Heat Engine Transmission with Regenerator and Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat engines face inefficiencies due to limitations in combustion processes and energy transfer, particularly in the expansion and cooling of combustion products, which affect power output and overall engine performance.
Innovation Solution
The heat engine design incorporates a compressor, combustion chamber, stage #1 and #2 expansion cylinders, a regenerator, and a transmission system, where the combustion chamber and stage #1 expansion cylinder can be integral or separate, with a radiator and exhaust pump to manage combustion products, optimizing energy transfer and power output through controlled combustion and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If water vapor is present in combustion products, then combustion is sustained, but back pressure increases reducing power output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water vapor from the combustion products using a condenser. The condenser removes water vapor from the exhaust gas stream, reducing the mass of combustion products that need to be expelled and thereby reducing back pressure on the expansion stroke, which improves power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the combustion products by cooling them in a regenerator and condenser. By reducing the temperature of exhaust gases, the volume and pressure of combustion products decrease, reducing back pressure while maintaining combustion efficiency through heat recovery.
2Loss of energy
If heat from combustion products is wasted, then engine complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerator performs preliminary heating of the incoming air using heat from outgoing combustion products. This preheating action occurs before the air enters the combustion chamber, reducing the energy required for combustion and improving overall efficiency while adding a manageable level of complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat in exhaust gases into a beneficial resource by using it to preheat incoming air through the regenerator. This transforms energy loss into energy gain, improving thermal efficiency while the added complexity is offset by the energy recovery benefit.
3Power
If expansion cylinder pressure is high, then power output increases, but back pressure from combustion products increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser extracts water vapor from the combustion products, reducing the total mass and volume of exhaust gases. This extraction allows the expansion cylinder to operate at higher pressures during the power stroke while the reduced exhaust mass minimizes back pressure during the exhaust stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water vapor to liquid in the condenser. By condensing water vapor from the exhaust gases, the volume of combustion products is significantly reduced, allowing higher expansion pressures without proportionally increasing back pressure.
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
This configuration enhances engine efficiency by effectively expanding combustion products, reducing back pressure, and increasing power output while minimizing vibrations and heat loss, leading to improved performance and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a regenerator to preheat the oxidant with combustion products
Implementation Method 2
a radiator to condense water vapor
Data Source
AI summary
An engine comprises a combustion chamber, an expansion cylinder with a piston adapted for reciprocating motion in the expansion cylinder via combustion products combusted in the combustion chamber, and a transmission associated with the expansion cylinder. The transmission has a guide frame with a first drive wheel rotatably mounted at one end of the guide frame and a second drive wheel rotatably mounted at an opposite longitudinal end of the guide frame. Each of the drive wheels is driven by an inextensible continuous loop. The guide frame has a crank head adapted to reciprocatingly translate along the guide frame. The crank head has a drive connection pivotally connecting the crank head to the loop. The crank head is operatively connected to the piston such that reciprocating motion of the piston results in corresponding reciprocating motion of the crank head, movement of the loop, and corresponding rotation of the drive wheels.