초록 ▼

Apparatus and method are described for enhancing performance of an alcohol fueled engine during cold conditions, with such enhancement being particularly effected by generation of ether to assist cold operation including starting and/or to achieve reduced emissions during cold running. Dimethyl ethe

Apparatus and method are described for enhancing performance of an alcohol fueled engine during cold conditions, with such enhancement being particularly effected by generation of ether to assist cold operation including starting and/or to achieve reduced emissions during cold running. Dimethyl ether is generated by catalytic dehydration of vaporized methanol using a catalyst, preferably fluorinated alumina. Apparatus is disclosed for generating dimethyl ether on board as needed for immediate mixing with combustion air and methanol and/or for storage to enable later mixing of the dimethyl ether with combustion air and methanol to effect subsequent cold starts and/or cold running operations.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for enhancing performance of an internal combustion engine under cold conditions, said apparatus comprising: generating means for generating ether from alcohol on-board a vehicle having said internal combustion engine thereon, said generating means including dehydration means having vapori

Apparatus for enhancing performance of an internal combustion engine under cold conditions, said apparatus comprising: generating means for generating ether from alcohol on-board a vehicle having said internal combustion engine thereon, said generating means including dehydration means having vaporizing means for receiving said alcohol, superheater means for receiving said vaporized alcohol and heating the same to the alcohol reaction temperature, and catalytic means for receiving said heated vaporized alcohol and causing said ether to be generated therefrom; and application means for applying said ether to said engine whereby at least one of cold starting and cold operation of said engine can be effected.