Ignition technology breakthrough

Citation

(2008), "Ignition technology breakthrough", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780eaf.009

Ignition technology breakthrough

Article Type: Mini features From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 80, Issue 5

HazRes 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 is said to provide 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 reportedly capable of releasing power in excess of 250 MW within approximately 1 μs. 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.

Based in Technium Aberystwyth, HazRes is an advanced technology consultancy that works with clients to recognise, quantify and manage situations where competency, energy and environmental hazardous problems are met. The company’s philosophy is to bring radical and novel thinking to business and process problems, raising levels of economic efficiency whilst eliminating hazards and mitigating risk.

About Technium

Details available from: HazRes, Tel: +44 (0) 845 838 2026.