Constant volume, continuous external combustion rotary engine with

Abstract

Constant volume, continuous external combustion rotary engine which incorporates at least one radial piston compressor, at least one continuous-combustion chamber, at least one radial piston expander together with a means to supply fuel to the combustion chamber. A novel arrangement of compressor and expander manifolding controls admission and discharge to and from the compressor and expander sections. Power output is realized when opposed expander pistons equipped with roller bearings react directly on the internal cam lobe surfaces of a stationary housing causing the cylinder block to rotate and drive the compressor piston inwardly or outwardly as their roller followers engage their cam tracks. As a fresh charge of compressed air is delivered to the hydrocarbon fueled combustion chamber, an equal amount of combustion product under almost equal pressure is withdrawn by the expander. When combustion charging is completed, both compressor and expander are momentarily disconnected from the combustion chamber. The isolated combustion process continues, at constant volume, causing a pressure rise until the expander admission valves open again. Mechanical work is produced as the expander pistons are moved outwardly, initially under the almost constant pressure of the combustion chamber and then at a decreasing pressure as the expander pistons continue to expand the combustion product after the expander admission valves have closed. An exhaust discharge stroke commences as the expander piston after completing the expansion stroke, returns inwardly to the inner dead center position. Simultaneously a new charge of ambient air is induced by the compressor as the compressor piston moves outwardly to the outer dead center position, and the cycle repeats as the fresh charge is compressed for discharge to the combustor.