillyc · 16-07-2009, 06:08 PM

Some very interesting technology. Wonder if you will need a telecommunications technician?!

Still, this could be a very good breakthrough.

Rodp · 16-07-2009, 06:32 PM

...and it will cost....

1 MILLION DOLLARS.

Wally · 16-07-2009, 06:41 PM

Really old news, different face. It's just Ford's turn.

csv8 · 16-07-2009, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wretched

nice, now all that they need is to implement cam less engines

You can either have a rotary or two stroke engine, neither use cams..

**ebxr8240** · 16-07-2009, 07:20 PM

This tech has been used on outboards..Mercury tmk..

ZA-289 · 16-07-2009, 07:24 PM

F1's use electronic actuators to operate valves, have done for years I believe.

**ebxr8240** · 16-07-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZA-289

F1's use electronic actuators to operate valves, have done for years I believe.

Pneumatic valve springs...

388cube_edxr8 · 03-04-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streets

Ta mate, much appreciated

This is great, can't wait to see what kind of technologies they're going to have in cars in the near future. I just wish they'd drop this whole climate thing. If I hear the words "greenhouse gas emissions" one more time I'm going to kick myself in the back of the head.

greenhouse gas emissions.