Innovation in ignition technology: BorgWarner BERU Systems pioneers high-frequency technology

Advanced Ignition Technology contributes to the reduction in fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and therefore protects the environment

BorgWarner Inc., to which Ludwigsburg-based automotive supplier BERU belongs, has acquired leading edge ignition technology from EtaTech Inc. based in Florida, USA. The high-frequency ignition technology enables high-performing, lean burning engines to significantly improve fuel economy and reduce emissions compared with conventional combustion technologies. Independent lab tests showed peak energy efficiency improved up to 40%, NOx emissions decreased 80% and CO2 emissions fell 50%. Current spark plug technology is unable to optimize high-performing, lean burning engines.

“High-frequency ignition has the potential to revolutionize ignition technology,” said Dr. Thomas Waldhier, Chairman of the Board at BERU AG. “By industrializing this technology BERU is reinforcing its expertise in ignition technology, and can take a globally leading position.”

High performance, low fuel consumption engines cannot be optimized any further by using current spark plug technology. The new technology can make a considerable contribution towards meeting increasingly stricter emissions legislation placed on the automotive industry. The ignition specialists from Ludwigsburg are working on the principle that it will be possible to manufacture high-frequency ignition under series production within a few years. Unlike traditional engine ignition systems that rely on heat to initiate combustion, the patented technology generates a high-energy electrostatic field inside the combustion chamber. That greatly improves combustion efficiency and speed, and consistently ignites the leanest air-fuel mixtures. To further improve engine performance, the system electronically controls various characteristics of the combustion cycle, further reducing emissions, improving efficiency and increasing enginepower.