Dual-Fluid Air Start Steam Engine for Instant Vehicle Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam engines face significant start-up delays and space constraints due to the time required to generate steam and the need for large boilers, making them unsuitable for on-demand vehicles like personal automobiles.
Innovation Solution
An external combustion engine system using a combination of compressed gaseous and liquid working fluids, where compressed air initiates power generation immediately, and steam is produced on demand to quickly increase pressure, eliminating the need for large steam storage and reducing start-up time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a traditional boiler is used to generate steam, then sufficient steam pressure is achieved, but significant start-up time (5-10 minutes) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-compresses air to high pressure (300-500 psi) and stores it in a compressed air storage tank before steam generation begins. This preliminary action provides immediate power availability during engine start-up, eliminating the 5-10 minute delay associated with traditional steam-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation system is divided into two independent working fluid systems: a compressed air system for immediate start-up power and a steam system for sustained operation. This segmentation allows each system to optimize its function without being constrained by the other's start-up time.
2Quantity of substance
If a large-volume boiler is used to store steam, then sufficient steam supply is ensured, but considerable vehicle space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses high-pressure compressed air (300-500 psi) stored in a compact tank to provide immediate power during start-up. This pneumatic storage system occupies significantly less vehicle space than a traditional large-volume steam boiler would require, while still ensuring sufficient power supply.
3Speed
If compressed air is used for immediate start-up, then instant power delivery is achieved, but additional system complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the compressed air power system with the steam power system into a unified dual-working fluid engine. The air engine and steam engine share common components including the expander, heater, and control systems, reducing overall complexity despite the additional functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The expander device serves multiple functions: it expands both compressed air and steam to generate power, and can operate in different modes depending on which working fluid is supplied. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each power source.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables immediate vehicle response to operator demands by using compressed air for instant power and efficiently switching to steam once it is available, reducing fuel consumption and eliminating the need for large boilers, thus improving responsiveness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The compressed first working fluid is supplied from the storage vessel to the engine to cause the engine to produce power
Implementation Method 2
The second working fluid is supplied to a heater to be heated. The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to gas form
Implementation Method 3
The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to gas form
Implementation Method 4
the pressurized steam is supplied from the boiler to the cylinders to cause the pistons to move. The movement of the pistons transfers the energy in the steam to the engine
Implementation Method 5
The cooled steam is either exhausted by the engine into the atmosphere or condensed for later reheating and resupply to the steam engine
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for an external combustion engine operable using at least two different working fluids to be supplied to an engine to cause it to do mechanical work. The engine is started by providing a compressed gaseous working fluid at a sufficient pressure to the engine. At the same time the compressed gaseous working fluid is provided to the engine, a second working fluid that is liquid at ambient temperatures is provided to a heater to be heated. The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to pressurized gas form. Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the second working fluid is injected into the engine to generate power, and the supply of the first working fluid may be stopped. After expansion in the engine, the working fluids are is exhausted from the engine, and the second working fluid may be condensed for separation from the first working fluid. The initial compressed fluid is recompressed for later use. Control circuitry controls the admission of the first and second working fluids responsive to monitoring the load on the engine.