GB2084244A - Electrical discharge treatment of combustion engine intake air - Google Patents

Abstract

Part of the air supply to a combustion engine is ionised by being subjected to a potential between about 30,000 and 70,000 volts, e.g. 45,000 volts, at an alternating fixed or variable frequency from about 200 to 500 c/s, e.g. 360 c/s, by passage between cylindrical metal plates 47, 50 within a boro-silicate glass tube 45. The treated air contains about 10% N2O and 1% O3 and is mixed with the remaining intake air and fuel prior to combustion in the engine. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Method for improving efficiency in fossil fueled combustion engines and apparatus therefor Technical Field This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for improving the efficiency of fossil fueled mobile and stationary combustion engines, in terms of reduced fuel consumption, maintenance, and reduced exhaust gas emissions.

Background of Prior Art The addition of ozone gas to a combustion mixture in an internal combustion engine is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No.

1,982,484 issued to Runge. The Runge system utilizes a distributor of an internal combustion engine to produce ozone gas which is then added to the combustion mixture flowing through an intake manifold of the engine. The system is said to both prevent deposition of carbon in the engine's cylinders and to consume carbon aiready so deposited.

U.S. Patent No. 1,989,499 to Sabot discloses a device which achieves better mixing of a combustible fuel, such as heavy oil, and air used to support combustion by using an ionizer which produces ozone and charges ions of the air-fuel combustion mixture.

U.S. Patent No. 2,410,403 to Baudine discloses a method for more rapid starting of aircraft engines in cold ambient temperature by injecting ozone into combustion air flowing into such engines.

A wide variety of apparatus for producing ozone gas are also disclosed in the art. For example, U.S.

Patent No. 4,051,043 to Harter discloses an apparatus which applies a large alternating potential to plates separated by a flow of air to produce ozone gas. The Harter apparatus uses a D.C. power source, transformer means and switching means to produce a potential across the plates in the range of 100 to 3,000 volts.

Accordingly, the potential in such apparatus alternates at a frequency in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 cycles per second.

While the foregoing devices may have accomplished intended objectives, the present invention is uniquely designed for improving efficiency of combustion engines during the normal course of operation. In accordance with the present invention, a novel apparatus and method are provided which, when appropriately used in conjunction with a wide variety of suitable engines, both mobile and stationary, significantly improves the efficiency of fossil fueled combustion engines.

The inventive system achieves a reduction in fuel consumption of the engine in the range of from about 10% to about 50%, while at the same time providing a substantial reduction in exhaust gas emission. Moreover, the method and apparatus of the present invention enhances the efficiency of the engine by requiring less maintenance due to reduced peak fire temperatures and reduced pressures in the operation of the engine. The above and other features of the-invention will become apparent from the more detailed following description.

Brief Summary of Invention In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for improving efficiency of both mobile and stationary combustion engines by ionization and gaseous conversion of an intake air supply to the engine, the method comprising the steps of: a) effecting ionization and gaseous conversion of intake air supply to the engine, to produce nitrous oxide gas, positively charged air particles and ozone gas; b) mixing the gases derived from step a) with fuel to form a combustion mixture in a combustion chamber of the engine.

In one presently preferred embodied form, apparatus for effecting the ionization and gaseous conversion comprises an elongated tubular generator cell having a cylinder of dielectric material with longitudinally aligned core, an outer cylindrical plate surrounding the cylinder, and an inner cylindrical plate concentrically aligned with and disposed in the core of the first cylinder.

Accordingly, one of the cylindrical plates is effectively connected to electrical ground and the other cylindrical plate is effectively connected to a pulsed electrical potential. The inner cylindrical plate is suitably positioned to form a gap between the inside surface of the dielectric material and the outside surface of the inner cylindrical plate. In this manner, a supply of intake air to the engine may be channeled through the gap of the cell.

The inventive apparatus, accordingly, is a relatively compact gaseous conversion and ionization device which may be powered, for example, by a standard direct current or alternating current power source of from about 12 volts to about 240 volts. The voltage derived from the power source for activating the tubular cell may be stepped up by suitable transformer means and switching means to convert the input power supply to the cell to a potential within the range of from about 30,000 volts to about 70,000 volts, the potential alternating at a frequency in the range of from about 200 to 500 cycles per second.

In the foregoing embodiment, the preferred voltage for powering the tubular cell is about 45,000 volts at a preferred potential alternating at a frequency of about 350 cycles per second.

The apparatus of the present invention effects the required ionization and gaseous conversion of the intake air supply to the engine, in accordance with the present invention, thereby converting the air to a gaseous mixture comprising nitrous oxide (N20), positively charged air particles and ozone gas. The resultant gaseous mixture when combined with fuel uniquely promotes improved mixing and burning of the fuel thereby providing more complete combustion of the fuel in the engine with a consequent reduction in exhaust gas emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

Moreover, the inventive system fosters reduced engine maintenance by providing a decrease in peak combustion temperatures and pressures.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which will illustrate by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIGURE 1 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodied form of the invention showing suitable electrical components and circuitry for powering an elongated tubular generator cell positioned with respect to an air intake manifold of an automobile engine; FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodied tubular generator cell depicted in FIGURE 1 in accordance with the present invention; and FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular generator cell taken substantially along line 3-3 in FIGURE 2.

Detailed Description of Invention As shown in the drawings, and with reference to FIGURE 1 , the illustrated apparatus constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongated tubular generator cell 24 which effects an ionization and gaseous conversion of the intake air supply to a fossil fueled combustion engine 1 2. The tubular cell 24 produces a positively charged gaseous mixture containing an effective amount of nitrous oxide (N2O) and ozone gases which significantly enhance the combustion process within the engine 12. A carburetor 14 atomizes a suitable amount of fuel, from a fuel iine 1 6, and combines the atomized fuel together with the gaseous mixture derived from the cell 24.The atomized fuel-gaseous mixture is thereafter discharged into an intake manifold (not shown) for combustion in the engine 12, for instance a conventional automobile engine as shown. It is to be understood, however, that the tubular cell 24 of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with a wide variety of both mobile and stationary combustion engines. Examples of suitable stationary engines include both internal and external combustion engines driving pumps, turbines and combustion sources and the like associated with thermal power plants. The fuel source may be any fossil fuel, for instance natural gas, liquefied petroleum products, coal or liquefied hydrocarbon fuels or mixtures thereof. Moreover, the inventive apparatus is useful in connection with fuel feed systems other than carburetors, for instance fuel injection devices.In such applications, the generator cell 24 converts the intake air supply to the engine after optionally passing through an air filter, but before the air supply enters the intake manifold of the engine.

Briefly, and in general terms, the generator cell 24 comprises a pair of electrically conductive plates 47 and 50 which are separated by suitable dielectric material 45 and 50 arranged to provide a gap or conduit 44. To activate the cell 24 an electrical potential is induced across plates 47 and 50 thereby effecting ionization and gaseous conversion of air flowing through and channeled by the gap 44, resulting in the production of a positively charged gaseous mixture comprising nitrous oxide and ozone gas.

In accordance with the present invention, the generator cell 24 is suitably disposed within the air supply system to the engine 12. The cell 24 induces a charge on the mixture by applying an alternating electrical potential of from 30,000 volts to 70,000 volts across the plates 47 and 50.

The potential across the gap 44, alternating at a frequency in the range of from about 200 to about 500 cycles per second is effective for the conversion of intake air supply.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the voltage across the plates 47 and 50 is about 45,000 volts and the preferred frequency is about 350 cycles per second.

The resultant gaseous mixture significantly improves the dispersion of the fuel-gaseous mixture in the combustion chambers of the engine 12. Moreover, the produced gaseous mixture from the cell 24 has been found to.decrease peak combustion temperatures and pressures with an attendant reduced requirement for engine maintenance.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of tubular cells 24 may be sequentially connected to produce the desired gaseous mixture from the intake air supply to the engine. Accordingly, the cells 24 are electrically connected in parallel to a suitable power source.

The electrical power source for providing the necessary power to the cell 24 may be selected from any available DC or AC source, such as a standard rechargeable 12 volt direct current battery 26 of the type usually associated with automobile engines. It is to be understood, however, that other suitable sources such as 24 volt direct current batteries,110 volt AC, 220 volt AC, 240 volt AC current sources and the like may also be utilized.

If, for instance, power for the cell 24 is derived from a direct current source, such as the battery 26 depicted in FIGURE 1, the supply is suitably fed to a first transformer 28 which will convert the electrical output of the battery 26 to, for instance, a negative 400 volt potential, pulsed at approximately 350 Hertz. Switching means in the first transformer 28 suitable converts the DC current output from the battery 26 into an alternating wave form ranging from about zero to about 400 volts at a given frequency per second in accordance with one preferred embodiment df the present invention. The preferred wave form of the electrical output from the first transformer 28 is that of a square wave. In this respect, a suitable transformer 28 for use in connection with the foregoing embodiment is commercially available from Fire Well Products Corporation of North ridge, California.For a further disclosure of the transformer device, reference may be had to U.S.

Patent No. 3,658,044 which is hereby incorporated by this reference.

Optionally, Variacs capable of adjusting the frequencies of alternation can be incorporated into the transformer device, of the type used in the invention, but such Variacs are not mandatory.

Moreover, a transformer device with a fixed frequency output also is suitable for use in connection with the present invention.

With further reference to FIGURE 1, the electrical output from the first depicted transformer 28 is connected to a second transformer 29, such as a high performance automobile ignition coil, to provide a suitable step up ratio. In the illustrated embodiment, a step up ratio of about 200:1 is utilized for the 400 volt negative pulsating DC current derived from transformer 28. One particularly suitable transformer for use as transformer 29 is commercially available from Automotive Controls Corp. of Banford, Connecticut under the designation "Super Coil", and under the trademark ACCEL Eliminator Ignition.

It is to be understood that any combination of current source and transformers can be used in accordance with the invention to achieve a final voltage of from about 30,000 to about 70,000 volts alternating at a frequency with a range of from about 200 to about 500 cycles per second.

The generator cell 24 may be positioned directly in the input section of an air filter 39 of the engine 12 as shown in FIGURE 1. Of course, any suitable configuration may be used and the cell 24 could be located at other convenient positions to ailow the gaseous output derived from the cell to be fed to the carburetor of engine 12 by, for instance, a hose 40. The hose 40 should be constructed of an ozone resistant material without excessive deterioration such as PVC, Neoprene, stainless steel, fiberglass, or other suitable materials.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 2 and 3, the elongated tubular generator cell 24 comprises two cylindrical metallic plates 47 and 50, which are separated by a dielectric material and an air gap, or conduit 44. One suitable dielectric material is a boro-silicate glass tube 45 which serves to function as both a dielectric and as a conduit to contain air as it flows between the cylindrical metallic plates 47 and 50. Within the cylindrical glass tube 45, a concentrically aligned cylindrical tube 47 composed of a conductive material functions as the charged plate and means for directing air through the cell 24. The electrically conductive metal tube 47 may be sealed in position within the glass cylinder 45 by suitable means such as a plurality of air tight, dzone resistant, O-rings 48.Surmounting the outside of the glass cylinder 45 is the grounded metallic plate 50. In this respect, one particularly suitable material for forming the plate 50 is an electrically conductive metallic foil wrapped around the outside diameter of the glass cylinder 45.

The forward end and distal end of the hollow tube 47 are provided with a suitable number of slits or holes 53 in a circumferential portion of the tube 47. Further, the interior mid-section of the tube 47 is provided with a plug of suitable sealant to channel the air stream flowing through the tube 47, through the slits 53, into and through the conduit 44 formed between the outside diameter of the metal tube 47 and the inside diameter of the dielectric cylinder 45. Suitable sealants such as "Liquid Steel" brand glue sold by Permatix Company of Newington, Connecticut may be utilized for forming the internal plug of the tube 47.

Accordingly, when the intake air supply to the engine enters the inlet end of the metal tube 47, it is detoured around the plug of sealant causing the air to escape through the slits 53 and to enter the conduit or air gap 44 provided between the metal tube 47 and the glass cylinder 45. As the air stream flows through the gap 44, an ionization of the air supply is effected thereby producing nitrous oxide gas, ozone gas and positively changing the resultant gaseous mixture which re-enters the metal tube through slots 53 provided in the distal end of the metal tube. Thereafter the gaseous mixture exits the cell 24 to the intake manifold of the engine 12.In this respect, it has been determined that at a flow rate of about 30 standard cubic feet per hour through the cell, at least about 10% of the air supply is converted to nitrous oxide gas, and at least about 1% of the air is converted to ozone gas.

The cell 24, may be conveniently connected to the engine air filter 39 or air intake of the engine 12 to induce a flow of air through the cell 24 such as by a suitable pump. In accordance with the invention, a flow rate through the cell 24 in the range of from about 20 standard cubic feet per hour to about 100 standard cubic feet per hour is desirable. Any suitable means such as a hose provided with a valve 59 may be utilized to throttle the flow of gases from the cell 24 to the intake manifold of the engine 12.

While location of the generator cell 24 is not of critical importance, a typical mounting will be hereinafter described with reference to FIGURE 1.

The cell 24, suitably mounted, is connected in an effective electrical circuit to a 1 2 volt battery 26 which is in turn connected to transformer 28. The first transformer 28 converts the 12 volt DC current to 400 volt negative pulsating DC current at a frequency of about 350 cycles. A second transformer 29 in turn steps up the 400 volt negative pulsating DC current to 70,000 volts AC at 350 cycles with a positive charge. The first transformer 28 and second transformer 29 can be attached to rigid sheet metal near the engine 12, such as the inside of the front wheel well or battery holder of an automobile (not shown).

Further in accordance with the present invention, a method for improving the efficiency of the combustion process with the engine is provided. Accordingly, the inventive method comprises the steps of: a) effecting an ionization and gaseous conversion of an intake air supply to combustion chamber of a fossil fueled combustion engine by flowing the air supply through a pair of electrical plates charged with an alternating potential in the range of from about 30,000 volts to about 70,000 volts and at a frequency of between about 200 cycles per second to about 500 cycles per second whereby an effective amount of the air supply is ionized and converted to a gaseous mixture comprising nitrous oxide (N2O) and ozone gas; b) mixing the gaseous mixture derived from the ionization and gaseous conversion from step a) with fuel to form a combustible mixture: and c) combusting the mixture derived from step b) in the combustion chamber of the engine.

The following is an illustrative example of the improved efficiency which has been achieved by the apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention.

EXAMPLE An irrigation pump (international I.H.C. brand) fueled by natural gas and with a capacity of about 549 cubic inches was provided with a tubular generator cell substantially as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 herein. The dimensions of the cell were as follows: a boro-silicate glass tube 45 of approximately 1 5 inches in length, of approximately 1/2" I.D., of approximately 3/4" O.D.; a stainless steel concentrically aligned cylindrical tube 47 of approximately 23 inches in length, of approximately 3/8" O.D.; and surmounting the outside of the glass tube 45 is a stainless steel tape approximately 10 inches in length which functions as the grounded metallic plate 50. Accordingly, a discharge area of from about 6 to about 10 inches was provided in the foregoing cell.An air supply through the cell of about 30 standard cubic feet per hour was provided which produced about a 10% nitrous oxide and 1% ozone ionized mixture. In comparing the improved efficiency of the engine so equipped with the engine when it was not equipped with the inventive apparatus, a fuel reduction of from about 27 to about 38% was achieved.

While the foregoing example describes modification made to a standard irrigation engine, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any suitable mobile or stationary combustion engine, driven by internal or external combustion, can be modified in accordance with the present invention. The unique method and apparatus is particularly adaptable for use with irrigation pump engines, gas turbine engines, and compressor engines, powered by a fossil or hydrocarbon fuel such as naturai gas, liquefied petroleum, gasoline, diesel fuel, coal or mixtures thereof.

Another advantage achieved by the present invention is a significant reduction in the amount of NO, CO and unburned hydrocarbon emissions, which are released from the engine exhaust to the environment. Such reduction in exhaust gas emissions has been found to be at least 7% when an engine is suitable used with the inventive system.

While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. A method for improving efficiency of a combustion engine by ionization and gaseous conversion of an intake air supply to the engine, the method comprising the steps of: effecting ionization and gaseous conversion of the intake air supply to the engine to produce a positively charged gaseous mixture comprising an effective amount of nitrous oxide gas and ozone gas; said ionization and gaseous conversion being effected in a generator cell electrically activated by a potential within the range of from about 30,000 volts to about 70,000 volts, said potential alternating at a frequency in the range of from about 200 cycles per second to about 500 cycles per second; mixing the gaseous mixture derived from ionization and conversion step with fuel to form a combustible mixture; and igniting said combustible mixture in a combustion chamber of said engine.

2. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said generator cell is powered by a voltage of about 45,000 volts alternating at a frequency of about 350 cycles per second.

3. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said gaseous mixture derived from said ionization and conversion step comprises about 10% nitrous oxide and about 1% ozone gas.

4. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the fuel is selected from the group consisting of natural gas, liquefied petroleum, gasoline, diesel fuel, coal or mixtures thereof.

5. An apparatus for improving efficiency in combustion engines by effecting an ionization and gaseous conversion of an intake air supply to the engine, the apparatus comprising: an inlet means for receiving the supply of air to said engine; means for effecting ionization and gaseous conversion of the air supply to the engine, said ionization and gaseous conversion being effected at a potential within the range of from about 30,000 volts to about 70,000 volts, said potential alternating at a frequency in the range of from about 200 to about 500 cycles per second; and an outlet means for directing the gaseous product derived from said ionization and gaseous conversion means admixed with fuel, to a combustion chamber in said engine.

6. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein said means for effecting ionization and gaseous conversion of said intake air supply to said engine comprises: a generator cell having first and second electrically conductive plates, said plates being separated by dielectric means spatially arranged to provide a conduit between said dielectric material and said first electrically conductive plate wherein when said cell is electrically activated by a potential induced across said plates, an ionization and gaseous conversion of air flowing through and channeled by said conduit is effected.

7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said dielectric means is a tube composed of borosilicate glass.

8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said pair of electrically conducted plates separated by said dielectric means is spatially arranged to provide a flow rate of intake air to said engine in the range of from about 20 standard cubic feet per hour to about 100 standard cubic feet per hour.

9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein said means for effecting ionization and gaseous conversion of intake air supply to said engine comprises: an elongated tubular generator cell having a hollow cylinder of dielectric material with longitudinally aligned core; an outer cylindrical plate surrounding said cylinder of dielectric material; and an inner cylindrical plate concentrically aligned with and disposed in said core of said cylinder of dielectric material; wherein one of said cylindrical plates is effectively connected to electric ground and the other of said cylindrical plates being connected to a pulsed electrical potential.

10. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 and further comprising an electrical power source for providing power to said cell.

11. A method for improving the efficiency of a combustion engine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

12. An apparatus for improving the efficiency of a combustion engine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.