• Advanced functionality of natural gas ignition under high boost pressure and heavy EGR conditions to facilitate the development of engines with lower NO_x and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; and

• Advanced durability of ignition components to allow longer maintenance intervals comparable to diesel engine operation.

Eligible projects are encouraged to maximize benefits as follows:

• Improvements in durability of ignition components to better compete with the longer maintenance intervals of diesel engines in the same application and same duty cycle.
• Show how the proposed new ignition technology will facilitate improved fuel efficiency to reduce GHG emissions.
• Show how the proposed new ignition technology will facilitate engine development to exceed California Air Resources Board (CARB) heavy duty on road emission certification requirements.
• Demonstrate ability to achieve an emission target of 0.02 g/bhp-hr NO_x.

Examples of technologies recommended for eligible projects include but are not limited to the following:

• Development of laser ignition components and systems.
• Development of pre-chamber ignition system for advanced engines with dedicated EGR.
• Development of high frequency modulated ignition systems.
• Development of microwave ignition systems.
• Development of plasma ignition systems.

Selected projects will be funded under the PIER Natural Gas program, which is funded by a ratepayer surcharge on all natural gas consumed in California. Program funds for Fiscal Year 2013-14 total $24 million, 17% of which will be allocated for natural gas-related transportation research.

There is up to $2,250,000 available for grants awarded under this solicitation. The minimum funding amount for each project is $500,000. The maximum funding amount is $750,000.

Background. One approach to heavy‐duty natural gas engine technology is to use spark‐ignition of a stoichiometric mixture with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to suppress NO_x emissions. This design permits the use of a three‐way catalyst (TWC) for after‐treatment as opposed to the more costly selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with urea.

Policy‐driven high‐efficiency goals have forced engine developers to use higher turbo charger boost levels to achieve increased engine performance, but these high boost levels produce increased NO_x emissions. Consequently, to suppress the increase in NO_x, high rates of EGR are necessary but pose challenges to engine ignition systems.

Although engine manufacturers have developed higher energy ignition systems, these continue to be a barrier to achieving ultra‐low emission levels that exceed current regulated standards, particularly with NO_x emissions. Current ignition systems in natural gas engines are also experiencing premature wear, leading to replacement of spark plugs and spark plug wiring in shorter time intervals compared to conventional‐fueled engines.

Resources

• The Natural Gas Research, Development and Demonstration Program; Proposed Program Plan and Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2013–14 (CEC Staff Report CEC‐500‐2013‐014)

• Natural Gas Vehicle Research Roadmap (CEC-500-2008-044-F)