Showing papers on "Engine efficiency published in 1976"

Start up system for hydrogen generator used with an internal combustion engine

Abstract: A hydrogen generator provides hydrogen rich product gases which are mixed with the fuel being supplied to an internal combustion engine for the purpose of enabling a very lean mixture of that fuel to be used, whereby nitrous oxides emitted by the engine are minimized. The hydrogen generator contains a catalyst which must be heated to a pre-determined temperature before it can react properly. To simplify the process of heating up the catalyst at start-up time, either some of the energy produced by the engine such as engine exhaust gas, or electrical energy produced by the engine, or the engine exhaust gas may be used to heat up air which is then used to heat the catalyst.

Hydrogen-fueled engine

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fueled internal combustion engine is described herein, which utilizes an inert gas, such as argon, as a working fluid to increase the efficiency of the engine, eliminate pollution, and facilitate operation of a closed cycle energy system. In a system where sunlight or other intermittent energy source is available to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water, the oxygen and inert gas are taken into a diesel engine into which hydrogen is injected and ignited. The exhaust is cooled so that it contains only water and the inert gas. The inert gas in the exhaust is returned to the engine for use with fresh oxygen, while the water in the exhaust is returned to the intermittent energy source for reconversion to hydrogen and oxygen.

Methods of supercharging a diesel engine, in supercharged diesel engines, and in supercharging units for diesel engines

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of the expansible chamber type and preferably a diesel engine is equipped with a turbo-compressor unit, comprising at least one compressor and at least one turbine, and at least one bypass pipe enabling direct and permanent passage for the air delivered through the compressor to the turbine inlet. The diesel engine is supercharged by the compressor driven by the turbine. Regulating means are provided to limit the rotary speed of the supercharging unit so that it operates at or above a minimum threshold value such that the engine, which has a compression ratio of less than 12, can be started and kept running at low power without difficulty. For engines requiring scavenging, throttle means with variable passage cross section are arranged so as to be traversed by generating between the upstream and downstream parts of the bypass pipe a pressure difference which is an increasing function of the pressure existing in the upstream part regardless of the engine speed and therefore which is independent of the air flow passing through said throttle means. The increasing function may be a linear or substantially linear function. A combustion chamber is arranged upstream of the turbine and supplied by air which has passed through the bypass pipe, by fuel under the control of the regulating means and also, in some embodiments, by exhaust gases from the engine.

Compound regenerative engine

Abstract: An Ericsson-Stirling type engine is disclosed having a semi-open regenerative working fluid system employing intermittent internal combustion. The regenerator is modified to act also as a catalytic combustor and is located at the terminal end of the unswept clearance volume most adjacent the high temperature chamber or hot swept space. The clearance volume is reduced and engine efficiency increased by (a) elimination of any leak path around the regenerator (b) positive exhaust purging, and (c) lower peak combustion temperature.

Apparatus for controlling acceleration and deceleration of motor vehicles

Abstract: An internal combustion engine fuel saving control system is disclosed in which acceleration of a vehicle is initiated in a region of high engine efficiency, i.e., low fuel consumption, and continues until the actual vehicle speed equals a first preset speed which is greater than the desired traveling speed of the vehicle. When the control system detects that the actual vehicle speed is at the first preset speed, the vehicle engine is stopped (turned off) and the vehicle coasts, thereby producing vehicle deceleration. When the control system further detects that the actual vehicle speed of the coasting vehicle reaches a second preset speed which is less than the desired traveling speed, the vehicle engine is started and acceleration is again initiated. The acceleration-deceleration operation is continuously repeated resulting in an average vehicle speed which equals the desired vehicle traveling speed.

Water-gasoline fuels -- their effect on spark ignition engine emissions and performance

Abstract: Single-cylinder engine tests, an analytical engine cycle simulation, and automobile tests were employed to study the effects of supplementing gasoline with water for use in spark ignition engines. Factors examined include: the method of water addition (both water-in-gasoline emulsions and direct manifold water addition), antiknock characterisitics with water additione, MBT spark requirement, indicated engine efficiency, engine cooling requirement, exhaust emissions, volumetric efficiency, lean operating limit, smoke level, exhaust temperature, and vehicle driveability. Among the negative aspects of water addition were increased hydrocarbon emissions and decreased vehicle driveability. Also, the polyoxyethylene type of emulsifier used in the water-in-gasoline emulsions, gave poor fuel stability and caused a rapid buildup of engine deposits. However on the positive side, water-gasoline fuels have higher octane ratings and decrease nitric oxide emissions.

Gas turbine engine with recirculating bleed

Abstract: A method of reducing carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon emissions in a gas turbine engine by bleeding hot air from the engine cycle and introducing it back into the engine upstream of the bleed location and upstream of the combustor inlet. As this hot inlet air is recycled, the combustor inlet temperature rises rapidly at a constant engine thrust level. In most combustors, this will reduce carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon emissions significantly. The preferred locations for hot air extraction are at the compressor discharge or from within the turbine, whereas the preferred re-entry location is at the compressor inlet.

Internal combustion engine and method of operating it

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and means to operate the same to produce minimal quantities and concentrations of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC). The engine is operated with a lean air/fuel mixture at both low and high load conditions, thereby minimizing said emissions. Low load operation on lean mixtures is made possible by means and methods for maintaining at a suitably low numerical value the residual fraction which is defined as the ratio of gases in a cylinder from a previous cycle and the total gases in the cylinder for the next cycle (said gases from a previous cycle plus new mixture). Said means may comprise apparatus to shorten the duration of intake and exhaust valve overlap, or of opening the engine throttle wider than normal and retarding the ignition to reduce the engine speed at low loads. Means is preferably provided wherein the fuel in the air/fuel mixture is well-vaporized and the mixture is uniform and homogeneous. Some of such means may comprise vaporizing means whereby fuel film adherent to the wall of the engine's induction means is vaporized by heat, or is collected and discharged into the air stream.

Charge forming system for maintaining operation of an internal combustion engine at its lean limit

Abstract: A charge forming system is disclosed which monitors a parameter of engine combustion efficiency, such as power output, and derives a signal indicating the sense of power change. A fuel mixture control system responds to an indication of increasing power to continually and progressively lessen the fuel/air ratio to attain the leanest possible mixture consistent with maximum instantaneous engine power output. In a preferred embodiment liquid fuel is vaporized before delivery to the engine combustion chambers, and a variable orifice provided to enhance the flow characteristics of the vaporized fuel.

Gas turbine engine control system

Abstract: An energy producing device is driven by a motor vehicle equipped with a gas turbine engine to produce an energy stored and concurrently to give an engine braking effect to the engine to provide a braking force to decelerate the vehicle and the supply of fuel to a combustion chamber of the engine is stopped during coasting of the vehicle and during idling of the engine and the stored energy is employed for rotation of a compressor and a power turbine of the engine in lieu of fuel during coasting of the vehicle and during idling of the engine.

Means for calculating turbine inlet temperature of a gas turbine engine

Abstract: Turbine inlet temperature of a gas turbine engine is calculated from compressor discharge temperature, total and static pressures and total fuel metered to the engine by combining a sensed engine temperature with a derived fuel/air ratio and from the empirical burner can temperature rise equation solving for the turbine inlet temperature value.

Automobile engine economizer

Abstract: This device consists primarily of a liquid propane tank with vapor outlet, a vapor storage tank with regulator means, and valve and solenoid means for properly blending propane vapor as the secondary fuel with gasoline as the primary fuel, so as to substantially increase the volumetric efficiency of an internal combustion engine, while simultaneously reducing the unburned hydrocarbons emitted by said engine.

Exhaust gas and turbine compressor system

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates an exhaust gas turbine and compressor system for use with a pneumatic conveyor where the exhaust gas is supplied by an internal combustion engine. The engine utilizes a variable geometry turbine device for changing the torque characteristics of the turbine so as to vary the mass flow of air from the compressor driven by the turbine. As a result, the compressor output will be sufficient to supply air to the engine or to the pneumatic conveyor system while the engine is naturally aspirated. A diverter valve is provided for selectively directing air from the outlet of the compressor either to the air intake of the engine or the pneumatic conveyor.

Charge forming system for internal combustion engines

Abstract: An improved charge forming system for an internal combustion engine. Fuel and air are metered to the engine as functions of both operator control and manifested engine power output. The incremental changes in fuel flow and air flow which are effected as a result of changes in engine power output are unequal so that the total fuel-air mix ingested by the engine becomes leaner as engine power increases. When the fuel-air mixture becomes so lean that engine power decreases, the charge forming system enriches the mixture so that the system maximizes engine power for any given rate of fuel flow. In a presently preferred embodiment the fuel-air ratio supplied to the engine is leaner than the stoichiometric mixture.

Fuel control system for gas turbine engine operated on gaseous fuel

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is operated from a gaseous fuel supply whose pressure may occasionally drop from a normal and comparatively high value. The acceleration limit schedule for the engine is established as a function of compressor discharge pressure but this schedule is modified as a function of fuel supply pressure so that, when lower than normal supply pressures exist, the engine may develop substantially the maximum power which is possible at the lower supply pressures.

Performance test of a bladeless turbine for geothermal applications

Abstract: The Possell bladeless turbine was tested at the LLL Geothermal Test Facility to evaluate its potential for application in the total flow process. Test description and performance data are given for 3000, 3500, 4000, and 4500 rpm. The maximum engine efficiency observed was less than 7 percent. It is concluded that the Possell turbine is not a viable candidate machine for the conversion of geothermal fluids by the total flow process. (LBS)

Effect of energy and emission constraints on compression ratio

Abstract: This paper describes the results of a study to evaluate the relationship of compression ratio on fuel energy conservation with the constraint of the 1977 Federal emission standards (15 HC, 150 CO and 20 NOX) The influence of the energy losses in the refinery process to produce higher octane fuels was considered as well as the effect of compression ratio on engine efficiency Two different emission control systems were evaluated: a catalytic converter-EGR system and a manifold reactor-EGR system /GMRL/

Power units comprising a super-charged internal combustion engine

Abstract: IN THE CANADIAN PATENT OFFICE PATENT APPLICATION entitled "IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER UNITS COMPRISING A SUPER-CHARGED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE in the name of s ETAT FRANCAIS Repr?sent? par le D?l?gu? Minist?riel pour l'Armement. ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A power unit comprises a Diesel engine super-charged by a turbocompressor which has a turbine receiving the engine exhaust gases. A by-pass pipe conveys the air not absorbed by the engine from the compressor to the tur-bine with a pressure drop which is independent of the flow rate and increases with the compressor outlet pressure. An auxiliary combustion chamber upstream of the turbine receives the air which has travelled through the by-pass. A throttle is disposed in the path of the supercharging air to the engine and is automatically actuated so as to maintain the flow rate of air absorbed by the engine at a value below the flow rate supplied by the compressor under low load conditions.

Water cooling system {14 {0 Wankel engine

Abstract: A rotary engine employing an improved circumferential flow cooling system is employed to provide an increase in fuel economy and engine efficiency Each housing unit has its own distinct flow circuit with the total volume of cooling medium being variably distributed among such units The circuits employ flow foils, flow turbulizers, velocity variation and a variable epitrochoid wall thickness to provide flow characteristics which vary along the stations of the circuit The variations promote a more uniform engine wall temperature throughout, the coolant can be operated at a higher overall temperature, and heat is transferred (extracted or injected) on a programmed basis along the flow circuit as needed

Exhaust gas cleaner of internal combustion engine

Abstract: PURPOSE:To improve output performance and fuel economy of engine and reduce NOx effectively by stopping at least exhaust gas reflux under the normal engine driving condition, and on the other hand, performing exhaust gas reflux actively under the specified control for over-load driving condition of engine.

Air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine with a thermal reactor

Abstract: Under normal running condition of an internal combustion engine with a thermal reactor, the engine is fed with a relatively rich air-fuel mixture for regulating the concentration of unburned combustible compounds, such as hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the exhaust gases emitted therefrom, in a manner that the thermal reactor effectively functions, and under high speed heavy load condition of the engine wherein the exhaust gas temperature becomes remarkably high, the engine is alternately fed with a relatively rich mixture and a relatively lean mixture in accordance with the operating cycles of the engine for not only achieving the improved fuel economy but also protecting the thermal reactor from heat damage.

Method for operating 2-cycle internal combustion engine

Abstract: An ignition timing for a 2-cycle internal combustion engine is sharply and continuously retarded as the engine speed increases above a set engine speed at which the engine can produce a maximum output power, whereby the engine output power is gradually decreased above the set engine speed.

Engine intake stratifier

Abstract: The devices of this invention, when used in combination with internal combustion engines of spark ignition type and/or compression ignition type, can create a multiregional stratification of the intake air-fuel mixture. By use of multiregional stratification at intake various beneficial objects can be achieved including the following: reduction of engine exhaust emissions of undesireable oxides of nitrogen, improvement of engine efficiency, reduction of engine noise, reduction of engine exhaust smoke, reduction of engine cost and others. The multiregional stratified air-fuel mixture is created by a stratifier valve which selects differing kinds of air-fuel mixtures in sequence from several different mixture creating channels. The resulting multiregional stratified mixture passes from the stratifier valve to the engine intake. Within the engine cylinder this subsequently compressed multiregional stratified mixture may be spark ignited, or compression ignited, or ignited by both spark and compression means.

IC engine ignition and injection control - has detector of pressure max in cylinder after ignition and piston position pick-up

Abstract: The combustion engine ignition and injection control system has a measuring device for detecting the pressure maximum in the combustion chamber after igniting as a control magnitude. A piston or crankshaft position pick-up presents an optimum piston position for the pressure maximum, as a reference magnitude. A control device evaluates the time deviation between the reference and control magnitudes for correction of the ignition timing movement for the next following working stroke. Instead of the ignition timing movement the injecting timing point of the next stroke may be controlled. The control system increases the engine efficiency and reduces pollution by exhaust gases.

Advanced Low NOx Combustors for Aircraft Gas Turbines

Abstract: A test rig program was conducted with the objective of evaluating and minimizing the exhaust emissions, in particular NOx, of two advanced aircraft combustor concepts at a simulated high-altitude cruise condition. The two pre-mixed, lean-reaction designs are known as the Jet Induced Circulation (JIC) combustor and the Vortex Air Blast (VAB) combustor and were rig tested in the form of reverse flow can combustors in the 0.13 ni (5.0 in. ) size range. Various configuration modifications were applied to the JIC and VAB combustor designs in an effort to reduce the emissions levels. The VAB combustor demonstrated a NOx level of 1.11 gm NO2/kg fuel with essentially 100 percent combustion efficiency at the simulated cruise combustor condition of 507 kPa (5 atm), 833 K (1500 R), inlet pressure and temperature respectively, and 1778 K (3200 R) outlet temperature on Jet-Al fuel. These configuration screening tests were carried out on essentially reaction zones only, in order to simplify the construction and modification of the combustors and to uncouple any possible effects on the emissions produced by the dilution flow. Tests were also conducted however at typical engine idle conditions on both combustors equipped with dilution ports in order to better define the problem areas involved in the operation of such concepts over a complete engine operational envelope. Versions of variable-geometry, JIC and VAB annular combustors are proposed.

Combustion technology for the improvement of engine efficiency and emission characteristics

Abstract: The goal of present research work in the automobile industry is to develop a low emission high fuel economy and high performance power system by the early 1990's. One of the most attractive approaches involves an intake manifold system that provides improved preparation and distribution of the fuel-air mixture by utilizing waste heat from the exhaust system. This feature provides some direct extension of the lean-burning limit of gasoline engines and considerable extension for alcohol and alcohol-gasoline fueled engines.