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Laser solution developed to replace spark plugs

  Monday, 9 May 2011

A group of scientists have designed a laser which could replace spark plug ignitions by starting combustion engines in vehicles. Researchers believe this latest development will increase the efficiency of cars and simultaneously reduce pollution across the globe.

The idea of developing a laser solution to replace a spark plug has been demonstrated by a team of researchers from Romania and Japan.

Takunori Taira of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences in Okazaki, said: “In the past, lasers that could meet those requirements were limited to basic research because they were big, inefficient, and unstable.”

However, the new lasers tested – designed in the same shape and size as a spark plug – meet the demands of high temperatures in a combustion engine and can therefore provide a more precise ignition. This will also improve a vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency in the long run.

“Timing – quick combustion – is very important. The more precise the timing, the more efficient the combustion and the better the fuel economy,” added Taira.

Following this latest breakthrough the team are deep in negotiations with Denso, an international car component manufacturer, to develop the technology on a global scale.

Improving fuel economy and CO2 emissions is certainly a pertinent issue at present and at ASM Auto Recycling we have dedicated divisions for dealing with high volumes of end-of-life vehicles. To enable the safe and efficient dismantling and cleaning of used car parts we have installed a number of state-of-the-art de-pollution rigs in accordance with the European ELV Directive.

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