Ion repulsion engine and method of operating same

Abstract

A reciprocating engine utilizing the mutual repulsion of charged air particles to drive a work-producing means. The engine has pistons reciprocating in cylinders with cylinder spaces between cylinder heads and the pistons. A first enclosed porous conductive electrode is located in fluid flow communication with the cylinder space, typically within the cylinder space itself. The first porous electrode is electrically connected to a second conductive porous electrode in a separate housing. Air is admitted into the first electrode while fuel is admitted into the second electrode. As the air in the cylinder space and first electrode is compressed as the piston moves toward the cylinder head, a current flow takes place from the first electrode to the second electrode because of valance attraction between fuel molecules and oxygen electrons resulting in the ionization of oxygen and fuel. Preferably, the two electrodes are maintained at an elevated temperature to enhance the air/fuel reaction to provide improved ionization. An electrochemical reaction occurs similar to that which occurs in fuel cells. The mutual repulsion of the charged ions in the cylinder space and first electrode produces a strong force on the piston, in accordance with Coulomb's Law, resulting in a piston power stroke. The ionized gases from the cylinder and the external housing are exhausted to a combustion chamber for the completion of the air/fuel chemical reaction. During the initial stages of the compression stroke, premature ionization may be prevented by inducing a potential in the inter-electrode conductor opposite to that produced during ionization.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.