Electro-Turbo-Compound Ceramic Diesel Engine for Propulsion and Power

This proposal suggests the development of an uncooled ceramic two-stroke-cycle oil-free turbocharged diesel engine with a flywheel-integrated motor/generator for the engine and a shaft-integrated very-high-speed motor/generator for the turbocharger. The engine is to provide mechanical power output for propulsion, while the turbogenerator provides conditioned electric power for on-board electronics, etc. Three-way transfer of electrical power between engine, turbocharger and a battery is used to aid cold-starting, reduce turbo-lag and store excess power. The turbocompound engine, with other proposed innovative features, will offer high power, compact dimensions, low weight, reduced complexity and cost, low fuel consumption, multi-fuel ability and low emissions of pollutants, noise and InfraRed. The proposed Phase I activities include benchmarking and conceptual development, evaluation and selection of enabling technologies, preliminary design & layout, cycle analysis and optimizaiton, projection of engine performance, evaluation of benefits to user vehncies, projection of technical feasibility for the engine and financial feasibility for the project.