CURRENT AND NEXT-GENERATION IGNITION STRATEGIES FOR MARINE COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINES
5th INTERNATIONAL AL-JAZARI ENGINEERING SCIENCES CONGRESS, Van, Türkiye, 12 - 14 Haziran 2026, ss.1-20, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
- Basıldığı Şehir: Van
- Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-20
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The greenhouse gas emission reduction targets established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the accelerating decarbonization efforts within the maritime sector have necessitated the re-evaluation of fuel and combustion technologies used in marine compression ignition engines. Although significant research has been devoted to the application of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and various renewable fuels in marine propulsion systems, the reliable, efficient, and stable utilization of these fuels largely depends on the development of appropriate ignition strategies. In particular, the increasing adoption of alternative fuels characterized by low reactivity or high autoignition temperatures has highlighted the limitations of conventional diesel pilot ignition and intensified the need for advanced ignition technologies. Consequently, the future development of marine engines requires not only a comprehensive understanding of fuels and combustion processes but also a detailed evaluation of the mechanisms responsible for initiating combustion. This study presents a systematic assessment of fuel-based and assisted ignition strategies employed in marine compression ignition engines. First, the fundamental principles governing compression ignition engines, including autoignition phenomena, ignition delay, fuel reactivity, and the influence of cetane number on ignition performance, are discussed. Subsequently, currently available fuel-based ignition approaches are examined. In this context, conventional diesel pilot ignition systems are evaluated alongside biodiesel, renewable diesel, dimethyl ether (DME), methanol-assisted, and hydrogen-assisted ignition concepts. In addition, ignition enhancement approaches developed to overcome the ignition challenges associated with ammonia-fueled engines are reviewed. The ignition reliability, implementation feasibility, fuel compatibility, and practical applicability of these systems within the maritime sector are comparatively assessed. The second part of the study focuses on advanced ignition technologies designed to reduce or eliminate dependence on pilot fuels. These include spark-assisted compression ignition, glow plug-assisted systems, pre-chamber ignition technologies, plasma-assisted ignition, laser ignition, microwave-assisted ignition, and catalytic ignition concepts. Particular attention is given to the opportunities and technical limitations of these technologies in enabling the utilization of future zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. Their potential contributions to improving ignition stability, extending fuel flexibility, and enhancing operational reliability are also discussed. The various ignition strategies are comparatively analyzed in terms of technological maturity, system complexity, reliability, compatibility with alternative fuels, integration potential in marine applications, and their contribution to long-term sustainability objectives. The assessment indicates that diesel, renewable diesel, and DME-based pilot ignition systems are likely to remain important solutions in the short and medium term. However, advanced technologies such as plasma ignition, laser ignition, and pre-chamber combustion systems are expected to play a critical role in facilitating the widespread adoption of low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels in the long term. Ultimately, the present study focuses not on how combustion occurs in marine compression ignition engines, but rather on how combustion is initiated. By doing so, it provides a comprehensive perspective on current and future ignition technologies and contributes to the ongoing technological transition toward sustainable maritime transportation.