Delphi’s Multi-Charge Ignition System Sparks More Flames for Stratified GDi

FRANKFURT, GERMANY — To extend the benefits -- included increased performance and decreased emissions -- derived from stratified Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi) systems, Delphi (PINKSHEETS: DPHIQ) engineers had to design an ignition system that refuses to flame out.

“Delphi’s Multi-Charge Ignition System is one of the keys to harnessing the benefits -- increased operating range, improved fuel economy -- derived from stratified GDi engines,” says Dr. Sebastian Schilling, Delphi’s Engineering Director for Gas Engines in Europe. “The system features a coil-per-cylinder control system that enables multiple sparks, increased spark energy, and re-ignition in the event of combustion blow-out when liquid is present. Delphi’s valued history and experience with ignition systems led us to Multi-Charge Ignition as a solution for a more-efficient but less-than-ideal ignition situation.”

Since the ignition system fires multiple times in an extremely short timeframe, Multi-Charge Ignition ensures initiation of robust combustion and compensation of fuel spray variation due to tolerances in the wet system for example. Additionally, the Multi-Charge system decreases emissions at cold start and provides a smoother engine run at critical operating conditions.

Delphi’s Multi-Charge Ignition provides an array of benefits for GDi, but the emission control may be the most valuable over the long run. Under cold-start conditions where emissions are typically higher, Multi-Charge Ignition helps lessen emissions by ensuring complete combustion of fuel in the cylinder.