Operating characteristics of a hydrogen-oxygen-fueled roller engine

摘要

The use of carbon based fuels for energy production is resulting in severe global environmental damage. Hydrogen has been identified as the ultimate, universal fuel that could eliminate this problem. In order to implement a hydrogen infrastructure advances in hydrogen technology must continue to occur (Padro 1996);Engines fueled by hydrogen gas combusted in a combustion chamber with air produce oxides of nitrogen. These oxides of nitrogen are responsible for photochemical smog, health and environmental problems. On the other hand, hydrogen combusted in pure oxygen would eliminate the formation of the oxides of nitrogen (de Boer \u26 Hulet, 1980). Modern engine designs, however, cannot effectively convert the energy of stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen combustion into useable power;In this research, a roller engine design powered by stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen combustion was investigated to determine the operating characteristics of torque output and hydrogen peroxide exhaust emissions. These operating characteristics were investigated at different mixture injection pressures, mixture injection durations and engine speeds. It was observed that, as mixture injection pressures are increased, torque output increased. Also the greatest torque output occurred between 180° and 240°, close to 210° of mixture injection duration of mainshaft rotation. Higher engine torque output was also observed at lower engine speeds;Low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide emissions were detected in the exhaust with the greatest amount being produced at 110/300/120 psi mixture injection pressure. Also, as mixture injection duration increased hydrogen peroxide exhaust concentration increased. Increases in engine speeds caused decreases in hydrogen peroxide concentration (parts per million);Based on the findings of this research it is recommended that investigation continue on the hydrogen-oxygen-fueled roller engine to advance its development. A hydrogen-oxygen-fueled roller engine may prove effective at utilizing hydrogen-oxygen combustion for a useable power output producing steam and water as exhaust. Further development of this engine may lead to significant research toward saving our environment.