A 'smart' glowplug for diesel engines might help the auto engine industry to meet upcoming very stringent regulations on emissions without costly after-treatment systems for nitorgen oxides.
The glowplug, in addition to providing an ignition source, would also measure the pressure in the cylinder, allowing complementary systems to regulate the combustion process more efficiently.
Stabilising combustion across a variety of engine loads and conditions can substantially cut the NOx emissions, especially in engines up to 2-litre sizes.
The new Euro 5 requirements come into force in the US in 2008 and the EU in 2009.
Brian Byrne.
