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A Compact Pollution-Free
External Combustion Engine
with High Part-Load Efficiency
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4. Progress
This project began around 1973. A computer code was started
in 1977, written in Fortran 77. Initially intended to analyze the thermodynamic
cycle, it grew, as codes tend to do, so that today it is over 6500 lines
and has 117 input variables.
The code performs the following functions:
- One full power and 16 part-load energy balances
- Structural analysis including use of the ASME Code using material
properties at temperature
- Expander design including piston analysis, bearing sizing, and internal
friction, heat and valve losses
- Heat exchanger heat transfer coefficients, core sizing, metal temperatures
and stresses, steam and air pressure drops, and air pumping power
- Performance in specified vehicles including acceleration, grade climbing,
and fuel consumption at steady-speed and over urban, suburban, and 88
and 113 km/hr (55 and 70 mph) highway driving cycles specified by the
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
In addition, 2-D layouts have been made for several engine
sizes. A patent application was filed in 1976 and a US Patent [11]
was awarded in 1978.
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