Analysis of the influence of the spark plug on exhaust gas composition

Abstract

This paper analyses the influence of the type of electrode in a spark plug on exhaust gas emission. The objects of the research were the following vehicles of different years of production: the Volkswagen Beetle 1300, the Honda Nighthawk 650, the BMW e46 318i, the Hyundai i10, and the Audi A4 B6. The vehicles were powered by petrol and LPG. Spark plugs were selected for the vehicles, with different kinds of construction for the main electrodes and different numbers of poles but with similar heat values. A comparative analysis of the composition of the exhaust gas mixture was performed, depending on the set of spark plugs used. The amount of CO, HC, CO2, and O2 emissions was analysed. The results were compared with the applicable exhaust gas emission standards. Both in the case of E5 95 petrol and LPG gas, lower exhaust gas emissions were observed when iridium spark plugs were used.