 |
|
 |
LiquidPiston Engine
Technology: Conclusions |
 |
|
|
By separating the four strokes into physically isolated chambers, the LiquidPiston
Engine can effectively execute strokes borrowed from different already existing
thermodynamic cycles. The engine performs compression similar to a Diesel engine,
by compressing air only, to a very high compression ratio; This is followed
by combustion which is allowed to proceed for an extended period of time
in an isolated, constant volume chamber - which is even better than what an Otto
(conventional gasoline piston engine) can achieve; Finally, utilizing a wider
expander piston means the expansion volume is larger than the intake volume; Exhaust gasses
in normal engines are still hot and pressurized; giving these gasses more volume to expand into
means the engine will extract more work from the gas. This is similar to the Atkinson cycle.
Now that we have reviewed the engine technology, we can explain where the anticipated
benefits actually come from:
-
Significantly improved engine efficiency, reaching 50%
Achieved by 1) compressing to a higher ratio which results in higher pressure following compression,
and therefore higher pressure following combustion; 2) constant volume combustion yields higher pressure
following combustion; 3) Larger expansion volume means power stroke ends at lower pressure; Since
the work performed during the cycle is proportional to the area of the PV diagram, Increasing Pressure
during compression / combustion is beneficial for efficiency, as is decreasing pressure with expansion.
-
Reduced size and weight by 50%
The design is compact - since it executed four strokes at the same time, with two pistons.
Further, the high efficiency of the engine means a smaller engine will produce the same
power output as a larger less efficient engine
-
Reduced parts count by 85%, which leads to: lower cost of production and
greater reliability
The design, as shown is compact; there is no need for things like poppet valves, and other complexities.
-
Reduced CO2 emissions by 50%
This will happen automatically if the engine achieves its efficiency goals, since two times less fuel
will be required to operate this engine!
-
Reduced NOx emissions by 70%
Reducing fuel consumption will reduce NOx, as in for CO2, but additionally we plan to use some water injection
which has been shown to significantly reduce NOx production in Diesel Engines
-
Low friction design leading to long life
-
Decreased maintenance requirements: no oil or spark plug changes required, ever
-
Less noise
low pressure exhaust (which is less turbulent) and absence of poppet valves
For a more detailed analysis of the engine and the thermodynamic cycle, please download our ASME conference paper
using the information form
|
Technology Contents:
|
|
|
|
|
[smallcaps]value[/smallcaps] |
|
|
|
|
|
