Asymmetric compete expansion rotary engine cycle
AssigneeGyroton Corporation
InventorsWilliam R. Peitzke, James G. P. Dehlsen, Geoffrey F. Deane
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A thermodynamic cycle for an internal combustion rotary engine is disclosed which achieves high efficiency through an asymmetry between the volume of air charge before compression and the volume of expanded air at the completion of expansion. The expanded volume is ideally selected such that the pressure of the exhaust gases is near the ambient pressure of the intake air. Three embodiments of engines which utilize the cycle are disclosed, one with the major components operating in uniform circular motion, one which utilizes lobe valves, and one which utilizes three sets of lobe valves such that three charges of air at various stages in the cycle are in the engine, thus increasing the power density of the engine.
Claims11
A method of producing power utilizing a rotary internal combustion engine having at least four rotors, including a main rotor and a compression rotor, said at least four rotors being mutually coupled and contained in a housing, comprising the steps, not necessarily performed in the sequence indicated, consisting of:
- a) Forming by coupled rotation of said main rotor and said compression rotor within said housing a compression chamber bounded temporarily by said main rotor, said compression rotor and said housing;
- b) Drawing charges of air and fuel into said compression chamber through respective air and fuel intake ports;
- c) Closing said intake ports;
- d) Compressing said charges of air and fuel by reducing the volume of said compression chamber;
- e) Forming by coupled rotation of said main rotor and said compression rotor a combustion chamber bounded temporarily by said main rotor and said compression rotor;
- f) Transferring said charges of air and fuel from said compression chamber into said combustion chamber;
- g) Igniting said charges of air and fuel within said combustion chamber;
- h) Forming by coupled rotation of said main rotor and said compression rotor an expansion chamber bounded temporarily by said main rotor, said compression rotor, and said housing;
- i) Expanding the ignited charge of air and fue1 into said expansion chamber;
- j) Opening an exhaust port in communication with said expansion chamber, and
- k) Expelling the combusted charge through said exhaust port by reducing the volume of said expansion chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.