Cyclone External Combustion Engine

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

JIm in Tucson — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:40:36 GMT

How would this engine do in relatively constant load applications such as ships or small aircraft?

There is a real need for replacement engines for propeller driven aircraft. Aircraft piston engines greater than 300 hp are about the last users of leaded gasoline. No aircraft engine can be certified to operate with alcohol containing fuels. Aircraft diesels are slowly developing but are very complicated and expensive.

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

W, Savitar Engineering — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:32:28 GMT

Overlooked in the comments and presentation was the demise of the steam engine auto, cold New England winters.

Water freezes...

What happens when it's parked in the driveway overnight?

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

rick — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:39:43 GMT

I believe the cyclone engine would be ideal for a plug-in range extended hybrid of the future. It would run a generator rather than directly power the drivetrain similar to the upcoming Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma, puttling less physical stresses on the cyclone engine itself. The real beauty is that the cyclone engine runs VERY well with low emissions on algal oil without having to convert the algal oil to biodiesel. Some species of algae are up to 50% oil by weight far surpassing the oil content of any other biomass.

Dr. R

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Jordon — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:25:36 GMT

The fact that it can run on gasoline or diesel is a major plus for this engine. One of the bigger problems(and why the hybrids work for now) is that the transition out of using our current fuel systems will take time. The fact that this thing will run on just about anything allows us to use our current fuel forms and allow us to change eventually to a better fuel source. That and simplicity is king, lightweight and fewer systems to maintain and break down.

(Does this thing remind anyone else of the Mr. Fusion in back to the future or is it just me?)

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

AJ — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:19:42 GMT

On December 2, 1942 the first sustainable nuclear reaction took place at the University of Chicago. On July 16, 1945 the first nuclear bomb was detonated, Why, that's about 30 months from proof of theory to production. When the government states that the fuel crisis is the moral equivilant of war, then I will believe that things are serious. When I see money wasted bailing out banks and auto companies, I see sell out. I think we have lost a great chance to dump the 20th century ICE and leap ahead to newer technologies.

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Joel Posner of Maple Grove, MN — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:23:48 GMT

Fascinating, You guys really know what you are talking about. My lawn mower has been broken for a year and I'm holding out for a Cyclone mower? I really really want to wait but I'm starting to loose interest and may simply buy a regular one. Any ideas as to when the mower may be available? I called Cyclone 6 months ago and they said they aren't making the mowers. They are just offering the license to lawnmower manufacturers. Also, my mower is in great shape; the engine is just shot. Any chance I can replace just the engine? I'll buy the engine. Is there anyone in MN that would like to help me do it? jgposner@yahoo.com

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Tommey Lee Reed — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:41:45 GMT

What is external combustion chamber patent?

I have a patented engine that has a patented external combustion chamber part of the rotary piston engine. That could be used for any design, with basic design factor.

I know you would use someone else patents, would you?

Tommey Lee Reed

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Mark — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:23:44 GMT

Bill... so, it seems that you're looking to construct an electric vehicle, but with a versatile and efficient power plant to serve as a range extender (when needed) and also to provide electrical power for other uses? If so, then I love the idea, and I agree that the Cyclone would be ideal. Have you checked out their web site and the numerous other Cyclone engines that they're working on? There are some smaller models that will likely interest you. The Mark II is a two cylinder design that can generate 10kw electrical. It is not as efficient as the automotive design, but better than conventional gasoline IC generators on the market today.

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Bill — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:09:55 GMT

Mark ,you are right if I was looking for a motor that would be used constantly or very frequently - I'm looking for an engine that would only be used about 20 days a year as range extender and serve as a back-up/ mobile generator the rest of the time- one of my concerns for an ICE is if it doesn't run enough you might have problems with it.

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Mark — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:59:29 GMT

Bill, the efficiency of the Cyclone does not vary much over its power range like internal combustion engines. Therefore, if you hybridize the Cyclone, then generator/battery/motor losses will drop the overall efficiency markedly as compared to the straight Cyclone power train. Check out my previous comments. I stand by my assertion that an automobile powered by a Cyclone engine will see better mpg (all other factors equal) than hybrid cars.

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Bill — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:06:08 GMT

I've looked at about twenty different options for a range extender for a plug in electric series hybrid and I think this is the best one yet- it has most of the advantages of a Stirling with a much better power density

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Dody — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:58:57 GMT

One says the hybrids are competitive with this one.

But this one can go as the combustion component

of hybrids

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Mark — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:57:46 GMT

Hi Redrik. I agree with you that the Cyclone is ideal for heavy vehicles. I also expect them to get into the small engine market (lawn equipement, etc).

About warm up time... the Cyclone requires only one minute for warm up from cold... no need at all for the electric drive system. The Cyclone requires less warm up time than Diesel engines.

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Redrik — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:47:49 GMT

I, too, have been following Cyclone progress for quite a while (and others), not to mention electric and hybrid power and I doubt that anything other than IC will make an impression on the light vehicle market, regardless of operating cost advantages of a significant magnitude.

In my opinion, government legislation would need to force a change because:

1. Car companies margins are very slim (or negative) and an unforced change from IC to anything else would be expensive and too risky. Neither manufacturers, nor consumers, embrace radical change. The classic example is Toyota, the World's most successful and most conservative manufacturer.

2. Oil companies would lose out big time if they had to compete against alternative fuels and/or improved mpg. They have a huge infrastructure investment to protect and enough money and political clout to do it.

3. The Government consults the auto industry and oil industry before drafting legislation. If they stray out of line political donations get re-directed and consumers rebel if they see the Government restricting their 'rights' or increasing vehicle ownership costs (which they see as the cost of the vehicle before ticking the options boxes plus a few weeks fuel cost).

In my view the real potential is in heavy vehicles where initial outlay is very high and ongoing costs are critical. At the big end of the transport industry Accountants rule. They are also very conservative but if an accountant can see a safe way to significantly cut costs it will be like an orgasm. (Slight narrowing of the eyes and just a hint of a smile.)

Personally, if I could buy it, I would retrofit one of my cars with a Cyclone Engine, an electric motor and enough batteries to enable instant action until the Cyclone gets up to operating temperature in the most extreme weather. Then I would test it carefully for a couple of years and if I figured the payback period might be 5 years or so I would pursue the retro-fit market vigorously because there would be plenty of willing punters and the car manufacturers won't move into the market for many years, if at all.

re: Cyclone External Combustion Engine

Mark — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:52:27 GMT

Max, I totally agree with you.

I'm sorry that I'm not able to provide any references or details regarding my comments on how IC engine efficiency is determined. It's been a while since I looked into it. If I come across more information I'll try to remember and post it here.

But either way it's not relevant to my primary argument that a Cyclone power car will see mpg greater than parallel hybrid cars (all other factors equal).... and could potentially see mpd (miles per dollar) far greater. The bottom line is that the efficiency of internal combustion engines varies dramatically over it's operating range, and peak efficiency is seen only under ideal conditions rarely seen outside a laboratory.