2 - Background

2.2 - Specific examples

2.2.3 - Summary and conclusions

2.2.3.1 - Summary

The summary is presented below in the form of a comparison table:

2.2.3.2 - Conclusion

The arguments in favour of the heat engine can be summarised as follows:

- External combustion engines have the least demanding fuel requirements. The motive fluid and combustion gases are often different. All that is required of a fuel is For it to burn quickly enough without leaving residue.

- Continuous combustion in gas turbine engines or external combustion engines must be stable and steady. This is the principle requirement.

- Advantages of the petrol engine: Piston/cylinder configuration that can withstand high pressures.

- Advantages of the gas oil engine: the piston/cylinder configuration performs better at high pressures.

- Advantages of the gas turbine: Multi-fuel operation, smooth running, good pmax/pme ratio, good emission values without special equipment.

As we are starting from scratch, the following points should be kept in mind to produce our ideal engine specification:

- an external combustion engine;

- multi-fuel operation;

- working at high pressures;

- working at high temperatures:

- smooth and quiet;

- good pmax/pme ratio;

- good emission values without special equipment, therefore with no exhaust system;

- no lubrication in the work volume;

- no cooling in the work volume;

- no gearbox;

- no movement converter.

The « Technologies » and « Applications » sections show how this ideal specification can be met.

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