Thermodynamics experts... what do you think of this idea?
#1
Thermodynamics experts... what do you think of this idea?
A large portion of the engergy in the fuel of an internal combustion engine gets dumped out the tailpipe in the form of heat energy. Another large portion, particularly in part throttle conditions, is consumed in overcoming pumping losses.
My idea: use some type of large capacity heat exchanger to use exhaust (and/or cooling system) heat to significantly pre-heat the engine's intake air during part throttle operation.
A hotter intake charge would occupy much greater volume for a given mass of air. Since more volume is needed in order to get the same mass, a much larger throttle opening will be required (compared to the same engine without this system), resulting in much less maifold vacuum and therefore reduced pumping losses.
Additionally, the higher air temperature will ensure that the fuel is completely vaporized before it ever reaches the combustion chamber.
A bypass valve would allow cool air into the intake whenever more power is needed for acceleration.
... so how does that sound?
My idea: use some type of large capacity heat exchanger to use exhaust (and/or cooling system) heat to significantly pre-heat the engine's intake air during part throttle operation.
A hotter intake charge would occupy much greater volume for a given mass of air. Since more volume is needed in order to get the same mass, a much larger throttle opening will be required (compared to the same engine without this system), resulting in much less maifold vacuum and therefore reduced pumping losses.
Additionally, the higher air temperature will ensure that the fuel is completely vaporized before it ever reaches the combustion chamber.
A bypass valve would allow cool air into the intake whenever more power is needed for acceleration.
... so how does that sound?
#2
#5
Originally Posted by staysbroken
A large portion of the engergy in the fuel of an internal combustion engine gets dumped out the tailpipe in the form of heat energy. Another large portion, particularly in part throttle conditions, is consumed in overcoming pumping losses.
My idea: use some type of large capacity heat exchanger to use exhaust (and/or cooling system) heat to significantly pre-heat the engine's intake air during part throttle operation.
A hotter intake charge would occupy much greater volume for a given mass of air. Since more volume is needed in order to get the same mass, a much larger throttle opening will be required (compared to the same engine without this system), resulting in much less maifold vacuum and therefore reduced pumping losses.
Additionally, the higher air temperature will ensure that the fuel is completely vaporized before it ever reaches the combustion chamber.
A bypass valve would allow cool air into the intake whenever more power is needed for acceleration.
... so how does that sound?
My idea: use some type of large capacity heat exchanger to use exhaust (and/or cooling system) heat to significantly pre-heat the engine's intake air during part throttle operation.
A hotter intake charge would occupy much greater volume for a given mass of air. Since more volume is needed in order to get the same mass, a much larger throttle opening will be required (compared to the same engine without this system), resulting in much less maifold vacuum and therefore reduced pumping losses.
Additionally, the higher air temperature will ensure that the fuel is completely vaporized before it ever reaches the combustion chamber.
A bypass valve would allow cool air into the intake whenever more power is needed for acceleration.
... so how does that sound?
#6
The most common way to extract wasted heat energy from the exhaust is a turbocharger. An interesting variation on that was called Turbocompound, used on the Curtiss-Wright R-3350 aircraft engine in the 1950's (DC-7 and Super Constellation). It had a turbine, just like a turbocharger, but the output was used directly as added power to the crankshaft.
Jim
Jim
#7
Originally Posted by jimandmandy
The most common way to extract wasted heat energy from the exhaust is a turbocharger. An interesting variation on that was called Turbocompound, used on the Curtiss-Wright R-3350 aircraft engine in the 1950's (DC-7 and Super Constellation). It had a turbine, just like a turbocharger, but the output was used directly as added power to the crankshaft.
Jim
Jim
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#8
Only the 3350's had Turbocompound, allowing Scanivavian to fly Connies from Stockholm to San Francisco nonstop. How would you like to have done a "tuneup" on a B-36 bomber on a SAC base in Alaska in winter? Six 4360's times two plugs per cylinder times 28 cylinders = 336 spark plugs, yikes!
Jim
Jim