Engine Induction Developments - Economic and Reduced Exhaust Emissions: Fuel Vapourization - Economy with Reduced Exhaust Emission

Abstract

SYNOPSIS This paper describes a simple system of controlling exhaust emissions from gasoline engined vehicles, using a coolant-heated fuel vaporiser in the inlet system. The object of complete vaporisation of the fuel is to create a homogeneous inlet charge, giving improved cylinder-to-cylinder distribution and permitting operation with very lean mixtures. This leads to low exhaust emissions of Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons and Nitric Oxides. The effects of vaporisation on the lean limit of operation, exhaust emissions, power output, fuel consumption and optimum spark ignition timing have been investigated, and are discussed in the paper. Results of tests on a 1.6 litre car are also presented. It was found that exhaust emissions were effectively controlled, while vehicle driveability remained acceptable. Engine power was reduced by 25-30%, although fuel consumption was not increased.