rexresearch.com
Harry SCHOELL
"Cyclone" Heat Regenerative Engine
Patents[ Return to Schoell Main Page ]
Cyclone Power Technologies, Inc.
601 NE 26th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
954-943-8721
FAX -- 954-788-6565
USPA # 2006053793 (A1)
Heat Regenerative Engine
Abstract -- A heat regenerative engine uses water as both the working fluid and the lubricant. In operation, water is pumped from a collection pan and through a coil around a cylinder exhaust port, causing the water to be preheated by steam exhausted from the cylinder. The preheated water then enters a steam generator and is heated by a combustion chamber to produce high pressure super heated steam. Air is preheated in a heat exchanger and is then mixed with fuel from a fuel atomizer. An igniter burns the atomized fuel as the flames and heat are directed in a centrifuge within the combustion chamber. The speed and torque of the engine are controlled by a rocker and cam arrangement which opens a needle-type valve to inject high pressure super heated steam into a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein.; The injected steam expands in an explosive action on the top of the piston at high pressure forcing the piston down and drivingly rotating a linked crank cam and crankshaft. Exhaust steam is directed through a centrifugal condenser having an arrangement of flat plates. Cooling air from blowers circulates through the flat plates to condense the steam to a liquid state. The water condensation is returned to the collection pan for subsequent use in steam generation.
WO2008027364
HEAT REGENERATIVE MINI-TURBINE GENERATOR
Abstract -- A compact, lightweight steam turbine is connected to a central shaft that drives a high pressure pump, a high efficiency generator and a blower. An igniter burns fuel exiting a fuel injector to generate heat in a cyclone combustion chamber. Water pumped through coils is heated in the combustion chamber to produce steam energy to drive the turbine. Exhaust steam is directed through a centrifugal condenser having an arrangement of flat plates to condense the steam to a liquid state. The turbine drives the generator at a high rpm, through the connected shaft, to generate electric power.
WO2008011040
CONNECTING ROD JOURNALS AND CRANKSHAFT SPIDER BEARING IN AN
ENGINE
Abstract --In an engine having a crankshaft driven by reciprocating pistons in an arrangement of cylinders, a spider bearing is fixed to a crankshaft journal that is offset from the central axis of the crankshaft. Each piston is drivingly linked to the spider bearing by a connecting rod. Circular links at the opposite ends of each connecting rod are fitted with an inner bearing ring to provide low friction movement of the ends of each connecting rod relative to the piston and the spider bearing. Hubs equally spaced about the central axis of the spider bearing enable connection of the rod links to the spider bearing. In a preferred embodiment, the spider bearing is formed of a bearing material that surrounds the outer surface of the connecting rod links which, combined with the inner bearing rings, provides a double-backed bearing for carrying the piston load.
WO2008011038
CLEARANCE VOLUME VALVES IN A HEAT REGENERATIVE ENGINE
Abstract -- A clearance volume valve for controlling cylinder compression at varying engine speeds in a steam engine. At the injector of each cylinder, a clearance volume valve is hydraulically operated in response to changes in engine RPMs to thereby control opening and closing of an inlet to a sealed tube that extends from each cylinder of the engine. At lower engine RPMs, the clearance volume valve opens the tube inlet to increase the volume of the cylinder, thereby lowering compression and relieving back pressure against an incoming change of super-heated steam. At higher engine RPMs, the clearance volume valve is hydraulically operated to close the tube inlet, thereby reducing the total clearance volume and raising the cylinder compression for greater efficiency at higher engine speeds.
WO2008011037
VALVE CONTROLLED THROTTLE MECHANISM IN A HEAT REGENERATIVE
ENGINE
Abstract -- In an engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston and a connecting rod for driving rotation of a crank disk and a crankshaft, a cam sleeve is moved along the crankshaft in response to a change in engine speed. The cam sleeve is coupled to a cam ring that moves with the cam sleeve and in a spiraling motion about the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. A follower engages an outer face of the cam ring and is movable against a pushrod that opens an injector valve. The follower is structured and disposed to move in response to contact with a lobe on the outer face of the cam ring to urge the pushrod against the injector valve. The pushrod passes through a throttle control ring that rotates in an arc.; Rotation of the throttle ring, with the use of a control lever, shifts the position of the pushrod on the follower relative to a fulcrum of the follower to control the distance the pushrod is driven by the. follower and, thus, the amount the injector valve is opened.
WO2008011036
ENGINE SHROUDING WITH AIR TO AIR HEAT EXCHANGE
Abstract -- An insulated engine shrouding encloses a combustion chamber and piston assembly. The engine shrouding includes air transfer ducts that channel air from a condenser, where the air is preheated, to intakes of air-to-air heat exchangers where the air is further heated. The heat exchangers direct the hot air to atomizer/igniter assemblies in a burner to generate combustion gases in the combustion chamber. The engine shrouding further includes return ducts that direct the combustion exhaust gases through an exhaust portion of the air-to-air heat exchangers. Heat from the exhaust gases is used to preheat the air being directed through the intakes.
WO2008010998
SPLITTER VALVE IN A HEAT REGENERATIVE ENGINE
Abstract -- In a heat regenerative engine that uses water as both the working fluid and the lubricant, water is pumped through a single line of a coil that wraps around a cylinder exhaust, port, causing the water to be preheated by steam exhausted from the cylinder. The preheated water is then directed through multiple branch lines in a steam generator to produce high pressure super heated steam: A splitter valve at the juncture of the single line and multiple branch lines equalizes the flow among the multiple branch lines. A "Y" junction within the splitter valve minimizes turbulence as the flow of water and steam is directed into the multiple branch lines.; Flow control restrictors in the splitter valve, allow unimpeded flow of fluid and steam towards the steam generator through each of the branch lines, while allowing any incremental over-pressure in any one branch line to "bleed" back to a branch line(s) bearing a lesser amount of pressure, thereby equalizing flow through the multiple branch lines.
WO2008010971
ENGINE REVERSING AND TIMING CONTROL MECHANISM IN A HEAT
REGENERATIVE ENGINE
Abstract -- In an engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston and a connecting rod for driving rotation of a crank disk and a crankshaft, a cam sleeve is moved along the crankshaft in response to a change in engine speed. The cam sleeve is coupled to a cam ring that moves with the cam sleeve and in a spiraling motion about the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. A follower engages an outer face of the cam ring and is movable against a push rod that opens an injector valve. The follower is structured and disposed to move in response to contact with a lobe on the outer face of the cam ring to urge the push rod against the injector valve.; The follower changes position on the cam ring as the cam ring is moved in the spiraling motion, causing the follower to be exposed to a progressive change in profile of the lobe, resulting in a varying degree of movement of the follower to thereby control timing and duration of momentary opening of the injector valve and injection of pressurized steam into the cylinder.
WO2008010969
PRE-HEATER COIL IN A HEAT REGENERATIVE ENGINE
Abstract -- A pre-heater arrangement in a heat regenerative engine for pre-heating water in its delivery path from a condenser sump to a combustion chamber. The engine includes a steam generator, including the combustion chamber, for producing pressurized steam. The engine further includes at least one piston and cylinder arrangement for receiving the pressurized steam in order to drive the piston within the cylinder, and a condenser for condensing steam to liquid. A conduit formed of a heat transferring material provides the delivery path from the condenser sump to the combustion chamber.; The pre-heater arrangement includes at least one exhaust port associated with the cylinder for releasing steam from within the cylinder after driving the piston, and a tubular coil connected to the steam delivery conduit and wound about the cylinder, adjacent to the exhaust port, for transferring heat from the exhausted steam to the water traveling through the coil, thereby heating the water on its delivery path to the steam generator. In giving up heat to the pre-heater coil, the exhausted steam begins the process of cooling on its path from the cylinder exhaust port to the condenser where the steam is condensed to a liquid and returned to the sump.
US2007056286
Steam Generator in a Heat Regenerative Engine
Abstract -- A steam generator in a heat regenerative engine includes a cylindrical combustion chamber that encloses a circularly wound coil of densely bundled tubes. The tube bundle is heated by two combustion nozzle assemblies, each having an air blower, a fuel atomizer, and an igniter. The igniter burns atomized fuel that exits the atomizer and is mixed with preheated air. The flames and heat from the combustion nozzle assemblies are directed in a centrifuge within the circular combustion chamber. This cyclonic circulation of combustion gases within the combustion chamber creates higher efficiency in the engine by subjecting the coil of tubes to multiple passes of heat, thereby promoting greater heat saturation relative to the amount of fuel expended.; The relatively small diameter and large surface area of the tubes in the bundle allows the water and steam in the tubes to be heated to higher temperatures and pressures within a compact space, providing a highly efficient steam generator.
US Patent Application 20070056288
Pre-Heater Coil in a Heat Regenerative Engine
Abstract -- A pre-heater arrangement in a heat regenerative engine for pre-heating water in its delivery path from a condenser sump to a combustion chamber. The engine includes a steam generator, including the combustion chamber, for producing pressurized steam. The engine further includes at least one piston and cylinder arrangement for receiving the pressurized steam in order to drive the piston within the cylinder, and a condenser for condensing steam to liquid. A conduit formed of a heat transferring material provides the delivery path from the condenser sump to the combustion chamber. The pre-heater arrangement includes at least one exhaust port associated with the cylinder for releasing steam from within the cylinder after driving the piston, and a tubular coil connected to the steam delivery conduit and wound about the cylinder, adjacent to the exhaust port, for transferring heat from the exhausted steam to the water traveling through the coil, thereby heating the water on its delivery path to the steam generator. In giving up heat to the pre-heater coil, the exhausted steam begins the process of cooling on its path from the cylinder exhaust port to the condenser where the steam is condensed to a liquid and returned to the sump.
US Patent Application 20070261681
Engine Shrouding with Air to Air Heat Exchanger
Abstract -- An insulated engine shrouding encloses a combustion chamber and piston assembly. The engine shrouding includes air transfer ducts that channel air from a condenser, where the air is preheated, to intakes of air-to-air heat exchangers where the air is further heated. The heat exchangers direct the hot air to atomizer/igniter assemblies in a burner to generate combustion gases in the combustion chamber. The engine shrouding further includes return ducts that direct the combustion exhaust gases through an exhaust portion of the air-to-air heat exchangers. Heat from the exhaust gases is used to preheat the air being directed through the intakes.
US Patent Application 20060053793
Heat Regenerative Engine
Abstract --- A heat regenerative engine uses water as both the working fluid and the lubricant. In operation, water is pumped from a collection pan and through a coil around a cylinder exhaust port, causing the water to be preheated by steam exhausted from the cylinder. The preheated water then enters a steam generator and is heated by a combustion chamber to produce high pressure super heated steam. Air is preheated in a heat exchanger and is then mixed with fuel from a fuel atomizer. An igniter burns the atomized fuel as the flames and heat are directed in a centrifuge within the combustion chamber. The speed and torque of the engine are controlled by a rocker and cam arrangement which opens a needle-type valve to inject high pressure super heated steam into a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein. The injected steam expands in an explosive action on the top of the piston at high pressure forcing the piston down and drivingly rotating a linked crank cam and crankshaft. Exhaust steam is directed through a centrifugal condenser having an arrangement of flat plates. Cooling air from blowers circulates through the flat plates to condense the steam to a liquid state. The water condensation is returned to the collection pan for subsequent use in steam generation.
US Patent Application 20070056716
Centrifugal Condenser
Abstract -- A centrifugal condenser in an engine has a stacked arrangement of interleaved plates surrounding a central core. Exhaust steam from the engine is directed through interior cavities of the plates while external cooling air from intake blowers circulates over outer surfaces of the plates to cool the plates and condense the steam on the opposite inner side of the plates. The water condensation is returned to a collection pan or sump for subsequent use in the engine.
US Patent Application 20080025657
Connecting Rod Journals and Crankshaft Spider Bearing in an
Engine
Abstract -- In an engine having a crankshaft driven by reciprocating pistons in an arrangement of cylinders, a spider bearing is fixed to a crankshaft journal that is offset from the central axis of the crankshaft. Each piston is drivingly linked to the spider bearing by a connecting rod. Circular links at the opposite ends of each connecting rod are fitted with an inner bearing ring to provide low friction movement of the ends of each connecting rod relative to the piston and the spider bearing. Hubs equally spaced about the central axis of the spider bearing enable connection of the rod links to the spider bearing. In a preferred embodiment, the spider bearing is formed of a bearing material that surrounds the outer surface of the connecting rod links which, combined with the inner bearing rings, provides a double-backed bearing for carrying the piston load.
US Patent Application 20060254278
Heat Regenerative Engine
Abstract -- A heat regenerative engine uses water as both the working fluid and the lubricant. In operation, water is pumped from a collection pan and through a coil around a cylinder exhaust port, causing the water to be preheated by steam exhausted from the cylinder. The preheated water then enters a steam generator and is heated by a combustion chamber to produce high pressure super heated steam. Air is preheated in a heat exchanger and is then mixed with fuel from a fuel atomizer. An igniter burns the atomized fuel as the flames and heat are directed in a centrifuge within the combustion chamber. The speed and torque of the engine are controlled by a rocker and cam arrangement which opens a needle-type valve to inject high pressure super heated steam into a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein. The injected steam expands in an explosive action on the top of the piston at high pressure forcing the piston down and drivingly rotating a linked crank cam and crankshaft. Exhaust steam is directed through a centrifugal condenser having an arrangement of flat plates. Cooling air from blowers circulates through the flat plates to condense the steam to a liquid state. The water condensation is returned to the collection pan for subsequent use in steam generation.
US Patent Application 20070240650
Engine Reversing and Timing Control Mechanism in a Heat
Regenerative Engine
Abstract -- In an engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston and a connecting rod for driving rotation of a crank disk and a crankshaft, a cam sleeve is moved along the crankshaft in response to a change in engine speed. The cam sleeve is coupled to a cam ring that moves with the cam sleeve and in a spiraling motion about the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. A follower engages an outer face of the cam ring and is movable against a push rod that opens an injector valve. The follower is structured and disposed to move in response to contact with a lobe on the outer face of the cam ring to urge the push rod against the injector valve. The follower changes position on the cam ring as the cam ring is moved in the spiraling motion, causing the follower to be exposed to a progressive change in profile of the lobe, resulting in a varying degree of movement of the follower to thereby control timing and duration of momentary opening of the injector valve and injection of pressurized steam into the cylinder.
US Patent Application 20080047272
Heat Regenerative Mini-Turbine Generator
Abstract -- A compact, lightweight steam turbine is connected to a central shaft that drives a high pressure pump, a high efficiency generator and a blower. An igniter burns fuel exiting a fuel injector to generate heat in a cyclone combustion chamber. Water pumped through coils is heated in the combustion chamber to produce steam energy to drive the turbine. Exhaust steam is directed through a centrifugal condenser having an arrangement of flat plates to condense the steam to a liquid state. The turbine drives the generator at a high rpm, through the connected shaft, to generate electric power.
US Patent Application 20070056286
Steam Generator in a Heat Regenerative Engine
Abstract -- A steam generator in a heat regenerative engine includes a cylindrical combustion chamber that encloses a circularly wound coil of densely bundled tubes. The tube bundle is heated by two combustion nozzle assemblies, each having an air blower, a fuel atomizer, and an igniter. The igniter burns atomized fuel that exits the atomizer and is mixed with preheated air. The flames and heat from the combustion nozzle assemblies are directed in a centrifuge within the circular combustion chamber. This cyclonic circulation of combustion gases within the combustion chamber creates higher efficiency in the engine by subjecting the coil of tubes to multiple passes of heat, thereby promoting greater heat saturation relative to the amount of fuel expended. The relatively small diameter and large surface area of the tubes in the bundle allows the water and steam in the tubes to be heated to higher temperatures and pressures within a compact space, providing a highly efficient steam generator.
US Patent Application 20070256415
Clearance Volume Valves in a Heat Regenerative Engine
Abstract -- A clearance volume valve for controlling cylinder compression at varying engine speeds in a steam engine. At the injector of each cylinder, a clearance volume valve is hydraulically operated in response to changes in engine RPMs to thereby control opening and closing of an inlet to a sealed tube that extends from each cylinder of the engine. At lower engine RPMs, the clearance volume valve opens the tube inlet to increase the volume of the cylinder, thereby lowering compression and relieving back pressure against an incoming change of super-heated steam. At higher engine RPMs, the clearance volume valve is hydraulically operated to close the tube inlet, thereby reducing the total clearance volume and raising the cylinder compression for greater efficiency at higher engine speeds.
US Patent Application 20070056287
Splitter Valve in a Heat Regenerative Engine
Abstract -- In a heat regenerative engine that uses water as both the working fluid and the lubricant, water is pumped through a single line of a coil that wraps around a cylinder exhaust port, causing the water to be preheated by steam exhausted from the cylinder. The preheated water is then directed through multiple branch lines in a steam generator to produce high pressure super heated steam. A splitter valve at the juncture of the single line and multiple branch lines equalizes the flow among the multiple branch lines. A "Y" junction within the splitter valve minimizes turbulence as the flow of water and steam is directed into the multiple branch lines. Flow control restrictors in the splitter valve allow unimpeded flow of fluid and steam towards the steam generator through each of the branch lines, while allowing any incremental over-pressure in any one branch line to "bleed" back to a branch line(s) bearing a lesser amount of pressure, thereby equalizing flow through the multiple branch lines.
US Patent Application 20070256664
Valve Controlled Throttle Mechanism in a Heat Regenerative
Engine
Abstract -- In an engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston and a connecting rod for driving rotation of a crank disk and a crankshaft, a cam sleeve is moved along the crankshaft in response to a change in engine speed. The cam sleeve is coupled to a cam ring that moves with the cam sleeve and in a spiraling motion about the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. A follower engages an outer face of the cam ring and is movable against a pushrod that opens an injector valve. The follower is structured and disposed to move in response to contact with a lobe on the outer face of the cam ring to urge the pushrod against the injector valve. The pushrod passes through a throttle control ring that rotates in an arc. Rotation of the throttle ring, with the use of a control lever, shifts the position of the pushrod on the follower relative to a fulcrum of the follower to control the distance the pushrod is driven by the follower and, thus, the amount the injector valve is opened.