With pre-chamber ignition technology growing in popularity due to its performance and efficiency benefits, Mahle Powertrain’s new jet ignition system (MJI) is here to improve engines while having no need for a second ignition source.
The system can be easily added to existing engine designs with only minimal changes to the final machining process, says the company, adding that you can install passive MJI as a press-in unit into engines utilizing an M12 spark plug, or larger.
“As the automotive industry seeks ways to unlock incremental efficiency and performance benefits from the internal combustion engine, jet – or pre-chamber – ignition technology is rising to the fore,” says Mahle Powertrain exec Adrian Cooper. “We are beginning to see jet ignition being adopted into high-end production powertrains, such as Maserati’s recent Nettuno V6.”
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The tech is suitable for both port or direct fuel injection systems, and features a small pre-chamber, which, when ignited, discharges extremely fast-moving, heated jets through a series of nozzles, providing the main combustion chamber with multiple ignition sites.
During tests, this allowed for up to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption thanks to the resulting higher compression.
“We have worked with manufacturers and pinnacle motorsport such as F1 on the integration of this technology for close to ten years,” added Cooper. “However, our recent work on passive MJI makes the technology more accessible for adoption by mass-produced engines even as a retro-fit to existing designs, as part of a highly efficient powertrain.”
The German company is currently working on developing a demonstrator engine in order to showcase the technology’s potential in applications between 80 kW to 120 kW (107-160 hp).
