Enerpulse Announces Grail Engine Adoption

Unique drop-in replacement for spark plugs enables forced semi-homogeneous charged compression ignition (FS-HCCI) in Grail platform

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 8 -- Ignition products company Enerpulse, Inc. announced that their proprietary Pulstar(R) pulse plugs have been adopted by Grail Engine Technologies. The Grail 2-stroke engine design using Pulstar pulse plugs has demonstrated forced semi-homogeneous charged compression ignition (FS-HCCI).

This hybrid of HCCI is a first step in the process of extending global oil supplies by significantly reducing fuel consumption in the internal combustion spark ignited engine. HCCI is a form of internal combustion, in which well-mixed fuel (gasoline), EGR (Exhaust Gas) and air (an oxidizer) are compressed to the point of auto-ignition. As in other forms of combustion, this exothermic reaction releases chemical energy in engines, which translates into work and heat.

HCCI under development by the automakers has difficulties to overcome before being feasible. These hurdles include difficulty to control, small power range and incomplete combustion. This is projected to be overcome by Grail Engine and Pulstar(R) pulse plugs, says Mathew Riley, CEO and Chief Research Scientist at Grail Engine Technologies.

Riley further states, "By incorporating multiple, high-energy, rapid discharge points in the cylinder, HCCI can be forced allowing combustion to be controlled. This is the key to setting a new standard of fuel efficiency and emissions reductions. A 1-liter 2-cylinder Grail Engine using Pulstar(R) pulse plugs is expected to yield 100+ mpg without batteries or power grid (Note: Using a commuter vehicle weighing 1600 lbs). In different configuration the same displacement 1-liter engine can yield 200 hp and 180 ft/lbs of torque. The first 2-cylinder advanced prototype of the Grail Engine will be available for demonstration and testing in the 4th quarter 2010."

Louis Camilli, President of Enerpulse, states, "This is a very unique opportunity for our company to display the true potential of the Pulstar technology. With the ultra-high peak power of the Pulstar spark discharge, the Grail engine was able to leap forward in its development."

Grail Engine Technologies is a privately held company headquartered in Chapman, Kansas dedicated to developing energy-efficient and environmentally conscious engines for current and future generations. For more information, visit http://www.grailengine.com/ or call the company at 316-737-6155.

Enerpulse, a privately held company headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M., was founded in 1996. The company develops ignition products through the application of pulse power technology. For more information, visit http://www.pulstar.com/, or call the company at 1-888-800-6700.

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