초록 ▼

In a system including an alcohol fuel container, a first catalyst containing reactor, an internal combustion engine, alcohol is passed from the container through the first reactor which contains dissociation catalyst. The alcohol is dissociated in the first reactor to form a combustible gaseous mixt

In a system including an alcohol fuel container, a first catalyst containing reactor, an internal combustion engine, alcohol is passed from the container through the first reactor which contains dissociation catalyst. The alcohol is dissociated in the first reactor to form a combustible gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen. The hydrogen is then fed to the engine. The improvement includes passing alcohol through a second reactor containing dehydration catalyst to form ether. Then passing that ether to the engine for start-up. Thus, the engine may be started using a mixture of ether formed in the second reactor and alcohol and then operated using hydrogen formed in the first reactor.

대표청구항 ▼

A fuel treatment and distribution apparatus for use with an internal combustion engine comprising an alcohol fuel storage means, an electrical power source means, a vaporizer means, a catalyst containing start-up reactor means, said catalyst containing reactor comprising an electric resistance heati

A fuel treatment and distribution apparatus for use with an internal combustion engine comprising an alcohol fuel storage means, an electrical power source means, a vaporizer means, a catalyst containing start-up reactor means, said catalyst containing reactor comprising an electric resistance heating means connected to receive electrical power from said electrical power source means and a dehydration catalyst, and a by-pass conduit means, said alcohol storage means being in fluid flow communication with said vaporizers means, said vaporizer means being in fluid flow communication with said dehydration catalyst containing start-up reactor means, said catalyst containing start-up reactor means being in fluid flow communication with said internal combustion engine, said alcohol storage means being in fluid flow communication with said internal combustion engine through said by-pass conduit means circumventing said start-up reactor means. In a fuel treatment and distribution process comprising providing an alcohol fuel storage means, a first catalyst containing reactor, an internal combustion engine, said first reactor containing a dissociation catalyst, passing alcohol from said storage means through said first reactor to form a combustible gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen, and passing said hydrogen to said engine wherein the improvement comprises providing a second catalyst containing reactor for start-up in fluid flow communication with said fuel storage means and said engine, said second reactor containing a dehydration catalyst, passing said alcohol through said second catalyst to form ether, and passing said ether along with said alcohol delivered through said by-pass conduit means to said engine, whereby said engine may be started using ether formed in said second reactor and said alcohol, and then operated using hydrogen formed in said first reactor.