Cryogenic liquid air engine technology
Think of an internal combustion engine without the spark plug, replaced by cryogenic liquid air injected into the cylinder instead of petroleumA new zero-emissions engine out of the UK, which uses liquid air technology, has become a cause celebre in a short time after its commercial potential was endorsed by a leading engineering consultancy.
The powerplant, produced by the Dearman Engine Company, operates by injecting cryogenic liquid air into the cylinder where petroleum would normally go.
Because the air is stored at such a low temperature (we’re talking below 160 degrees Celsius), it reheats at a phenomenally rapid rate and boils, building up pressure and forcing the piston down.
At the bottom of the stroke the exhaust valve opens and the returning piston pushes the heat exchange fluid (the stuff that boils the air) and air out of the engine where the heat exchange fluid is recovered and the cold air eliminated through the exhaust system. At the top of the stroke a new cycle begins.
The liquid air technology has the potential to go toe-to-toe with the other two zero-emission platforms -- hydrogen cell (the type which we've already seen on a Suzuki Burgman scooter) and battery electric.
And whichever one gets its nose in front commercially has the potential to power all sorts of vehicles, form motorcycles to cars, trucks, ships – the lot, really.
And from what scientists are telling us, liquid air is stored easily with no combustion risk, and the infrastructure required for the Dearman technology to go commercial is relatively inexpensive.
What do you think? Does it make sense? Is it better than the other zero-emission technologies?
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