Warren cycle external combustion engine

Abstract

The Warren cycle engine operates on the Warren Cycle, and is a two stroke, internal combustion, reciprocating, regenerated engine made up of a number of similar working units. Each working unit is comprised of cylinder 12 that is closed at one end by cylinder head 4 and contains power piston 18 that is connected to power output shaft 22. Movable wall 11 is provided to suck in the working fluid and push the exhaust out of cylinder 12. As the exhaust moves out of the engine, it gives up heat to regenerator 10. During the heating portion of the cycle movable wall 11 pushes the compressed air through regenerator 10 and recaptures the heat left by the exhaust gases. Movable wall 11 can move between power piston 18 and cylinder head 4, and means are provided to accomplish this movement at the appropriate times during the engine's operating cycle. Means are also provided for the introduction of fuel into cylinder 12 during the heating part of the cycle. The engine can be operated with complete expansion of the air-fuel charge, or it can be operated in a high power output mode, depending on the timing of the closing of cooler valve 6. In an alternate embodiment of this invention the engine operates with rotating regenerator 30. The Warren Cycle is an engine cycle where compression is adiabatic, heat is added at constant volume, expansion is adiabatic and complete, and the exhaust heat is captured and returned to the compressed air.

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