A Different Combustion Engine

Abstract

This paper investigates the possibilities of an EXTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE (ECE) capable of attaining high thermodynamic efficiency and low emission of noxious gases. This ECE consists principally of an air compressor, a combustion chamber or combustor and an expansion or power cylinder. The compressed air is introduced into the combustor; the fuel is injected into the combustor, and a spark plug initiates the combustion. By performing the combustion in a combustor specially designed for that purpose, the combustion can be controlled and the generation of noxious gases can be reduced. The water that cools the jackets of the system is also injected into the combustor; by doing so, the temperature of the combustion products can be maintained at a value sufficiently low so as to minimize the formation of NOx, and at the same time, a significant part of the heat transmitted to the cooling water can be recuperated instead of being dissipated in a radiator. The water, already hot or evaporated, mixes with the combustion gases and expands in the power cylinder, participating in the generation of mechanical power. The efficiency of the cycle is increased.