CEC Invites Proposals for Natural Gas Engine Ignition Research

The California Energy Commission is inviting proposals for natural gas engine ignition systems research under solicitation PON-14-501. The purpose of the solicitation is to support the applied R&D of advanced high-energy ignition systems capable of overcoming the challenges of igniting natural gas fuel under high boost pressures with heavy exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for spark-ignited Class 3-8 engines. Ignition characteristics of natural gas fuel represent challenges to engine manufacturers working to satisfy tighter emission standards, achieve lower fuel consumption and higher engine performance. Funded projects must involve the development and demonstration of one or both of the following concepts for new or existing ignition systems:

• Advanced functionality of natural gas ignition under high boost pressure and heavy EGR conditions to facilitate the development of engines with lower nitrogen oxides (NOx) and greenhouse gas emissions; and
• Advanced durability of ignition components to allow longer maintenance intervals comparable to diesel engine operation.

The funding amount for the research initiative is $2.25 million. The minimum funding amount for each project is $500,000, and the maximum funding amount is $750,000. Match funding is not required but additional points will be added during the scoring phase for those who include it. A Pre-Application Workshop will be held on October 27, 2014. The deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2014 by 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Complete details of the funding notice is available here.