GB2028918A - Combined Cycle Internal Combustion and Steam Engine(s) - Google Patents

Abstract

In combined-cycle steam-and- internal-combustion engines electromagnetic energy from each combustion cycle is transferred to (a) fuel producing cycle(s) to improve the reaction rate for the production of fuel. The energy in transience may be amplified, frequency shifted, or otherwise converted. The fuel produced is hydrogen obtained from the dissociation of the steam expanded in the engine in the presence of the transferred electromagnetic energy and a reducing agent e.g. iron.

Description

SPECIFICATION A Method of Operating Combined Cycle Internal Combustion and Steam Engine(s) with Simultaneous Recovery of Electromagnetic Energy and Combined Cycle Engines for Performing the Method This invention relates to a method of operating combined-cycle steam-and-internal-combustion engines by cyclically recovering formerly unused electro-magnetic energy from each combustion cycle and by transferring this electro-magnetic energy to fuel producing cycle(s) operating in suitable phase in the said engine system(s) with an aim (for example) of improving the reaction rate for the production of fuel during one cycle whilst simultaneously energy in transience may be amplified, frequency shifted, or otherwise suitably converted to ensure and confirm the satisfactory operation of engines' combined cycle system(s); the main fuel being produced and burned being pure or nearly pure hydrogen; and with suitable distribution valves, portways or pathways controlling the flow of reactants and electromagnetic energy to catalyse the desired reactions within the combined-cycle steam-andinternal-combustion power-producing chambers, ancilliary heat exchangers and control devices of hydraulic, electronic, electrical, pressure, thermal or mechanical control(s), or any similar suitable actuation.

The history of hydrogen from iron began when paleolithic man passed water onto red hot ironstone. Boyle collected hydrogen by adding iron filings to hydrochloric acid inverted in a glass over a water trough. Cavendish found hydrogen burned to water, but the gas was named by Lavoisier from the Greek words, hudor-water and gen-to beget. Priestly and James Watt knew hydrogen gas. Lavoisier in 1 784 pass steam through a red-hot gun barrel and collected hydrogen in a bell jar whereupon the gun barrel yielded lustrous black crystals of magnetic oxide of iron commonly named magnetite and of formula Fe304 and thus Lavoisier proved water hydrogen oxide.

Hydrogen for human cartage began with balloonist and American physician Dr. John Jeffries who crossed the English Channel in 1 785 in a balloon fiiled with hydrogen generated from iron filings and sulphuric acid. This 26 feet diameter balloon took 3 hours to fill, this system having been invented by the Montgolfier brothers in 1 782 to 1 783 so that the initiators of various methods of producing hydrogen first seen in slight dispute.

Howard Lane, a Manchester engineer, in 1 903 filed with Hills British Patent 10356 for Improvements in Apparatus and Method for the Production of Pure or Nearly Pure Hydrogen Gas and "enabled that gas to be produced cheaply and without the consumption of acids or metals".

Lane produced hydrogen gas by alternate oxidation of metal by steam and its de-oxidation and restoration to chemical activity by crude gas, such as water gas, coal gas or other gases generated from carbonaceous fuel.

My invention develops Lane's process into a power-producing engine system, with similar production of hydrogen gas but in a steamexpansion power-yielding cycle, and with the alternate reduction of oxidised solid reactant (Fe or the like) back to chemical activity by the internal combustion of hydrogen to yield another alternate power-producing stroke all enhanced by the catalytic application of consequently produced electromagnetic energy.

Lane made many improvements to his commercially successful hydrogen production system such as his British Patent 17591 in 1909 mainly by clever valve distribution controls, also analagous to my invention, but not anticipating my work as Lane produced hydrogen and not power. Lane's alternate cycle were of considerable duration of time depending on mass flow but half-hour cycles were typical.

The double-throw eccentric system I show herein for a compact engine example of my invention was invented by Sir Charles Parsons circa 1 852 and is cited in Professor Felix Wankel's book "Rotary Piston Machines" (London, 1965) and depicted on Wankel's Model Sheet 11 (Eleven)-Types of internal-axis machines PLM ( Chart 8 1/1. So the crankshaft system I describe is known as "Parson's Double Throw Eccentric Drive".

Roland Cross in a series of British Patents during the 1 930's-BP 373,660; BP 423,474; BP 436,117; etc., was first inventor of the rotary valve system I use as an example in this invention, mainly because of clarity herein to describe my invention.

This to my knowledge was the prior state of the art of hydrogen production when at 1960 1 960 commenced my work towards hydrogen production by the steam to metal reaction.

During 1 963 the U.S. Bureau of Mines claimed at a meeting of the American Chemical Society to have tested a continuous hydrogen from iron production system employing fluidised bed reactions and controlled fluid flow, but not as a power producing vehicle system as in my inventions, nor was electromagnetic enhancement of reactions applied. Despite exhaustive search, no reliable reference or Patents on the 1 963 reported U.S. Bureau of Mines' system for H2 production by the steamiron reaction could I find.

The introduction of water or steam into the combustion chamber of engines operating on the Diesei or Otto cycle to improve combustion by the steam catalysing internal combustion reactions has been proposed, including in some of the forms hereunder cited: Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnburg AG in their British Patent 870993 claim intermittent recovery of unused heat of combustion by endothermic reaction between fuel and water for production of carbon monoxide and hydrogen and whilst the thermodynamic cycles are similar to my invention, electromagnetic energy is not controlled as in my patent, and my cycles employ steam and hydrogen in reaction with solids or colloids. Nor is precise combined cycle control claim in BP870,993.

Texaco Development Corporation by Rollinson's British Patent 705,514 entitled "Improvements in or relating to Internal Combustion Engine Generation of Gases Containing Hydrogen" produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen from a steam to hydrocarbon reaction rather than, as in my inventions, reaction of steam and solid to produce hydrogen as main fuel and under precise control of all reactants involved, including surplus electromagnetic energy. Texaco in their BP 705,514 on Page 2, Line 6, state indeed that "accurate metering of steam is not mandatory". Nor does Texaco employ steam to produce power strokes as in my invention.

Robson, in his British Patent 599446 improves Internal Combustion Engines by water injection to produce steam but the steam in this invention BP599446 is in this case to achieve greater power rather than to yield hydrogen fuel as in my invention and nor is electromagnetic energy applied.

British Patent 447266 by Maina improves Combustion Products Power Plants by what amounts to a Brayton Hot Gas Cycle with steam injection compression of Maina's air supply, but Maina does not claim fuel production, and nor does he achieve steam power strokes in his cycle claims to BP 447,266.

Fitch's British Patent 41 5,474 improves Internal Combustion Engines but he mixes his exhaust gases from his steam andinternal combustion cycles achieved further by water injection into compressed internal-combustion Exhaust Gases which would not achieve the total thermodynamic efficiency expected if analysed in detail. Nor does Fitch describe fuel production or utilisation of previously lost electromagnetic energy.

British Patent 349,535 by Muscariello proposed to improve internal combustion engines by collecting heat from the jacket of the internal combustion chambers but then he injects this steam into his engine's air entry system in similar manner to that employed by Ricardo and others, obtaining, apart from some catalysis of combustion, possibly from thermal dissociation of H2O which must be endothermic and this inventor's tests of similar operations indicate that such H2O injection does not exceed the saturation point by H2O vapour of the compressed combustion air, thus limiting in my invention the amount of yield of H2 product, a process not claimed by Muscariello, and nor does he use electromagnetic catalysis as proposed in my inventions.

Houdry in his British Patent 690,805 applies catalytic oxidation of fuel outside the limits of inflammability which would be difficult to achieve or maintain if Houdry used mainly hydrogen, as in my invention, due to the very wide limits of flammability of hydrogen from a low of 4% to 74.2% by volume in air (Vide Table by G. W.

Jones of U.S. Bureau of Mines) so that Houdry's "flameless" combustion in any system analagous to my invention would be unattainable. Houdry again does not claim electromagnetic energy application. Further, Houdry cites a mixture of steam and CO with high compression ratios whereas I find for my invention low compression ratios as best due to sensible limits of steam expansion ratios to ensure final exhaust pressures of the steam and hydrogen add to a pressure above vacuum and also such low compression ratios reduce material scantlings, stresses, and piston ring blow-by of compressed air (or steam) and total pressure of hydrogen gas fuel injected is minimised to thus reduce the 'negative' power need for such fuel compression in my combinedcycle engine system.Houdry employs exhaust gas recirculation as distinct from the two-stage internal and external combustion system I use in my inventions. Nor does Houdry apply rectified electromagnetic energy similar to my inventions for oxidation and reduction alternating system analagous to a high temperature electrolysis of steam to yield hydrogen fuel.

British Patent 275,227 by I. G. Farbenindustrie A.G. of Germany use steam to scavenge the residues of combustion from internal combustion engines but fueled by pulverised coal and not hydrogen or to yield either fuel or power producing cycles (from steam) as in my inventions. However, I. G. Farbenindustrie's work supports this inventor's application of steam to effect efficient scavenging of solids of abrasive form out of the power-producing chambers and applied in my inventions by entrained fluid flow of solid reactants such as iron or similar oxidisable or ionisable reactants employed in my combinedcycle steam and internal combustion hydrogen fuel system with catalysis by electromagnetic energy, similar to intensified light. Further recent work on H2 is relevant to know my invention.

The effect of strong magnetic fields to accelerate reduction of magnatite (Fe304) first reported by R. Skorski in 1972 is confirmed by other workers (using e.m. fields of 4200 oersted) as reported in New Scientist Vol. 74, P. 132 on April 21, 1 977; but conversely my work shows when Fe304 is burned under controlled conditions electromagnetic energy is produced, and hydrogen oxidised.

Indeed, according to Stevenson in Nature, Vol.

268, P. 1 30, gas constituent of this earths core is hydrogen in the FeH iron hydride form and astronomers now cite massive clouds of hydrogen in interstellar space. (New Scientist, July 21, 1977, P. 155). Alternatives to the Hydrogen economy (Bell, 1960, Bockris, 1962) involve deleterous health hazards including the greenhouse effect, and risks from lead in petrol, frequently cited, as in New Scientist P. 348. Vol.

75.

Storage of H2, either as hydrides of titanium or other metals, and incidental benefits of heating and cooling for air conditioning or refrigeration applications are vigorously researched by visionary motor manufacturers such as Daimler Benz A.G. under research leader Dr. Helmut Buchner. (New Scientist, Vol. 75, P. 414). Also, from Journal of American Chemical Society, Vol.

99. P. 7075 reports hydrogen stored in A-type zeolite with caesium ions providing bond sites seem promising. A recent British Patent 1,509,184 cites a hydride system for fueling engines. Further, this inventor finds that where iron hydrides or similar hydrogen compounds are of colloidal form these may be injected into my engine invention in the period normally allotted for hydrogen fuel injection, whether injected with the entering air, or better injected into precompressed combustion air either in a port leading to, or within the combustion chamber connected or in contact with power producing piston(s) abrasive friction or wear are not as great as previously expected and such hydrogen bond materials, hydrides, compounds or the like may be oxidised during the internal combustion portion of the combined cycle in a state of excitation not only due to an analagous fluidised bed type of combustion, but also yielding enhanced electromagnetic excitation and these oxidised elements, colloids or compounds are partially exhausted during the combustion cycle exhaust stroke for separation from, for example H2O and nitrogen exhaust gases, by cyclonic, electrostatic or electromagnetic means and by timed transfer discrete masses are injected or directed for either reduction back to elemental state or thence to further hydride preparation or to be reduced by suitable admixture with fuel within either the internal or external fuel combustion chambers of the total engine system herein described.

Sophisticated separation systems capable of considerable miniaturisation and cost reduction already show in the literature, as for example a paper on "Laser Separation of Isotopes" by Zare in American Scientist, Page 86, February 1977.

Further, it is evident from my invention that not only are suitable laser sources available, but by suitable plumbing appropriate fluid flow of reactants indicated above are easily achieved, albeit with less precision compared to Zare's work cited.

Similarly, iron or similar reactant material may be oxidized during the steam reduction portion of my combined cycle system and such solids may be of similar suitable fineness during the steam to hydrogen portion of the combined cycle herein described. Colloids prepared as described in British Patent 1,357,494 or hydrides prepared to British Patent 1,509,184 are exampled as possible media for this mode of operation to my invention, but it is stressed that reaction rates are greatly enhanced by the controlled application-of electromagnetic fields ionisation electrodes applied in this invention and efficiency of the various oxidation and reduction processes, properly timed and yielding useful work on the power-producing pistons as described in this combined cycle steam and internal combustion engine invention enhanced by the amplification, specific excitation or phase shift (as, for example, to concentrate energy in a narrow effective band) and controlled electromagnetic energy herein applied.

Further, fineness of reactant elements improve on my prior use of extended surface reactive metals described in my British Patent Application 15256/76 where the mass of such attached extended surfaces added deleteriously to the engine inertia loadings and reactive surfaces were not of sufficiently alternative design, or best for electromagnetic reactivity, nor do they yield as high a reactive surface contact or energisation.

Where magnetic elements are entrained they can be controlled more easily once expelled from the hot combustion chamber(s) and caused to be controllably migrated, treated, reprocessed and the like by both fluid flow and in electromagnetic fields; and excellently so in the case of magnetite material in simple three-phase electromagnetic fields whereby precise control and feed rates are achieved.

For example, where Lane in his 1910 steam and hydrogen producing system confined his iron and magnetite products in fixed reactor retorts or vessels, modern fluid flow and colloid techniques enable these solid phase reactants to be controllably circulated within the oxidising and reducing gases-in Lane's invention using alternating steam and water gas oxidising and reducing iron and Fe304 respectively; whereas in my invention all reactants may flow; and hydrogen during its' combustion cycle yields power as well as serving as a reduction agent for Fe304 in lieu of Lane's water gas media. The system herein described is not, however, confined to iron and magnetite, but may include any other metal, element or suitable compound combinations to yield combustible hydrogen from H2O, enhanced by electromagnetic energy, as herein described.

Hydrogen fuel produced by another system analagous to my inventions comes from U.S.

Department of Energy's Sandia Laboratories at Albuquerque, New Mexico whereby water is injected into geothermal magmas at 1 2000C and when magma has 12% iron payable hydrogen reports in resultant steam, reports New Scientist Vol. 76, P, .333. Thus where Fe or reactive metals predominate in engine combustion chambers, and particularly when colloidal solids are injected in fuel, although metal temperatures are sensibly lower than 1 2000C cited for geothermal magmas, and with suitable electromagnetic fields or beams, good hydrogen production results.

Again this is confirmed by Physical Review Letters Vol. 39, P. 1487 on reports by work at Bell Laboratories by Appelbaum, Hamann and Tasso.

The importance in a need for expertise in hydrogen production and treatment is stressed by a report in Physical Review Letters, Vol. 39, P.

1 340 wherein we find that at a pressure of 10.4x 105 P.S.I.A. hydrogen is a metal and a likely high temperature super-conductor and could serve in laser fusion and energy storage-as indeed already happens-on inter-Galactic bodies.

Prism splitting of transmitted electromagnetic energy applied in this invention already known to those skilled in the art enable amplification of shorter wavelengths through Aluminium Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs) while longer wavelengths serve a silicon or selenium energy conversion system for possible generation of electrical power in conjunction with a solar power system integrated with a chalcogen glass system embodied in the vehicles' windows, windscreens, and sunroof systems. Thus too, by appropriate lattice filtering, only appropriate wavelengths of the transmitted electromagnetic energy may be transmitted into the chamber undergoing reduction of H2O to H2 and Fe304 so that energy from bands not thus used may be applied to power ancilliary systems in the total transportation or energy systems.Methods of lattice or band splitting employing suitable crystal materials that serve as filters are embodied in this invention.

For vehicles in hot climates of high insulation, by employing suitable glass and vehicle body structures such as amorphous semi-conductor material thermodynamic potentials between for example, an air conditioned interior and a hot exterior serves as a potential for power production, particularly in stationary vehicles; and where a membrane is formed between two such semiconductors skins wherein a water film will yield hydrogen fuel. This but indicates the manifold options of those skilled in the art to collect low pressure hydrogen as a fuel for any vehicle and engine system constructed to this invention. The vehicles' braking and suspension system may be employed to compress low pressure hydrogen stored until the engine/vehicle resumes power; and similarly wind power may be used, whether in motion, or parked.

From this inventor's work on Doble Steam systems and monotube steam generators inordinate mass of Fe304 reports at the scale trap provided to filter such solids prior to admission of steam to throttle or cut-off control valves fitted to such steam vehicle systems. Similarly, where I fitted steam injection into the inlet manifold of internal combustion engines oxides of aluminium and magnetite are found as a skin on the parent metal substrate, even in cylinder bores when these are of iron.

Thus two excellent power systems, steam and internal combustion both produce magnetite with curious properties, including excitation, and the ability to controllably migrate magnetite particles in electromagnetic fields and during reduction to iron (by hydrogen) such variety of spectral lines are emitted that light emitted mixes white with emissions also beyond the visable spectra; and such light sources, pulsed yet tunable, serve in this invention for light or microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation applied to both endothermic fuel producing reactions (obtained from exothermic fuel-burning reactions) and by further controls through light guides, image intensifiers or the like, other engine parts may be powered by such hitherto wasted energyobtained not merely from excitation states, but also from mundane sources such as - gravity, vehicle braking, reactive wind power and ambient light. Scarce hydro-carbons cannot be sensibly wasted where alternatives exist, such as friction reduction where pressurised inert gas systems for bearings emerge, using exhaust nitrogen, for example.

Many engine and transport systems can be improved but one is confined of needs to but one invention herein being a method and apparatus for combustion and production of hydrogen gas catalysed by transmitted electromagnetic energy derived from the hydrogen combustion (exothermic) part of this combined cycle engine system and the application of this electromagnetic energy applied to endothermic fuel production parts of the cycle wherein steam, whilst being expanded to yield power cycle(s) is caused to react or to be reduced to hydrogen, exhausted from the engine system for final expansion, drying, recompression or similar treatment for fuel injection into pressurised air (as an excess oxygen source) to yield power in the following alternate power-producing phase of the cycle.Lasers, ion fields control devices, light paths and the like are but ancilliary parts to enhance, achieve and control the reaction rates required for the production and combustion of hydrogen fuel.

Power outputs of engines hitherto effect internal combustion of hydrocarbons in cycles of Otto or Diesel type with either spark or compression ignition and such cycles being either two- or four-stroke with either one or two revolutions of the crankshaft per cycle per cylinder; or if steam engines, operating as expanders and exhausters of steam, preheated and compressed in externally fired boiler(s) or similarly hot air engine(s) whether of the Joule, Ericsson or Stirling or similar type usually using externally heated gas to effect power strokes in successive stages of compression, combustionand-expansion and exhaust of power gas with temperature and pressure peaks effected either by ignition in internal-combustion systems, or by power gas introduced at a peak temperature and pressure, with expansion (either at constant pressure or constant volume) as in steam or other hot gas cycles such as gas turbine(s) or hot gas engines of Stirling, Joule, Ericsson or similar design, aimed at ideals such as isentropic or isothermal compressions or expansions, all to effect optimum work energy from heat energy supplied. Most engines have proved inefficient converters of energy and seldom achieve power output beyond half equivalent heat supplied.

According to the present invention the internal combustion cycle (of gas induction, compression, combustion, expansion and exhaust events) effected in two or more strokes are succeeded and preceded by steam-type expansions during which chemical reaction for hydrogen producing is effected and exhaust of a steam and hydrogen mixture for separation outside the engine is effected, while during expansion of the steam (reacting on solid surfaces to oxidise these and to produce hydrogen) there is transmitted into the power producing chamber(s) during such steamtype expansion cycle(s) electromagnetic energy derived from an adjacent or opposed chamber undergoing internal combustion cycle(s) and which furnish this electromagnetic energy from combustion of hydrogen in oxygen (or air) and in reaction as a reducing agent upon the oxidised solid (iron, et al) surfaces of the power producing chamber(s).

The parameters of this new engine system are arranged to provide stoichiometric or excess reactants to achieve desired reaction rates for hydrogen production, and the entering reactants such as steam in this example required to react the solid surfaces, and hydrogen to reduce the oxidised surfaces (e.g. magnetite) and electromagnetic energy to provide for complete and rapid reaction, while at the same time the engine is producing useful shaft work from the expansion of the gas-phase reactants and products beyond the requirements of the endothermic fuel-producing reaction-that is, the energy needed to produce hydrogen.

Further, a thermal fly-wheel effect is noted by endothermic and exothermic reactions alternating in phase with engine revolutions, so that heat of formation of Fe304 during reduction of this exampled solid by this hydrogen burning (reduction of Fe304) reaction is regained. This is analogous to the "Voltage-Ampere-Reactive" Unit in electrical inductors and is of importance in energy balance calculations for this invention, as this equivalent to the VAR unit represents stored energy.According to a good example of the present invention, reaction temperatures and pressures are so related to the reactive surfaces available, and volume variations, that hydrogen fuel is produced by and in the reaction chamber to the formula 3Fe+4 H2O=Fe304+4 H2 (reversable) and whereby electromagnetic energy from atomic excitation states is beneficially transmitted to enhance such reactions; where hydrogen is obtained from reaction chamber(s) either appended to the power-producing chamber(s), either within the piston member of the powerproducing chamber(s), or by the power producing chamber(s) becoming the reaction chamber(s) when sufficient reactive surfaces are available for the reversable endothermic and exothermic reaction to proceed, with pressure and temperature related to reaction times, and the mass-flow of reactants and products baianced in both reactions.

Depending on the configuration of the powerproducing chamber(s), mass flow of reactant and product gases, and in particular the mass of hydrocarbon lubricating oil polluting, certain modifications to the basic principles herein detailed improve fuel production by having the reaction surfaces (associated with the powerproducing chambers) screened, coated or containing therein suitable catalytic mass or energy to enhance the production of hydrogen fuel and by the use of electromagnetic energy suitably amplified or rectified (for example, by light or microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, or band shift rectification) to expedite or control the chemical reactions required and where the solid reactant is paramagnetic as in the case of Fe and Fe304 by the application of electromagnetic fields particularly in the form of threephase fields wherein Fe304 achieves a state of excitation, and where applied to free particles of such material, may be made to controllably circulate, but in this invention enables a more rapid oxidation of the Fe surfaces and thus freeing hydrogen more readily.

Field coils may be arranged outside the powerproducing chamber(s) to effect this excitation of the reacting Fe whilst at the same time obtaining inductance from the moving piston member(s) substantially of magnetic material and enabling electrical current or power to be generated.

Similar electromagnetic force field excitation occurs that enhances the reduction of H2O and oxidation of solid reactive surfaces (as to Fe304) during the steam-expansion cycle which is a horizontally opposed four cylinder configuration to this invention occurs whilst the opposite cylinder is at ignition point during the internalcombustion cycle (of H2 et al) and electromagnetic energy from this reaction at speed of light from the internal combustion cycle to the opposite steam-to-hydrogen reaction (at the end of stroke five in a six-stroke cycle configuration) aiding this fuel-forming reaction.

Conventional engines lose this electromagnetic energy to exhaust, jacket cooling, and even "hot spot" problems in engine design.

According to the present invention there is provided an exampled engine system, comprising a power-producing chamber with in this example rotary cross valves of substantially cylindrical form to permit the ingress and egress of hydrogen and excess air for combustion, egress of hydrogen and unreacted steam to an external cooler/condensor, and exhaust port and portway(s) for egress of internal combustion phase gases (H2O+N) and a portway and port for the controlled entry of high pressure steam, these valves being gear driven at a suitable lower speed than the main engine crankshaft from whence they are driven.Within the power-producing chamber(s) are substantial reaction surface areas of porous, etched, machined, or of free colloid type introduced, both within the cover and the piston of the power producing chamber, the pistons of which are suitably connected by a crankshaft if of reciprocating motion. Within the power-producing chamber cover(s) provision is made by a small movement of the valve cage to ensure seizure of the rotating valve does not occur at peaks of operating compression within the power-producing chamber. Within the powerproducing chamber's cover the system of rotary valves with portways provide for the following events to occur: 1.The inlet port opens before or near to topdead-centre of the power piston motion to induct hydrogen and air into the cylinder and the inlet port, this inlet port closing at or near bottomdead-centre when the power piston is near its bottom stroke within the power-producing chamber.

2. The hydrogen/air mix is compressed to an ignition point near top dead centre.

3. This H2 ignites, effecting reduction of the Fe304+excess air, expanding to yield mechanical work. Electromagnetic energy is in part transferred to an adjacent chamber.

4. Exhaust of combustion products is effected via the power chamber's exhaust port (in counterflow to steam entering for the succeeding steam cycle) and thence to yield residual heat in the engine system's exhaust heat exchanger(s).

5. Steam is admitted through a port either within or adjacent to the l.C. stage exhaust port, at suitable temperature and pressure-this steam admitted being of variable cut-off. Within the power-producing chamber the steam expands, producing work as it expands and fuel as it reacts by the formula 3Fe+4 H2O yielding Foe304 +4 H2, this reaction being assisted by electromagnetic energy from an appropriate nearby similar powerproducing chamber.

6. Hydrogen fuel produced, upon expansion, together with unreacted H2O exhaust from the power-producing chamber through a portway in the chamber cover, by way of the rotary valve assembly and thence ported to an external cooler condensor or further water-seal expander wherein unreacted H2O and hydrogen separate by condensation of H2O and the pump-off of hydrogen.

Compressed hydrogen may pass to the engines' fuel entry portways or directed to storage--preferably in slender tubular containers for suitable absorbent material such as palladium, or to form hydrides or zeolytes or the like to enable draw-off of fuel to the engine, and to obviate dangerous bulk storage under high pressure of such hydrogen fuel.

The above six-stroke cycle forms but one exampled cycle, but two, four or eight or any other suitable number of strokes may be employed to achieve the dual-cycle engine system consisting of distinct internal-combustion cycles alternating with steam-expansion type cycle(s) combined: and hence, of dual cycle.

Further, by the separate pre-compression of motive power gases-that is, if hydrogen is compressed under high pressure, or where release from hydrides or the like through high temperature achieve high pressure, then, taking account of mean effective operating pressures desired in the power-producing chamber(s), air may be similarly pre-compressed to effect a power type expansion of these respective gases to effect, for example, in a four-stroke combinedcycle power engine-two power strokes out of the four strokes, with the first stroke permitting the expansion of air and then hydrogen in two stages of the same stroke, then compressing this mixture for compression and ignition, and with an overlap at the top of stroke of this internalcombustion exhaust by the admission of steam for expansion and reaction in the third stroke with the final or fourth stroke of this four-stroke cycle effecting exhaust of the steam/hydrogen mix, this exhaust being scavenged by the entering pressurised air for the following resumption of the combined dual-cycle, within the power-producing chamber(s).

Where hydrogen is produced under conditions of extreme high pressure and external to the proposed combined-cycle power-producing chamber engine system(s) and where sufficient mass of reactant Fe304 is created from the steam cycle part of the dual cycle, an airless version of this invention would employ only two working gases being hydrogen, at high pressure, and steam at similar pressure and superheated and provided the power-producing chamber(s), is designed to withstand the extremeiy high mean effective pressure(s), then an airless variation of this invention may be applied by the hydrogen combustion cycle half of the dual cycle effecting rapid high temperature reduction of the Fe304 and similarly the alternating steam-expansion cycle effecting rapid reduction of the hydrogen oxide (steam), by the very hot solid surfaces present, and electromagnetic energy.

Air is normally introduced into this combinedcycle engine system when, for example, the rate of hydrogen burned exceeds the mass of hydrogen produced, necessitating excess oxygen for combustion compared to that stoichiometrically required for reduction of the Fe304 from the immediately previous oxidising reaction (if of iron surfaces) by steam admitted in the previous steam-type expansion to hydrogen production. Further, air may be employed to regenerate solid reactant surfaces (iron or other easily oxidisable solid reactants or alloys of mixtures thereof) when hydrogen for this purpose is not being burned in an off-power period of the engine's operation.

Combustion and production of hydrogen in external reaction chambers is consistent with this invention, by the same principle of combustion of hydrogen fuel alternating with the production of fuel. Such an arrangement is essential, for example, where materials of construction of the power-producing chamber do not permit the inclusion of sufficient masses of solid reactant (such as iron and magnetite (Fe304) or for the reactive masses of H2 and H2O (as steam or injected water flashing to steam by the heat of the chamber) and these also being of insufficient mass flow rate to enable the reversable chemical reactions for production and combustion of hydrogen fuel to occur.Also, where air is not available, such as in submarine operation or spacebalanced hydrogen fuel combustion and production is arranged for steady flow and power output depending on pressure and capacity for reactants including solids controllably entrained, and with steam production rate obtained by example from skin friction in supersonic aricraft and with solids capable of regeneration as detailed herein-that is, for example, by oxidation of Fe to Fe304 and reduction of Fe304 to Fe; and in the case of sea vessels or submarines, hydrogen is extracted by electrolysis of sea-water by a shift reaction to eliminate chlorine; or by selective photolysis for space craft, or by amplified electromagnetic separation of desired reactants (such as Fe, H2 and oxygen) from inter-galactic matter, using solar or similar electromagnetic energy and under such conditions that where inter-Galactic energy exceeds our present concept of the speed of light, tremendous speeds will be achieved simply by change of mass. Such a spacecraft will ingest all required reactants, selecting those needed for substance of the fuel and life systems, and ejecting unwanted elements or isotyopes by electromagnetic acceleration and thus forward thrust, in some conditions above the speed of light as light speeds vary in various galactic or inter-galactic systems.

According to a good example of the present invention a new cylinder-head is provided for existing internal-combustion engine(s), or for such engines in new production; and this cylinder head comprises a set of overhead valves (which may be of the poppet valve type or any other suitable design); but which are in the example of the rotary-cylindrical-and-ported type with provision for maintaining rotative clearances during peaks of internal-combustion-and-compression or highpressure steam admission.The combined driveshaft and rotary valve with portways are fitted within a generally cylindrical cavity within the cylinder head, with the rotary ported valve arranged either across the cylinder head at right angles to the line of main crankshaft drive, or in other arrangement of angle, but suitably geared to provide correct valve events appropriate to the variations of piston position and chamber volume in the power-producing chamber(s); or the rotary valve driveshafts may be parallel, at right angles or radial to the main engine output shaft (as in the example of Ricardo type sleeve valves) or as in the example of single cylinder engines, or those engines with cylinders in radial arrangement, or in opposed cylinders, or for engines of the rotary or orbitol or inverted orbitol type expanders or engines where the power-producing chambers are similarly radially arranged, or similarly opposed (as in horizontal or vertically or angular opposed cylinder of power-producing chamber(s) of similar configurations.

The valves are so arranged that near the end of the internal combustion exhaust-stroke, steam (or pressurised water) passes in counterflow to the exhausting combustion products within the exhaust port or valve, and this H2O is introduced to the working chamber or cylinder of the engine when the piston is so positioned to provide minimum clearance volume, and (depending on power and fuel needs) steam is admitted with variable duration, pressure and thus volume-and noting that this steam inlet port, passing H2O of high density, is small enough to be included in the internal-combustion valve system, whether of rotary, poppet, or any other suitable design.The steam, thus admitted, reacts in this example, with iron to produce hydrogen fuel, with some hydrocarbon product from dissociation of lubrication oil, with a water-vapour or steam content varying with thermo-chemical conditions (but which may be described as the fuel gas/vapour mixture) cools as it expands with extraction of mechanical work and endothermic reaction, thereby completing this steamexpansion type stroke.

Suitably controlled valves are provided so that the engine operation may elect to either deliver this fuel gas mixture outside the engine (for condensation of moisture therein, or residual expansion) or alternatively, part or whole of the mixture may be compressed within or adjacent to the working cylinder and ignited by electrical spark, compression ignition, gas injection, catalytic heat reaction such as platinum glowplug of similar means, or by admission to the oxidised iron (Fe304) and thereby burned, for a combustion-expansion power stroke.

For the purpose of this example all fuel produced is delivered out of the engine by way of a fuel-exhaust port arranged within the internal combustion inlet valve of the rotary ported valve, and separation of hydrogen from the unreacted steam condensate is effected in the inlet-side heat-exchanger, or liquid sealed compound expander, whence H2 is compressed back to required feed pressure and condition.

Control of the fuel to air proportion may be effected within the inlet port (external to the inletvalve portway) with excess atmospheric air not required for the combustion process being permitted to by-pass the inlet valve portway, for the entry of internal combustion mixture, and this by-passed air ported through the cover of the power-producing chamber to effect cooling of the cover and thence to the exhaust-side steam generator(s) (partly fired from the exhaust of the internal combustion cycle of the power-producing chamber(s)) where this air is used for an afterburner fueled by hydrogen produced and/or stored in the power-producing engine system.

Engines with a low exhaust heat output from the internal combustion cycle may have provided (in addition to the supplementary fuel burners heating the steam generator(s)-partly fed by exhaust from the internal-combustion cycle of the main power-producing chamber(s)) also, external hydrogen fuel production reaction chamber(s) (with alternating steam and H2O and regenerating air or fuel flows) for the reduction of Fe304 and/or H2O and for the oxidation of Fe and H2 and with the controlled circulation of suitable catatysts such as PI, or Pa or enhanced by electro-magnetic energy or where sufficient CO or CO2 mixtures occur from a hydro-carbon fuel being burned in the main engine afterboilers or steam generators, externally fired; or from combustion of lubricants; similar external hydrogen-fuel production systems are provided to effect a water gas shift reaction by the circulation and further treatment of these hydro-carbon/water vapour exhaust gas emissions within a water medium and water sealing system of liquid seal vacuum pumps or compressors, the liquid seal of which have suspended therein colloids prepared by any of the known methods of preparation described, for example in U.K. Patent Specification 1,357,494; of by G. Freis in"Nature" No 241, Jan. 1973; or by Wilenzic in Journal of Chemistry and Physics, No.47, Page 553 in 1967; or by Turkovich in "Science" Page 873, August, 1970; and whereby the process results in generation of hydrogen from water by passing gaseous carbon monoxide and di-oxides through H2O and such catalytic material.

Any other source of hydrogen production external to the main fuel-producing function of this invention from the power-producing chamber(s) of the engine-system combined-cycle described may be integrated into this invention to minimise cost of hydrogen fuel purchased to fuel this engine invention, including fluid flow improvements of Lane's basic system as herein shown. Minimal storage of H2 in monotube elements to obviate explosion risks are the principles applied in this invention's systems, and solid systems such as titanium zeolites light reacted are fed, solids in gas phase, in fluid flow to release a steady rate of H2 and other gases invoived, related to engine need.

Where compound expansions of exhaust gases from this engine invention are effected, recompressed inert gas such as nitrogen, CO2 are final exhaust products, those skilled in the art may utilise such pressurised gas for bearings to minimise friction, intertia drag, aerodynamic effects, or to effect aerodynamic propulsion, or for mere friction or like, heat removal.

Entering reactants, including air are circulated to the principle that reversabie reactions go to completion by increasing concentration of appropriate reactants, or carriers, if air-that is, by an excess of steam when oxidation of solid is needed, excess hydrogen when complete reduction of Fe304 (for example) or the like are needed, requiring precise control of all reactants by suitable valves or similar appropriate controls, and for this invention suitable sensors adjust such valves and flow rates.

Vehicles with engines to this invention collect in operation in humid air water to add to original store and this invention treats such surfeit by photolysis, electrolysis, effecting dissociation by energy applied from electromagnetic sources such as solar energy, transmitted light energy and like from internal or external combustion processes effected in this engine invention, or generated from high wind power by ducting wind resistant to the vehicle through suitable wind tubes and turbines to generate energy for electrolysis or photolysis or the like, of water, to yield hydrogen; and similarly employing any available natural force, including gravity, to generate and store hydrogen fuel.

Where cylindrical power-producing chambers are employed for this invention field effects perhaps from alternation of metallic oxidation and reduction producing electromotive force or whether due to excitation and variation of electromagnetic energy from hydrogen spectrum emissions when hydrogen is burned in presence of metal oxides with infra-red excitation of H2O atoms to far ultraviolet hydrogen excitation bands, but for whatever reason electrical energy may be collected in field coils, particularly when of nickel-chromium wire or the like, arranged in suitable ceramic formers surrounding the power producing chambers.Referring now to the drawings: Figure "1" is a compound vertical section of an eight-cylinder engine to this invention consisting of four sets of horizontally opposed combinedcycle cylinders, arranged in two banks of four, or yielding cylinders 450 apart, albeit each alternate cylinder is set in parallel vertical plane.Each cylinder head is fitted with rotary valve(s) units within a substantially cylindrical shaft with central and annular portways for ingress and egress of reactants impellors, and feeding heat exchangers for steam or high-pressure water generation, after-cooling, separation and compression of hydrogen fuel product, solid phase separation systems, and light paths or other suitable electromagnetic carriers, in this Figure 1 arranged to transmit light from atomic excitation during the internal-combustion part of the combined-cycle through the electromagnetic guide to an opposite or adjacent power-producing chamber wherein, for example, hydrogen is being produced from a steam deoxidation by iron process being effected.

Figure "2" is a vertical compound section of four of these horizontally opposed cylinders showing the upper cylinder at top-dead-centre, and shewing an arrangement of Parson's Double Throw Eccentric, the Cross Valve system and two suggested paths for transmission (and rectification, if required) of electromagnetic transmission guides by the device indicated at 7 on Figure "2" being for a light or eiectro-magnetic or microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation with band shift rectification-tuned for example by a resonant cavity mirror system and crossed beam in solid filter or wavelength turning system, all suitably timed to ensure that as a result of signals from the internal combustion explosions suitable light or energy to assist hydrogen production is effected in an appropriate adjoining chamber wherein this hydrogen fuel production system is in effect.

Figures "3", "4" and "5" indicate further alternative electromagnetic light guides or the like for various double piston or multi-cylinder engine designs.

Figure "6" is a vertical section through the top of a power-producing cylinder, cylinder-head with rotary valve, spark plug, electromagnetic light guide receptor and transmittor, mirrored prism light transmission system in the power producing chamber and shewing this cylinder either having fitted a concentric electromagnetic field coil or, as shown on the righthand side of the Figure "6" an improved location for the monotube steam generator system whereby the water feed to this steam generator forms a water-wall outside the cylinder bore and whereby the saturated and superheated steam zones of this heat exchanger are arranged in annular pathways for hot gases from the internal-combustion phase of the combined cycle, or from second-stage supplementary burner, all making for a more compact combined cycle engine design to this invention.

Figure "7" is a Timing Diagram for a six-stroke combined cycle engine to this engine invention, but it should be noted that, as in my British Patent Application 15256/76 and as claimed and detailed herein, two, four, six, eight or more stroke cycles to this invention may be arranged.

Figure "8" is a Timing Diagram for an eightstroke combined-cycle system to this engine invention, consisting of a four-stroke internalcombustion cycle followed by two succeeding steam-type expansions yielding hydrogen fuel, particularly where in accordance with this invention, light admitted arrives at a stage in steam expansion wherein vacuum conditions exist in the working chamber(s) albeit at a highly superheated temperature due to a high initial steam temperature, and a substance such as titanium zeolite is injected in colloid form, substantial hydrogen in addition to the basic process reports, and is swept from the chamber at high velocity by maintaining a vacuum in the hydrogen separation system, and showing promise of proving a source for excess hydrogen production-that is, beyond vehicle usual needs, simply because the system can now collect, even when parked, more energy than is required for the comparatively short periods of power expenditure-but when on long journeys, of course, such a vehicle needs substantial energy input. But this hydrogen energy may be taken aboard as fuel in any of the convenient forms detailed. Similarly, solid reactants and catalysts would have to be pre-stored.

Features of the invention are understood more clearly by reference to the drawings which illustrate my combined cycle internal-combustion and steam (to hydrogen) expansion engine(s) illustrated by reciprocating piston in cylinder types, but which may be applied to any kind of engine of internal or external combustion design or configuration including the large family of rotary type engines.

With reference to Figure "1" a conventional clutch 1 transmits to suitable gears shaft power produced by this eight-cylinder cycle engine system shown, with 2 indicating final exhaust take-off points for the gases yielding as final products as steady gas flow from a combined silencer and exhaust pipe system located within the substantially tubular engine support frame(s).

The after-burner monotube steam generator system(s) indicated by 3 are fed mainly by exhaust gases from the internal-combustion part of the combined cycle, together with supplementary after-burner(s) and whilst these heat exchanger elements are here depicted as being at right-angles to the radially arranged power cylinders, current work by this inventor indicates improved performance by having these steam generators (or H2O heaters) better arranged concentrically around each power producing cylinder, the water inlet forming a water wall to protect the working cylinder, with the outer annular gas pathway containing the higher temperature H20 and thence to a superheater integral with the rotary distribution valve system.

These rotary valves indicated at 6 are driven from the main crankshaft 11 through a gear train, 4 to yield the three-to-one reduction required for proper timing of the rotary valves, 6, controlling the flow of gases and reactants to yield power from the power piston, 5. The cylinders and covers, 7, tilted at 450 to the vertical plane of this vertical partial section of Figure "1" have indicated electromagnetic pathways (of the lightguide type in this example) and the ancilliary controls and windows, indicated by 8. The condensor system for the after cooling of hydrogen gas product, condensation of entrained water, cooling and the like is indicated at 9, but again later practical work indicates that these units are better replaced by liquid seal gas turbines and similar compressors, to effect more compact units.Coupling 10, greatly exagerated in scale, indicates an output power coupling for support of the ancilliary systems, such as pumps, fans, electrical generators, and the liquid seal expanders and compressors above mentioned.

The main drive and crankshaft is shewn at 11, with the two eccentric bearings forming Parsons "Double Throw" eccentric system are indicated by 17, with the driveshaft suitably supported, as are these eccentric bearings, by main engine bearings 1 2. Combined gas tube conveyors and engine support system is indicated by 13, with 14, 1 5, and 1 6 indicating portways for ingress and egress of electromagnetic energy, solid reactants, hydrogen product (through 1 5) and in this example, steam or H2O injection, through portway 1 6. Figure "1" of needs represents the invention in simplified detail.

The four cylinders showing details of two of these cylinders in Sheet 2, Figure 2, indicate at 1 Parsons eccentric which yields half the throw (the outer eccentric, not shown, yielding the other half) within the connecting rod "slab" with pistons connected as indicated at 2. Cylinder head(s) indicated by 3 are confined by a tilting holding down plate and rocker, 4.The electro magnetic pathway(s)-light guides, or the like, are indicated at 5, fitted with suitable windows into the clearance volume(s) of the powerproducing chambers, and with suitable laser or similar rectification system indicated at 7-the operation being such that if the piston 2 as indicated at the top dead centre of its' stroke (at the top centre of this Sheet "2") is at firing point of compressed internal combustion gases-that is, air, with H2 injection, at this point, in this example-then energy from this firing point photons-transmitted excitation states-are observed through the "window" of guide 5, transmitted to the rectifier 7 for suitable modification or phasing, then to injection into the power-producing chamber shown at the centre bottom, and at centre bottom dead centre of stroke, due to the combined cycle, this being when the steam admitted is at the end of its' power stroke, entrained solids are in their greatest degree of surface exposure, and hydrogen produced is about to be emitted from the powerproducing chamber. By the timeable and tuneable nature of electromagnetic controls shewn at 7, or by taking emission signals from power-producing chambers of earlier time phase, electromagnetic energy transmitted to the hydrogen production stage may be similarly of earlier phase in timing, or of longer duration, if required.Alternative electromagnetic paths (light guides, or the like) with or without rectifiers as indicated at 7, are indicated as part of the internal connecting rod and piston assembly within the engine system at 6, with integral "window" system fitted, all these electromagnetic conductors when of light guide type, being exampled by those of fused quartz construction, and capable of transmission from the far ultra-violet of circa 200 namometer wavelengths down to infra-red at circa 2200 nanometers, whether flexible or not, and windows tested in exampled experiment being of similar fused quartz or silica suitably shielded and cooled and correctly arranged to optimise optical transmission and generally to ensure selfcleaning, but it is stressed that any other suitable materials may be used to effect results required by this invention, that is, to aid hydrogen production.Working cylinders appended to the crankcase 8 are shown in this Figure "2" of Sheet "2" to have cooling fins 9 machined thereon, mainly to help to identify these as conventional type engine cylinders, but recent work indicates these are better replaced by concentric heat exchangers for production of pressurised H2O, thereby achieving an improved and more compact overall design. Windows of the light guide terminals are indicated by 10. Cylinder heads, 3, are shewn on the partly shown Cross powerproducing units' cylinder heads as 11, while 12 shews a cross section through the cylindrical rotary valve, with 13 indicating the compression relief rocker elements, and 14, the lubrication and excess oil collection pads and ports, and fifteen (15) the springs required to achieve Cross's slight oscillation to ensure the rotating valve system does not seize in operation.Piston head connecting bolts 1 6 may have integrated with them types of nuts with mirrowed prisms constructed therein, shewn on a later Sheet (4) to enhance distribution of electromagnetic energy within the power-producing chamber(s).

Referring now to Sheet "3" and to Figure "3" two vertically opposed piston heads 2, mounted on a common connecting rod "slab" 1, and fitted with suitable piston rings 3, shewn in section, and shewn as mounted in cross section on the main crankshaft and half-eccentric, respectively 4 and 5, have inserted into suitable portways machined in the total assembly light guides 6, or any similar and appropriate electromagnetic conductors, with windows indicated by 7.

Figure "4" of Sheet "3" similarly shews a vertical cross section through a pair of opposed piston members 2, connected by a common connecting rod, 1, fitted with rings to the pistons, 3, and driving a crankshaft 4 through eccentrics, one of which is cross-sectioned at 5, but where precise and brief timing suffices to transmit the electromagnetic energy required, the guide 6 is in this example inserted as five parts into portways provided diametrically through the crankshaft and eccentric member(s) and then through the connecting rod and pistons, with windows provided at 7, but this is envisaged mainly as a switching device.

Referring now to Figure "5" of Sheet "3" this is a diagramatical view-a bird's eye view looking down on the cylinder block tops of two banks of four cylinders of a vee-eight engine with the cylinder head removed, and indicating how electromagnetic paths or optical light guides may be provided even in hitherto conventional engines, for the engine cylinders are numbered consectively from 1 to 8 and 9 indicates possible centres of cylinder-head holding down bolts or studs, while 10 indicates light guides or electromagnetic paths linking cylinders timed to the combined cycle events proposed in this invention. Letters A and B merely indicate left and right banks of four cylinders of such vee-eight engines. The light guides, or appropriate electromagnetic paths indicated by 10 would have windows viewing the clearance volumes of such power producing chambers.

Figure "6" of Sheet "4" in a vertical cross section of a single power-producing chamber to this invention, shewing at 1 a vertical cross section through the connecting rod "slab" attached to the working piston 2 fitted with suitable compression and oil control rings 3.

Cylindrical inserts indicated by 4 consist of mirrored prisms arranged to partially lase light emitted and transmitted, in accord with the engine's combined cycle timing, between the spark plug 1 3 and the electromagnetic or light guide assembly 10. Electromagnetic field coils are indicated at 5, which may be arranged outside yet concentric to the H2O heater indicated at 6, for compactness and under certain control, to enhance heat transfer and other electromagnetic effects-while in the head of the cylinder 7 as part of the electromagnetic element or assembly 10-consisting of light guide (or the like) 8 and "window" 9 there is also fitted the Cross valve system 11, portways 12, sparkplug 1 3.

Transmitted electromagnetic energy is represented by the symbol indicated by 14, as one finds it difficult to draw light and 1 5 represents the cylinder, with appropriate insulation, as required, but in later work consisting of parallel skins enabling pre-heating of air for combustion or process.

Figure "7" on Sheet "5" indicates a Timing Diagram of a six-stroke example of this combinedcycle invention commencing at top-dead-centre on the outer starting point of this spiral, whereat the cylinder is at the end of its' compression stroke (of air, and hydrogen fuel injected) with firing point in this example occuring at 40 after top dead centre (due to rapid flame of H2) then following internal-combustion power stroke exhaust valve opens at 90 before bottom dead centre and this internal combustion exhaust (yielding hot gas to the systems' H2O heat generator) continues until the exhaust valve closes at 40 before top dead centre, whereupon already at 50 before top dead centre steam inlet valve has opened until maximum steam cut-off point (for this design only) occurs at 1 80 after top dead centre, and this steam (and solid reactant) are permitted to react, helped by transmitted electromagnetic energy during the expansion of the steam and hydrogen product until what is called the steam exhaust valve opens at 90 before bottom dead centre, this steam leaving through a suitable cross port through the l.C. inlet valve but separately ported for cooling and separation as shown elsewhere in this invention, this exhaust of steam and hydrogen product, and exhausted colloid reactant when applied, is completed when what is called the steam exhaust valve closes at 40 before top dead centre with a dwell until internal combustion inlet valve opens at 40 after top dead centre-recent tests indicate air alone is best, albeit with required entrained solids if not abrasive-and this ingestion is completed with the closure of internal combustion inlet valve at 90 after bottom dead centre with compression being effected to near top dead centre when compressed hydrogen fuel is injected, if required, and firing point is effected, transmitting part of the electromagnetic energy emitted to an opposed or adjacent power producing chamber when producing hydrogen as described herein, with the whole of this combined cycle power producing sequence being resumed, as we started, at internal-combustion phase's firing point (from the plug) at 40 after top dead centre.

This timing represents but an example only, and timed events or mode of operation may be varied, to obtain best hydrogen production and power.

Figure "8" of Sheet "5" represents a Timing Diagram of a combined cycle internal combustion and steam expansion engine system, but with, in this example, two double expansions of steam to hydrogen, illustrating an eight stroke example of this invention--differing from the six-stroke example only in that two strokes are added-one of steam expansion, and one for steam and hydrogen exhaust. Similarly, any suitable number of combined strokes may be arranged, depending on the ratio of power needed to hydrogen production required, and those skilled in the art must match their engine to their application, or even to the vehicle's type of usage, for where in areas of high isolation, where this energy may be converted to hydrogen as elsewhere herein proposed, or where similar "harvesting" of hydrogen proves possible through wind power, then the system proposed may be mainly used to compress such hydrogen produced for separate industrial or domestic application, so that one envisages a hydrogen economy wherein the vehicles of transport become the small power stations of the future.

Certainly cars storing such energy potential, would doubtless be driven with considerable care.

And courtesy.

Claims (21)

Claims

1. A method of operating an apparatus for the production and combustion of hydrogen fuel and the production of mechanical work and comprising steam expansion cycles and fuel combustion cycles, the hydrogen being produced during the steam expansion cycles either in power-producing chambers of the apparatus or in reaction chambers connected to the powerproducing chambers by the oxidizing action of steam on metal, alloy or compound in the presence of electromagnetic energy, both the amount of hydrogen fuel produced being enhanced and the process being controlled by the electromagnetic energy and the hydrogen produced being burnt in the next or later fuel combustion cycle, or being stored, the fuel combustion cycles including reduction of the previously oxidised metal at a sufficient rate to provide regenerated metal surfaces with which steam may react in a subsequent steam cycle, the reactants and electromagnetic energy being supplied to the power-producing or reactionchambers such as to ensure that clean reactive surfaces are regained for the reactions of oxidation of metal and reduction of metal oxide to occur in the next steam-expansion and fuelcombustion cycles respectively, the main part of the heat energy being produced by the combustion of the hydrogen fuel and the other reactants in the fuel-combustion cycles being converted into mechanical work.

2. A method according to Claim 1 comprising operating combined-cycle internal-combustionand-steam expansion engines with powerproducing-and-reaction chambers arranged either in the pistons and/or in the cylinder head or with the reaction chambers being ambient to the power producing chamber(s) and from which electromagnetic energy is from combustion of hydrogen and reduction of metal oxide material are recovered within the power-producing chamber(s) by endothermic reactions between metal and steam with electromagnetic energy being introduced into a reaction chamber disposed within or adjacent to the powerproducing chamber(s) of the engine and characterised in that hydrogen produced and burned in alternating internal-combustion and steam (to hydrogen) cycles energises electromagnetic emissions and absorptions for endothermic direct reaction between steam and solid reactants and exothermic reactions between hydrogen fuel and metal oxide (producing steam exhaust, nitrogen and a reactivated solid mass for resumption of the fuel-producing cycle,-in a steam cycle) so that the combined cycles produce work from the expansion of the reaction gases, being supplied to the engine system in the correct state and mass to provide for power output from the combined-cycle internal-combustion-andsteam-power cycles, with suitable pathways provided between the respective powerproducing (and, or, reaction chambers) to permit the appropriate reactants and energies to be transferred in correct mass and energy flow.

3. A method as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the combined chemical reaction and power-producing chambers are interconnected and in contact with portways and pathways adapted to retain and transmit electromagnetic energy from the internalcombustion cycles to the steam expansion cycle and are separated between the main powerproducing chambers by controls to provide suitable timing in relation to combined-cycle energy and mass-flow requirements.

4. Method as claimed in any of claims 1,2 and 3 characterised in that the reaction materials or gases, electromagnetic energy, hydrogen and steam (or water) are injected towards the reaction solid-phase masses tangentially in such manner that they contact and cover a maximum surface of the said reactive surfaces to provide an even and rapid rate of reaction.

5. Method as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that hydrogen fuel in one cycle is ignited to react with solid phase reactant masses in the power-producing chamber(s) and so that the electromagnetic energy surplas to the shaft power output and the alternating reduction of the reacted metal oxide is conducted, convected or radiated (depending on velocity path) to transmit electromagnetic energy for the endothermic fuelproducing reaction (that is, for example, a steam and iron to oxide and hydrogen reaction) either taking place simultaneously in an adjacent reaction or power-producing chamber or in the immediately succeeding fuel-producing reaction where this takes place in the power-producing chamber immediately following the internalcombustion cycle (or in appended chamber) in the combined-cycle power-producing chamber.

6. Method as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that fuel, steam and electro-magnetic energy and solid reactant are separately injected into the respective power-producing chambers.

7. Method as claimed in Claims 1 to 6 characterised in that the reaction-rates and freeenergy levels of the solid phase reactive masses, hydrogen fuel, steam or electromagnetic energy levels are rectified, reduced or amplified or by suitable catalytic means such as platinum, palladium, tungsten bronze, nickel, aluminium hydroxide, titanium or similar zeolytes or similar suitable compounds being applied, to achieve the required reaction rates required for the best production of hydrogen fuel.

8. Methods as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the injection of the reaction component steam is effected within an angular range of the main engine crankshaft between the exhaust stroke of the internal-combustion cycle and the commencement of the steam expansion stroke (within the steam cycle(s)) with suitable cut-off of steam provided; and with injection of electromagnetic energy from an adjacent powerproducing chamber (wherein is occurring internalcombustion firing point for that chamber's powerproducing internal combustion cycle) and this injection so effected that electromagnetic energy (amplified, rectified, or otherwise modified) enters the steam expansion stroke during the steam-tohydrogen reaction in such manner as to expedite the reaction (for example, from steam and metal to hydrogen and metal oxide) and to thus improve the rate of hydrogen production, by electromagnetic energy providing further power in addition to that obtained from the previous exothermic fuel-burning reaction in the chamber.

9. Method as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8 characterised in that gaseous product formed by the steam and iron reaction is hydrogen, which, after condensation of unreacted water vapour is caused to enter the main power-producing chamber(s) or to pass to the internal-combustion exhaust afterboiler(s) or heat-exchanger(s), compressed and injected, or commixed in the respective combustion chambers with air in turbulent motion and containing reactive solids, if required, metered to provide excess oxygen apart from that reduced from the oxide surfaces, be ignited, and burn.

10. An apparatus for performing the methods as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9 described as a combined-cycle steam-and-internal-combustion engine fitted with valves and portways, and electromagnetic collectors and characterised by the provision of suitable solid reactant masses or surfaces, controllably circulated or within or adjacently connected to the power-producing chamber(s) or placed either in the piston member of power-producing chamber(s) or within or appended to such chamber(s) and whereby suitable field coils or collector devices surround or are appended to such chamber(s) and ports or pathways, suitable electrodes and/or electromagnetic collectors and emitters are provided to enable electromagnetic energy to be collected, and/or controllably transferred, and/or for the collection of electromagnetic energy caused by the rapid oscillation, reciprocation or rotation of the substantially magnetic piston member, for example, within such powerproducing chamber(s).

11. A combined-cycle steam-and-internalcombustion engine for performing the methods claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9 characterized by the provision of power-producing chambers fitted with double-ported cross-flow valves controllably timed from the main crankshaft of the engine to enable the separately timed inlet and exhaust of the gas-phase reactant, steam (or water flashed to steam), hydrogen, solid reactants or catalysts, and electromagnetic energy-each under quite separate control and flow rate and so that the separate events of hydrogen pius air for combustion enters the inlet port in such a manner that the complete oxidation of the hydrogen fuel plus the reduction of the previously oxidised metal or solid reactants are effected in a powerproducing internal-combustion cycle, with part of the electromagnetic energy from the internalcombustion being transferred at firing point to an appropriate adjacent power-producing chamber and with a third timed event of exhaust of internal-combustion products is separately effected through suitably timed valve events and portways to the after boiler(s) for collection of residual heatenergy in the form in this example of superheated steam, timed to enter through a portway in the suitably timed valve, into the power-producing chamber, during or after the exhaust of the internal combustion cycle, and this steam is expanded whilst reacting with the hot metal or solid reactants or surfaces causing the odixation of the metal surfaces and during which electromagnetic radiation from the adjacent or opposite internal-combustion event is absorbed to expedite the reaction of steam and (in this example) iron to effect hydrogen production and again by suitable valve timing this hydrogen and unreacted steam, vapour or water condensate is caused to pass from the power-producing chamber, through a portway adjacent to or within the inlet valve for the next following inlet of hydrogen (and excess oxygen for combustion) and where applicable, solid reactants, during the following internal-combustion cycle, and during which either electrical energy is provided for spark-ignition (or compression ignition may be employed, or both) but in either case electromagnetic energy is removed and transmitted to an adjacent power-producing chamber wherein the steam-to-hydrogen expansion-and-reaction is in progress, making a hydrogen mass as close as possible to the mass of hydrogen burned during each alternative combustion cycle.

1 2. Combined cycle engine as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that the reaction solids' surfaces contained within or arranged adjacent to the respective power-producing chambers are of an alloy of constituents (being mainly iron or similar oxidisable solids) are of a substantially porous nature, etched, machined, or so prepared or treated to enable the optimum sites to be available for oxidation so that there is an enhancement of the photo-electro-chemical dissociation of H2O when the electromagnetic radiation transmitted from the internalcombustion phase from an adjacent or opposite power-producing chamber(s) occurs and whereby this energy may be amplified or modified for best reaction(s) related to the spectrum frequencies for this developing metal oxide exampled in this invention by Fe304 or similar oxygen compounds; and characterised in that the reactive surfaces have absorption and emission capabilities to permit unused heat accumulating on surface masses to be transferred immediately to the condensed reaction component H2O (and suitable solid reactant) or water when not reacted, by rapid evaporation from these extended surface areas either during removal of the hydrogen and unreacted steam or for subsequent adsorption into the air/oxygen supply in the immediately succeeding internal-combustion cycle when hydrogen is reintroduced for the internalcombustion power-producing cycle.

1 3. Combined cycle steam-and-internalcombustion power-producing engine as claimed in Claims 10 to 12 characterised in that the reactive surfaces of the power producing chambers are lined with carrier materials, for example of ceramic or amorphous chalcogen material or metalloceramic materials for the support of and increased activation of reactive or oxidisable materials such as metallic iron, titanium, or the like, and suitable catalysts or reactants may flow as forms of zeolytes, or rare earth oxides of the zirconium or ytrium type ori alloys similar to tungsten bronze or as palladium, or alloys, platinum or alloys or platinum group metals, nickel aluminium or hydroxides thereof, hydrides, or other suitable alloys or compounds.

14. Combined cycle engine as claimed in Claim 1 3 characterised in that the power-producing chambers have surfaces in addition to suitably catalytic surfaces other polished surfaces prepared (or obtained from operation) and the concentric head of the working piston arranged as, or having suitably arranged therein and in the cylinder head reflective surfaces for electromagnetic amplification by stimulated emission and absorption of radiation for the enhancement of hydrogen fuel production or similar such laser devices and controls may be conveniently iocated outside the powerproducing chamber, as linking light guides or the light, for the enhanced production of hydrogen fuel from steam supplied (or H2O) as water under pressure or vacuum but when of steam from generators connected either within or as close as possible to the exhaust valve(s) and portway(s) that exhaust hot expanded gases from the -internal-combustion cycle(s) with one or more steam expansion(s) to hydrogen conversion cycle(s) alternating.

1 5. Combined-cycle engine as claimed in Claims 12 to 14 characterised in that the exhaust of hydrogen and unreacted steam from the steam-power cycle(s) are passed through a valve (separate and distinct from the internalcombustion cycle's exhaust valve) and through suitable portways to a condensor and separator device to effect condensation of unreacted vapour, shedding of entrained solids, where applied, and after removal of condensed H2O separation of hydrogen by suitable pumps for piping the hydrogen either to storage or to the fuel supply valve for reintroduction to the combined-cycle engine for an internalcombustion cycle.

16. An engine according to any of Claims 11 to 1 5 wherein the fuel combustion cycle is a twostroke cycle, part of which may include injection of compressed reactants to provide two power impulses during these two strokes.

17. An engine according to any of Claims 11 to 1 5 wherein the fuel combustion cycle is of fourstroke (or more) cycle(s).

18. An engine according to any of Claims 11 to 1 7 wherein the steam expansion cycle is a twostroke cycle.

1 9. An engine according to any of Claims 11 to 1 7 wherein the steam expansion cycle comprises two, or more, consecutive two-stroke cycles.

20. A method of operating a combined-cycle stea m-and-internal-combustion-engine with the simultaneous production (by the reduction of steam by metal) of hydrogen gas and by recovery of electromagnetic energy from the internal and external combustion of hydrogen substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. Combined-cycle internal-combustion-andsteam-cycle-engines in which energy from heat of combustion including electromagnetic energy is recovered and transmitted to the powerproducing chamber(s) of the engines for the production of hydrogen fuel and power substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.