Pre-chamber combustion systems and methods
There are provided systems and methods for the use of rich limit extenders, and in particular pre-chamber assemblies, for increasing the ability of a spark-ignition engine to operate under fuel-rich conditions. In embodiments the pre-chamber assemblies are combined with spark-ignition engines as a reformer in a gas-to-liquid system for converting a combustible fuel source into synthesis gas. Embodiments of the reformers having pre-chambers provide a synthesis gas product having a H 2 /CO ratio, with increased H 2 concentrations.
1 . A device for extending the rich operating fuel limit of an engine, the device comprising:
a. a body defining a pre-chamber cavity;
b. an ignition source in communication with the pre-chamber cavity;
c. an inlet conduit, wherein the inlet conduit has a first end configured for receiving an oxidation source gas and a second end configured to provide the oxidation source gas to the pre-chamber cavity, and wherein the inlet conduit has a check valve located between the first end and the second end;
d. the pre-chamber cavity having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end has a nozzle having a plurality of holes; and,
e. the body configured for attachment to an engine.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle has 4 to 10 holes.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle has 4 to 10 holes and one or more of the holes has a diameter from 1.2 mm to 3 mm.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the combined area of the holes is about 5% to about 60% of the area of the nozzle.
5 . A device for extending the rich operating fuel limit of an engine, the device comprising:
a. a body defining a pre-chamber cavity;
b. an ignition source in communication with the pre-chamber cavity;
c. an inlet conduit, wherein the inlet conduit has a first end configured for receiving an oxidation source gas and a second end configured to provide the oxidation source gas to the pre-chamber cavity;
d. the pre-chamber cavity having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end has a nozzle having a plurality of holes;
e. the body configured for attachment to an engine; and,
f, wherein the inlet conduit has an injector located between the first end and the second end.
6 . The device of claim 5 , wherein the nozzle has 4 to 10 holes and one or more of the holes has a jet cone angle of from 30° to 80°.
7 . The device of claim 5 , wherein the nozzle has 4 to 10 holes and one or more of the holes has a diameter from 1.2 mm to 3 mm and one or more of the holes has a jet cone angle of from 40° to 60°.