A program has been initiated with the primary objective of applying modern analytical and experimental techniques to the design and demonstration of a low emission combustor for an automotive Rankine engine. The basic problem resolved by this program was the demonstration that a Rankine cycle combustor with a two million BTU per hr. heat release in a 1.33 cu. ft. volume operating on JP-5 fuel can meet the 1980 Advanced Automotive Power Systems emission level goals over a 100 to 1 heat release range at steady state or during rapid transients. The program has further demonstrated that the package size and power requirements of combustors need not be excessive. The novel fuel automization system assures that the fuels can be rapidly ignited in even the coldest weather and does not need warm up to maintain low emission as do the current spark ignition engines. The novel rotating cup has been shown to be essential for low emission control over the 100 to 1 heat release range. The precision air and fuel metering valves and controls have also been shown to be essential to maintain the low emissions over the 100 to 1 heat release range. (Author)

Project Officer: Peter Hutchins. "Prepared for Department of Motor Vehicles, Research and Development, Air Pollution Control Office, Environmental Protection Agency." Prepared by Solar under Contract Number EHS 70-106.