Internal combustion engine utilizing dual compression and dual expansion processes

摘要

Engines and processes for their operation include a compressor cylinder, at least one power cylinder, and an expander cylinder. The outlet of the compressor cylinder is fed to the inlet of a power cylinder, and the outlet of the power cylinder is fed to the expander cylinder. The compressor cylinder and the expander cylinder are operated in two-stroke fashion, and the power cylinder is operated in four-stroke fashion, all of which cylinders share a common crankshaft. Heat may be recuperated from the exhaust gas and directed to the inlet gas of the power cylinder, increasing overall efficiency.