BMW researchers use engine heat to produce steam power

[STi_LOVER]

BMW researchers use engine heat to produce steam power

Munich, Germany – BMW Group reports that its Research and Engineering team has succeeded in harnessing engine heat to increase power and reduce fuel consumption. The innovative assistance drive, combined with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, reduced fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent and generated 13.4 more horsepower in tests. The extra energy was derived exclusively from waste heat present in exhaust gases and cooling water.

The project, known as the Turbosteamer, works on the principle of the steam engine. Fluid is heated to form steam in two circuits, which is used to power the engine. The primary energy supplier is a high-temperature circuit which uses exhaust heat from the engine as an energy source, via heat exchangers. More than 80 per cent of the heat energy contained in the exhaust gases is recycled. The steam is then conducted directly into an expansion unit, linked to the engine's crankshaft. Most of the remaining residual heat is absorbed by the engine's cooling system, which acts as the Turbosteamer's second energy supply.

The components of the new system have been designed to be installed in existing model series, with tests showing that a number of sample packages will fit into a car such as the BMW 3 Series. Researchers are focusing on making the components smaller and simpler; BMW forecasts that the system may be ready for volume production within ten years.


Source: http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/051208-1.htm