Electric-field assisted fuel atomization system and methods of use

An apparatus for reducing the size of fuel particles injected into a combustion chamber comprising:

• a fuel line;
• a first metallic mesh disposed within the fuel line;
• a second metallic mesh disposed within the fuel line, upstream of the first metallic mesh;
• and
• an electrical supply electrically coupled to the first metallic mesh and the second metallic mesh, wherein operation of the electrical supply generates an electrical field between the first metallic mesh and the second metallic mesh, the electrical field having a strength less than about 1500 V/mm;
• and
• a fuel injector disposed at an end of the fuel line, downstream from the first metallic mesh.

A method of improving gas mileage in vehicle comprising:

• flowing fuel through a fuel line;
• applying an electrical field to the fuel within the fuel line to reduce viscosity thereof, the electrical field having a strength less than about 1500 V/mm;
• and
• discharging the fuel having reduced viscosity through a fuel injector into a combustion chamber for combustion.

A method of increasing power output from a combustion engine comprising:

• flowing fuel through a fuel line;
• applying an electrical field to the fuel within the fuel line to reduce viscosity thereof, the electrical field having a strength less than about 1500 V/mm;
• and
• discharging the fuel having reduced viscosity through a fuel injector into a combustion chamber for combustion.

A method of improving emissions from a combustion engine comprising:

• flowing fuel through a fuel line;
• applying an electrical field to the fuel within the fuel line to reduce viscosity thereof the electrical field having a strength less than about 1500 V/mm;
• and
• discharging the fuel having reduced viscosity through a fuel injector into a combustion chamber for combustion.