Internal combustion engine

Abstract

An internal combustion engine in which the power output is controlled by modulating at least one of the compression ratio, expansion ratio, ratio of expansion rate to compression rate, air to fuel ratio, and steam to air ratio. Continuous isobaric catalytic combustion followed by isothermal expansion and the use of separate compressor and expander devices are used. Control dynamically maximizes fuel efficiency for the given power demand conditions. Power output is controlled by modulating flame temperature and/or pressure instead of by throttling. Lean combustion, high compression ratio, exhaust heat recuperation, and high power density and fuel economy are provided. External cooling is minimized or eliminated. Insulation of the engine effectively reduces energy losses to friction. Interchangeable use of gasoline, hydrogen and ammonia at high fuel efficiency is made possible for transitional periods of fuel availabilities. An injector suitable for isothermal expansion is provided.

1 . An internal combustion engine comprising:
 a. a compressor for compressing inlet air,   b. a heat exchanger for heating the compressed air exiting the compressor against expanded air exiting an expander,   c. a combustion chamber for heating the compressed air,   d. a first injector which injects fuel into the combustion chamber to combust the air and fuel,   e. an expander for expanding the compressed and heated air, said expander being separate from the compressor, and   f. a second injector which injects fuel into the expander to combust the air and fuel in the expander.   
     
     
         2 . The engine of  claim 1  further comprising means for storing compressed air from the compressor and means for selectively isolating the air in the air storage means from the compressor and expander. 
     
     
         3 . The engine of  claim 2  further comprising a second compressor for compressing the air in the air storage means to a pressure higher than the outlet pressure of the compressor. 
     
     
         4 . The engine of  claim 1  further comprising means for humidifying fuel with water vapor prior to mixing the fuel with air. 
     
     
         5 . The engine of  claim 1  further comprising means for vaporizing liquid fuel prior to mixing the fuel with air. 
     
     
         6 . The engine of  claim 1  wherein the means for injecting fuel comprises two concentric tubes and an annulus between the tubes in which a fuel is injected into an enclosure within the expander through the inner tube and a second fluid substantially free of fuel and free oxygen is injected into the expander through the annulus. 
     
     
         7 . An internal combustion engine comprising:
 a. a compressor for compressing inlet air,   b. a heat exchanger for heating the compressed air exiting the compressor against expanded air exiting an expander,   c. a combustion chamber for heating the compressed air,   d. a first injector which injects fuel into the combustion chamber to combust the air and fuel,   e. an expander for expanding the compressed and heated air, said expander being separate from the compressor, and   f. an adjustor which for dynamically adjusts at least one of the compression ratio, the expansion ratio, the E/C ratio and the A/F ratio.   
     
     
         8 . The engine of  claim 7  further comprising means for storing compressed air from the compressor and means for selectively isolating the air in the air storage means from the compressor and expander. 
     
     
         9 . The engine of  claim 8  further comprising a second compressor for compressing the air in the air storage means to a pressure higher than the outlet pressure of the compressor. 
     
     
         10 . The engine of  claim 7  further comprising means for humidifying fuel with water vapor prior to mixing the fuel with air. 
     
     
         11 . The engine of  claim 7  further comprising means for vaporizing liquid fuel prior to mixing the fuel with air. 
     
     
         12 . An internal combustion engine comprising:
 a. a compressor for compressing inlet air,   b. a heat exchanger for heating the compressed air exiting the compressor against expanded air exiting an expander,   c. a combustion chamber for heating the compressed air,   d. an injector which injects fuel into the combustion chamber to combust the air and fuel,   e. an expander for expanding the compressed and heated air, said expander being separate from the compressor, and   f. a second injector which injects and evaporates water in the air in the engine.   
     
     
         13 . The engine of  claim 12  further comprising means for dynamically adjusting the S/A ratio. 
     
     
         14 . The engine of  claim 12  further comprising means for storing compressed air from the compressor and means for selectively isolating the air in the air storage means from the compressor and expander. 
     
     
         15 . The engine of  claim 14  further comprising a second compressor for compressing the air in the air storage means to a pressure higher than the outlet pressure of the compressor. 
     
     
         16 . The engine of  claim 12  further comprising means for humidifying fuel with water vapor prior to mixing the fuel with air. 
     
     
         17 . The engine of  claim 12  further comprising means for vaporizing liquid fuel prior to mixing the fuel with air.