Isaac Wesley Ekoto

Manager, Engine Combustion

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Manager, Engine Combustion

iekoto@sandia.gov

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Sandia National Laboratories, California
 P.O. Box 969
 Livermore, CA 94551-0969

Biography

Isaac Ekoto earned his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University in 2006. Isaac has been at Sandia National Laboratories since 2007 where he has worked on projects related to diesel engine combustion and hydrogen safety. He currently is the Principal Investigator of the Gasoline Combustion Fundamentals (GCF) lab, commissioned in 2015 to enable fundamental light-duty reciprocating engine ignition and combustion studies. Experiments are performed in both an instrumented, optically accessible, single-cylinder research engine and in a purpose-built ignition and combustion flow and static cells. The primary focus of GCF research has been in conventional spark as well as advanced ignition systems for high-efficiency and low pollutant emission operating modes. Researchers apply non-intrusive optical diagnostics as needed to obtain quantitative and qualitative measurements of different flow and combustion processes. Resulting data directly inform companion DOE modeling efforts. The GCF lab is also used for various short-term industry and DOE funded projects that are used to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation automotive engine technologies.

Education

DegreeMajorInstitutionLocationYear Completed
PhDAerospace EngineeringTexas A&M UniversityCollege Station, Texas2005
  • Professional Organizations & Leadership
  • The American Society of Mechanical Engineers-ASME
  • International, Partnership for Advanced Combustion Engines (PACE) Leadership Team

Publications

  • Martinez-Hernandiz, P.J., Di Sabatino, F., Novella, R., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2022). A Numerical and Experimental Investigation on Different Strategies to Evaluate Heat Release Rate and Performance of a Passive Pre-Chamber Ignition System [Conference Proceeding]. SAE Technical Papers. https://doi.org/10.4271/2022-01-0386 Publication ID: 76378
  • Ekoto, I. (2021). An Overview of Sandia National Laboratories Alternative Ignition Research [Conference Presenation]. https://doi.org/10.2172/1899497 Publication ID: 76811
  • Ekoto, I., Peterson, B., & Peterson, B. (2021). Single-Zone Modeling of the NVO Period [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1889602 Publication ID: 75563
  • Ekoto, I., Di Sabatino, F., MacDonald, J., & MacDonald, J. (2021). ACE141: Advanced Ignition System Fundamentals [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1869236 Publication ID: 78510
  • Ekoto, I., Biswas, S., & Biswas, S. (2020). Automotive Nanosecond Repetitively Pulsed Discharge Research at Sandia National Laboratories [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1813006 Publication ID: 74468
  • Ekoto, I. (2020). Advanced Igntion System Fundamentals [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1781771 Publication ID: 73400
  • Biswas, S., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2020). Ignition Mechanism of Low-Temperature Transient Plasma [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1765102 Publication ID: 72443
  • Biswas, S., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2020). Ozone Added Spark Assisted Compression Ignition. Energy, Environment, and Sustainability. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85103877032&origin=inward Publication ID: 64716
  • Biswas, S., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2019). Plasma Ignition and Turbulent Jet Ignition: Advanced Ignition System for Automotive Application [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1643385 Publication ID: 66901
  • Biswas, S., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2019). Spark Assisted Compression Ignition Engine with Stratified Charge Combustion and Ozone Addition [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.4271/2019-01-2253 Publication ID: 70622
  • Ekoto, I., Biswas, S., & Biswas, S. (2019). Spark Assisted Compression Ignition with Stratified Charge Combustion and Ozone Addition [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1639896 Publication ID: 68330
  • Ekoto, I., Biswas, S., Scarcelli, R., & Scarcelli, R. (2018). Transient Plasma Ignition for Automotive Applications [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1761112 Publication ID: 60417
  • Ekoto, I., Wolk, B.M., Northrop, W.F., Hansen, N., Moshammer, K., & Moshammer, K. (2017). Tailoring Charge Reactivity Using In-Cylinder Generated Reformate for Gasoline Compression Ignition Strategies. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 139(12). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4037207 Publication ID: 63965
  • Ekoto, I. (2017). Gasoline Combustion Fundamentals DOE FY17 Report. https://doi.org/10.2172/1409922 Publication ID: 54296
  • Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2017). Calorimetry and Imaging of Plasma Produced by a Pulsed Nanosecond Discharge Igniter in EGR Gases at Engine-Relevant Densities [Presentation]. SAE International Journal of Engines. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85018316208&origin=inward Publication ID: 47801
  • Ekoto, I., Wolk, B., Northrop, W., & Northrop, W. (2017). Energy Analysis of Low-Load Low-Temperature Gasoline Combustion with Auxiliary-Fueled Negative Valve Overlap [Conference Poster]. SAE International Journal of Engines. https://doi.org/10.4271/2017-01-0729 Publication ID: 55107
  • Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2017). Calorimetry and Imaging of Plasma Produced by Nanosecond Discharges [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1456352 Publication ID: 55535
  • Ekoto, I., Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2017). Calorimetry and Imaging of Plasma Produced by a Pulsed Nanosecond Discharge Igniter in EGR Gases at Engine-Relevant Densities [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1424564 Publication ID: 55106
  • Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2017). The impact of carbon dioxide and water on single-pulse nanosecond discharge behavior at elevated density [Conference Poster]. 10th U.S. National Combustion Meeting. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85048943579&origin=inward Publication ID: 55105
  • Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2016). Calorimetry and Atomic Oxygen LIF of Pulsed Nanosecond Discharges at Above-Atmospheric Pressures [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1408372 Publication ID: 47531
  • Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2016). Calorimetry and O-PLIF of Pulsed Nanosecond Discharges at Above-Atmospheric Pressures [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1377156 Publication ID: 51825
  • Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2016). Calorimetry and Atomic Oxygen Laser-Induced Fluorescence of Pulsed Nanosecond Discharges at Above-Atmospheric Pressures [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45504-4_10 Publication ID: 51672
  • Ekoto, I. (2016). Tailoring charge reactivity using fuel reformate for gasoline compression ignition strategies [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1373634 Publication ID: 51401
  • Blaylock, M.L., Bozinoski, R., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2016). Analysis of a Full Scale Blowdown Due to a Mechanical Failure of a Pressure Relief Device in a Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility. https://doi.org/10.2172/1561494 Publication ID: 49947
  • Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., Northrop, W., & Northrop, W. (2016). Investigation of Fuel Effects on In-Cylinder Reforming Chemistry Using Gas Chromatography [Conference Poster]. SAE International Journal of Engines. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85011970805&origin=inward Publication ID: 46891
  • Wolk, B., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2015). Investigation of Fuel Effects on In-Cylinder Reforming Chemistry using Gas Chromatography [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.4271/2016-01-0753 Publication ID: 41781
  • Li, X., Hecht, E., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2015). Validated equivalent source model for an underexpanded hydrogen jet [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1332893 Publication ID: 46136
  • Ekoto, I., Skeen, S., Steeper, R.R., Hansen, N., & Hansen, N. (2015). Detailed Characterization of Negative Valve Overlap Chemistry by Photoionization Mass Spectroscopy [Conference Poster]. SAE International Journal of Engines. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85011997718&origin=inward Publication ID: 43534
  • Hecht, E., Li, X., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2015). Validated equivalent source model for an underexpanded hydrogen jet [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1249300 Publication ID: 43171
  • LaFleur, C., Hecht, E., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2015). Cryogenic Hydrogen Release Modeling Validation ? Update for Hydrogen Safety Panel [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1248648 Publication ID: 42908
  • Hecht, E., LaFleur, C., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2015). Cryogenic Hydrogen Release Modeling Validation – Update for Hydrogen Safety Panel [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1240258 Publication ID: 42267
  • Ekoto, I., Ruggles, A.J., Creitz, L.W., Li, J.X., & Li, J.X. (2014). Updated jet flame radiation modeling with buoyancy corrections [Conference]. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.03.235 Publication ID: 35540
  • Ruggles, A.J., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2014). Experimental investigation of nozzle aspect ratio effects on underexpanded hydrogen jet release characteristics [Conference]. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84913612398&origin=inward Publication ID: 33386
  • Peterson, B., Ekoto, I., Northrop, W., & Northrop, W. (2014). Investigation of NVO partial products utilizing gas sampling and single-zone chemistry modeling [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1242134 Publication ID: 39350
  • Ekoto, I., Hecht, E., San Marchi, C., Groth, K.M., LaFleur, C., Natesan, N., Ciotti, M., Harris, A., & Harris, A. (2014). Liquid Hydrogen Release Risk and Behavior Modeling: State-of-the-Art Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs for Refueling Infrastructure Safety. https://doi.org/10.2172/1160297 Publication ID: 39080
  • Hecht, E., Ekoto, I., San Marchi, C., & San Marchi, C. (2014). Modeling Plumes from Cryogenic Hydrogen Sources [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1494243 Publication ID: 37760
  • Ekoto, I., Ruggles, A.J., & Ruggles, A.J. (2013). Experimental investigation of nozzle aspect ratio effects on underexpanded hydrogen jet release characteristics [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1109039 Publication ID: 35539
  • Houf, W.G., Evans, G.H., Ekoto, I., Merilo, E.G., Groethe, M.A., & Groethe, M.A. (2013). Hydrogen fuel-cell forklift vehicle releases in enclosed spaces [Conference]. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84879117655&origin=inward Publication ID: 22161
  • Ekoto, I., Groth, K.M., Somerday, B., Moen, C., Harris, A., Ruggles, A.J., LaChance, J.L., San Marchi, C., Johnson, T., & Johnson, T. (2013). QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT FOR JANUARY 1 2012-MARCH 31 2012 [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1694408 Publication ID: 33445
  • Ekoto, I., Ruggles, A.J., & Ruggles, A.J. (2013). UPDATED JET FLAME RADIATION MODELING WITH CORRECTIONS FOR BUOYANCY AND WIND [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1078851 Publication ID: 33148
  • Ekoto, I. (2013). Engineering Model Development into Hydrogen Dispersion Ignition and Combustion Phenomena [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1073458 Publication ID: 32857
  • Ruggles, A.J., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2013). Radial probability density function characterization for self-similar turbulent hydrogen jets. Proposed for publication in Journal of Fluid Mechanics.. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1068505 Publication ID: 32430
  • Ekoto, I., Houf, W.G., Ruggles, A.J., Creitz, L.W., Li, J.X., & Li, J.X. (2012). Large-scale hydrogen jet flame radiant fraction measurements and modeling [Conference]. Proceedings of the Biennial International Pipeline Conference, IPC. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84882438399&origin=inward Publication ID: 30154
  • Ekoto, I. (2012). General Release Behavior R&D for H2 Safety Codes & Standards [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1061103 Publication ID: 29989
  • Ekoto, I., Ruggles, A.J., & Ruggles, A.J. (2012). Large-scale hydrogen jet flame safety boundaries [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1094970 Publication ID: 28433
  • Ekoto, I., Ruggles, A.J., & Ruggles, A.J. (2012). Flame light up behavior in hydrogen jets [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1067642 Publication ID: 28432
  • Biedermann, L., Teich-McGoldrick, S., Cruz-Campa, J.L., Ekoto, I., Ferreira, S., Hall, L., Liu, X., Liu, Y., Sava Gallis, D., & Sava Gallis, D. (2012). Postdoctoral program guidelines. https://doi.org/10.2172/1044950 Publication ID: 27686
  • Houf, W., LaChance, J.L., Ekoto, I., Ruggles, A.J., Keller, J., Dedrick, D., & Dedrick, D. (2011). Hydrogen Safety Codes and Standards R&D – Release Behavior [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1661818 Publication ID: 23586
  • Houf, W., LaChance, J.L., Ekoto, I., Ruggles, A.J., Keller, J., & Keller, J. (2011). Hydrogen Safety Codes and Standards R&D – Release Behavior [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1661817 Publication ID: 23583
  • Evans, G.H., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2011). Viewgraphs for H2 Fuel Cell Forklift Presentation for Annual Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Conference [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1110268 Publication ID: 21515
  • Evans, G.H., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2011). Hydrogen Releases and Ignition from Fuel-Cell Forklift Vehicles in Enclosed Spaces [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1110270 Publication ID: 21493
  • Evans, G.H., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2010). Hydrogen releases and ignition from fuel-cell forklift vehicles in enclosed spaces [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1028319 Publication ID: 19986
  • Colban, W., Miles, P., Ekoto, I., & Ekoto, I. (2008). In-Cylinder PIV Measurements in an Optical Light-Duty Diesel at LTC Conditions [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1142976 Publication ID: 14276
  • Miles, P., Ekoto, I., Colban, W., & Colban, W. (2008). In-cylinder CO and UHC imaging in a light-duty diesel engine during PPCI low-temperature combustion [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1146029 Publication ID: 13233
Showing 10 of 54 publications.