GB2024955A - Continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system - Google Patents

Abstract

A continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system wherein Freon R12 with synthetic motor oil added to it circulates through a closed circuit conduit in which a pump-compressor 32, heat generator 36, propulsion unit 12 and condenser 30 are connected in series. The fluid is super-heated in the heat generator and the gas so generated is directed through a narrow, generally rectangular flow duct through the propulsion unit where it impinges upon the blades of a pair of rotors 14, 16 rotatably mounted therein. The flow duct is tangential to each of the rotors and the rotor blades conform in outline to the cross-sectional shape of the flow duct. The rotors are geared to a common drive output which, inter alia, drives the pump-compressor. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system This invention relates to a continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system.

Most propulsion systems today, such as internal combustion engines, are complex and relatively heavy mechanisms which operate at a relatively low efficiency. With the more apparent shortage of energy, there is a growing need for a lighter, more efficient engine which can operate at a minimum expenditure of available energy sources and which does not pollute the environment to the same extent as that major contributor to air pollution and unhealthy environmental conditions, the exhaust from internal combustion engines.

It is an object of this invention to provide a propulsion system capable of highly efficient operation while including very few moving parts and. without release of other than very few pollutants to the atmosphere.

According to the invention there is provided a continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system comprising: a closed conduit circuit; a fluorocarbon drive medium contained in said conduit circuit; and a cooling condenser, a pump, a heat generator, a gas supply reservoir and a propulsion unit connected in series in said circuit with the outlet of said propulsion unit connected to said condenser; said propulsion unit comprising; a housing; a flow duct through the housing; and a pair of rotors rotatably mounted in the housing; blades on the rotors being disposed in the flow duct and substantially fully conforming in outline to the cross-section thereof with portions of the flow duct being substantially tangential to each of the rotors.Preferably Freon R12 with five per cent by volume of synthetic motor oil added for lubrication, is the fluid medium and, in use of the system, the same is superheated at the heat generator and fed to the reservoir which has the capacity to maintain a sufficient quantity for operation despite fluctuation in demand, and to provide quick start-up. The superheated gas is passed through a throttle valve and into thç propulsion unit where it impinges upon preferably concave blades of the first rotor; continues on to impinge upon the concave blades of the second rotor and then exits to the condenser where it is cooled and liquefied; thereafter, it is pressurised by the pump-compressor and delivered back to the heat generator.The rotors are geared together to a single output, with the second rotor providing enough additional horsepower to accommodate auxiliary units, such as the pump-compressor.

The invention will'be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic vlew of a continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view taken through the propulsion unit; and Figure 3 is a partial sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Referring now to Figure 1, a continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system 10 is shown that includes a propulsion unit 12 in which are rotatably mounted a first and second rotor 14 and 1 6 having generally radial blades 18 and 20. The.

leading surfaces of the blades 18 and 20 are generally cylindrically concave at 22 about axes parallel to the rotor axis to provide increases in surface area relative to the cross-section thereof.

A flow duct 24 of small, generally rectangular cross-section follows a relatively straight path through the housing though at a slightly arcuate path at 26 and 28 wherein it is tangential to the outer surfaces of the rotor 14 and 16. In these tangential runs, the blades 1 8 and 20 occupy the full cross-section of the flow duct 24.

The flow duct is preferably between 6 and 1 2 mm across and 30 to 50 cms in width and more preferabli; in the order of 10 mm across and 4 cm in width. The blades 18 and 20 of the rotors 14 and 1 6 conform in cross-section to the same dimension whereby the blades will occupy the full area of the flow duct as they move through it.

Preferably, some means (not shown) are provided to seal around the profile of the blade to prevent any energy loss through biow-by.

The flow duct 24 follows a generally sloping downward course, whereby the flow of the rapidly cooling gas is augmented by gravity.

From the propulsion unit 12, the gases flow to a condenser 30 wherein they are cooled in the usual manner by flowing through coils over which air is passed. If desired, the air movement may be increased by suitable blower means (not shown).

The medium employed in the system is a suitable fluorocarbon and preferably is Freon R12 ,to which has been added a synthetic motor oil at a ratio by volume of approximately 1 to 20. The synthetic motor oil is preferably of the neo-pentyl polyol-ester type. The synthetic oil so used with Freon R12 functions to lubricate the pump and rotors. It is preferred to use petroleum oil because of its ability to withstand higher temperatures and because of its lack of corrosive characteristics.

The liquefied Freon 12mixture is pumped buy a suitable pump-compressor such as the radio vane pump 32 to flow through the continuous closed conduit 34 in which the various components are arranged in series. The pump 32 preferably has a polytetrafluoroethylene coated barrel 33 and blades-34 and functions to pump the liquid through the closed circuit conduit to the heat generator at an elevated pressure of, for example, 28 kilo/sq. cm. The pump may be driven by any suitable motive power transmitting means from the rotors 14 and 16. For example, the pump may be driven by a chain and sprocket drive or a cog belt from a power take-off hereinafter to be described.

The Freon R12 with synthetic oil entrained is pumped to the heat generator 36, where it is heated and superheated to a temperature of 2040C and the gases so produced are delivered to the reservoir or supply tank 38 which ensures a steady and adequate supply of gas, despite fluctuating demands. Preferably, valves 40 and 42 are provided upstream of the heat generator and downstream of the supply tank 38 to isolate the gases therein when the system is idle. The heat generator may be electric or a solar heater, or it may use any satisfactory liquid fuel, such as alcohol.

From the supply tank 38, the superheated gas with entrained synthetic lubricating oil jets through a'throttle valve 44 forming the intake to the propulsion unit 12. There, the gas is throttled down to the desired flow rate to impinge upon the rotor blades 18 and 20, driving the primary and secondary rotors 14 and 1 6 in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, respectively. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rotors 14 and 1 6 may drive pinions 46 and 48, which together drive an output gear 50 to deliver a rotary force at 52 (Figure 2). Of course, an intermediate or idler gear 54 is provided in engagement with one of the pinions 48 to reverse the direction so as not to oppose the pinion 46. Also if desired, a pinion may be provided on the output shaft 54 to drive a pinion 56 on a take-off shaft 58, which-may be used for driving the pump 32, as previously described, and other auxiliary equipment.

In operation, the superheated Freon R12 at pressures up to 28 kilo/sq. Cm acts over an area of 4 sq. cm against the rotor blades. With 20 cm diameter rotors it is calculated that this will drive the rotors at 500 revolutions per second at 53 gross k.w.

Claims (9)

1. A continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system comprising: a closed conduit circuit; a fluorocarbon drive medium contained in said conduit circuit; and a cooling condenser, a pump, a heat generator, a gas supply reservoir and a propulsion unit connected in series in said circuit with the outlet of said propulsion unit connected to said condenser; said propulsion unit comprising; a housing; a flow duct through the housing; and a pair of rotors rotatably mounted in the housing; blades on the rotors being disposed in the flow duct and substantially fully conforming in outline to the cross-section thereof with portions of the flow duct being substantially tangential to each of the rotors.

2. A propulsion system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow duct is substantially rectangular in cross-section and the leading faces of the blades against which the drive medium impinges in use of the system are generally cylindrically concave.about axes parallel to the axis of the rotor.

3. A propulsion system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow duct is generally rectangular in cross-section and between 6 and 12 mm across and 30 to 50 mm in width.

4. A propulsion system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flow duct is substantially 10 mm across and 40 mm in width.

5. A propulsion system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fluorocarbon drive medium is Freon 1 2 mixed in a ratio of twenty to one with synthetic motor oil.

6. A propulsion system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said flow duct extends intermediate the rotors to drive the same in opposite directions of rotation.

7. A propulsion system as claimed in any .preceding claim, which is so arranged that the flow duct extends diagonally downward through the housing in use of the system.

8. A propulsion system as claimed in any preceding claim, including a throttle valve in the flow duct immediately upstream of the propulsion unit.

9. A propulsion system as claimed in any preceding claim, including on-off valves in the flow duct upstream of the heat generator and downstream of the supply reservoir.

1 0. A continuous cycle dual rotor propulsion system constructed and arranged to operate substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.