High Voltage Spark Ignitor
Date: April 2008
Seeks industry partners for innovative new powerplant & manufacturing technology
Technium Aberystwyth-based scientific research consultancy Hazard Research & Risk Consultants Ltd (HazRes) is looking for industry partners to help bring to market its innovative new high-power ignition system – a technology breakthrough which it claims could have a dramatic impact on a wide range of global industries including air transport, communications, energy, defence, control systems and manufacturing.
HazRes’ High Voltage Pulse Discharge Device is capable of storing very large amounts of electrical energy and releasing it in a fraction of a second at either single or multiple ignition points. This technique provides a focused, high power ignition source that could pave the way towards a variety of new applications, many of which are still in the realms of emerging technology, including futuristic ‘pulse detonation wave’ engines for supersonic aircraft and advanced metal forming and manufacturing techniques.
HazRes originally developed its pulse discharge ignition technology while working on behalf of a US government department, who wanted to find a way of dispersing flammable vapour clouds without resorting to the use of explosive charges. “The potential for this technology – and its market applications – is wide ranging,” commented HazRes Managing Director Andrew Hallgarth. “We are inviting potential partner organisations to join with us to help develop this technology and realise its potential commercial opportunities.”
HazRes’ current design is capable of releasing power in excess of 250 megawatts within approximately 1 microsecond. The technology was developed as a means of detonating fuel/air vapour clouds in ‘blast wave focusing’ applications, where previous methods would have required the use of much less precise – and much more dangerous – high explosive charges.
Pulse detonation wave engines are likely to be powered by liquid methane or liquid hydrogen fuels and will propel a vehicle at high speeds by harnessing the shockwaves created during the ignition of the fuel charge. The same shockwave technology could also be applied to the forming of sheet metal (like car body panels) and would deliver higher quality mouldings with none of the weak spots or stretch areas normally associated with the forming of metal by conventional means.
For more information, please contact HazRes on 0845 838 2026.