초록 ▼

The internal combustion engine fuel system described includes a structure for mixing the alternative fuel, preferably hydrogen, with oxygen in ambient air to stratify the fuel. The system includes an adapter, and the adapter includes a housing mounted between spark plug and cylinder of the internal

The internal combustion engine fuel system described includes a structure for mixing the alternative fuel, preferably hydrogen, with oxygen in ambient air to stratify the fuel. The system includes an adapter, and the adapter includes a housing mounted between spark plug and cylinder of the internal combustion engine. A plug is placed within the housing. The plug has ridges or grooves on its outer surface that act as mixing structures. Thus, when hydrogen is introduced into the adapter housing it is mixed with ambient oxygen within the chamber as it flows over the plug. The mixing structures in the housing creates a vortexing action as the hydrogen flows over the plug and towards the cylinder of the engine. An electrode protrudes from the plug towards the cylinder. The electrode is preferably platinum and generates the necessary spark to create combustion of the hydrogen/air mixture adjacent to the cylinder to thereby power the cylinder in the engine. A platinum electrode is preferably used because it enhances a catalytic conversion of combustion by-products to more environmentally compatible products. The present invention also teaches a spark plug producing a hotter spark for a hydrogen fuel system. Also taught is a hydrogen powered vehicle with reduced emissions by producing a spark during the power stroke and the exhaust stroke. Methods for reducing exhaust pollution are also taught. Methods of reducing exhaust pollution by generating a plasma are taught as well.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A hydrogen powered vehicle including an internal combustion engine operably connected to power the vehicle and adapted to connect to a hydrogen supply through a supply line, the internal combustion engine comprising:a cylinder operably connected to the supply line;a pisto

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A hydrogen powered vehicle including an internal combustion engine operably connected to power the vehicle and adapted to connect to a hydrogen supply through a supply line, the internal combustion engine comprising:a cylinder operably connected to the supply line;a piston operably disposed in the cylinder;a spark plug having an electrode assembly in operable sparking communication with the cylinder, wherein the spark plug is capable of producing a spark of at least 45 kV, the spark plug including:a housing having a sparking end and hollow chamber, the housing including a fuel inlet port in fluid communication with the supply line;an electrode assembly, received in the hollow chamber and including an electrode having a connector end and a sparking end, the sparking end positioned near the housing sparking end;an insulator surrounding the electrode assembly and positioned in the hollow chamber,the insulator including an outer surface defining a first fuel channel having a first respective fuel exit port, wherein the first fuel channel is in fluid communication with the fuel inlet port and the fuel exit port exits in the cylinder.