Abstract: A driveline assembly for a utility vehicle includes an engine, an automated sequential transmission positioned forward of the engine, and a gearbox operably coupled to the automated sequential transmission.

Abstract: A method and system are described for on-board treatment of an exhaust stream containing CO2 emitted by a hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) used to power a vehicle in order to reduce the amount of CO2 discharged into the atmosphere which include: a. a first waste heat recovery zone on board the vehicle for receiving the high temperature exhaust gas stream in heat exchange relation and discharging the exhaust stream at a lower temperature, the waste heat recovery zone further including at least one heat exchanger and/or heat recovery device with an inlet for receiving the hot exhaust gas stream from the ICE for passage in heat exchange relation and an outlet for the cooled exhaust gas stream, the heat exchanger further including an inlet for receiving a heat exchange fluid at a first temperature and an outlet for discharging the fluid at a second higher temperature, the heat recovery device including power transmission means; b.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering kinetic energy released during and aircraft landing after ground contact, for ground and/or flight operation, comprising at least one energy converter for conversion of the kinetic energy into another energy form, where the energy converter is located in the area of the nose landing gear and/or in the area of the main landing gear of the aircraft. At least one energy storage system is provided for receiving and releasing at least a part of the converted kinetic energy. The apparatus has a high degree of multiple utilization and enables, for example, maneuvering of a landed aircraft on the taxiway independently of the engines, where the aircraft is substantially moved with the braking energy recovered during the landing process. Since the main engines are no longer required for maneuvering, there is a considerable potential for saving energy and the use of motor-operated tow vehicles is eliminated.

Abstract: An integral combined cycle electric power generation system capable of generating electricity in any environment in which a fluid, such as air, moves relative to the system. Preferably this system is integrated with a hybrid airplane, though it is applicable in a number of other scenarios including, but not limited to, integration with: locomotives, ships, automobiles, trucks, and wind turbines. An exterior surface of the machine in which the system is thermally integrated is a condenser in a closed loop Rankine or Brayton cycle.

Abstract: A method for producing a heated fluid for use within an engine for propulsion of a vehicle is described. The method includes receiving cooled fluid from a fluid source, directing the cooled fluid between a first window configured to operate as a structural member of the engine and a second window configured to separate the cooled fluid from a heated fluid, passing an electromagnetic beam through the first window and the second window, absorbing the passed electromagnetic beam with a heat exchanger within the engine, and directing the cooled fluid through the heat exchanger to become heated fluid.

Abstract: Vehicles, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing and directing first power, such as vehicle generator power, and alternate sources of power. In a particular embodiment, a vehicle includes a power distribution grid that includes a plurality of power sources and a plurality of distributions buses configured to distribute power from the plurality of power sources. The plurality of power sources include an engine-driven power source is configured to provide first power where the first power has first power characteristics. The plurality of power sources also includes a plurality of engine-independent power sources including a first alternate power source configured to provide first alternate power. The first alternate power has first alternate power characteristics that are different than the first power characteristics. The plurality of engine-independent power sources also includes a second alternate power source configured to provide second alternate power.

Abstract: A system for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy in a vehicle: A line circuit (35), a pump (36) for recirculating a medium in the line circuit, at least one evaporator (31, 32, 38) in which the medium is caused to absorb thermal energy from a heat source (4, 28) so that the medium becomes vaporised, a turbine (39) driven by the vaporised medium in order to generate mechanical energy, followed by a condenser arrangement (24, 42) in which the medium is caused to give off thermal energy so that it condenses. The condenser arrangement includes a first condenser (24) in which the medium gives off thermal energy to coolant which circulates in a cooling circuit, and a second condenser (42) downstream of the first condenser (24) with respect to the medium's direction of flow in the line circuit (35) and in which the medium gives off thermal energy to air at the temperature of the surroundings.

Abstract: A system for controlled recovery of thermal energy and conversion to mechanical energy. The system collects thermal energy from a reciprocating engine, specifically from engine jacket fluid and/or engine exhaust and uses this thermal energy to generate a secondary power source by evaporating an organic propellant and using the gaseous propellant to drive an expander in production of mechanical energy. A monitoring module senses ambient and system conditions such as temperature, pressure, and flow of organic propellant at one or more locations; and a control module regulates system parameters based on monitored information to optimize secondary power output. A tertiary, or back-up power source may also be present. The system may be used to meet on-site power demands using primary, secondary, and tertiary power.

Abstract: A method for using a combination Rankine cycle system and hydraulic accumulator system is provided for driving at least one vehicle component. The method includes generating fluid power from a Rankine cycle system to drive the at least one vehicle component during a first engine state and generating fluid power from a hydraulic accumulator system to drive the at least one vehicle component during a second engine state.

Abstract: A drive train for a motor vehicle includes: a vehicle drive engine for driving the motor vehicle via a vehicle drive shaft driven by a vehicle drive engine; and a compressor which can be driven optionally or permanently for compressing air for a compressed-air system of the motor vehicle. The compressor is associated with at least one drive unit in the form of a steam-driven expansion machine by which the compressor can be driven.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus recover heat and convert the heat into mechanical power in a drive system for motor vehicles. A working medium carried in a working medium circuit is evaporated by an evaporator integrated into the working medium circuit by waste heat from an internal combustion engine. The vapor generated is fed to an expansion machine coupled to the internal combustion engine, and the exhaust vapor from the expansion machine is then converted back into the liquid phase in at least one condenser. Accordingly at least one valve, which can be subjected to control by a control device, and a vapor accumulator are integrated into the working medium circuit downstream of the evaporator such that the vapor generated is fed into the vapor accumulator. The vapor stored in the vapor accumulator is fed back at least in part into the working medium circuit to drive the expansion machine.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a waste heat recovery (WHR) system and to a system and method for regulation of a fluid inventory in a condenser and a receiver of a Rankine cycle WHR system. Such regulation includes the ability to regulate the pressure in a WHR system to control cavitation and energy conversion.

Abstract: A rotary vane engine system for using exhaust heat energy of a fuel-based heat engine. The heat engine includes a crankshaft being driven by a combustion cycle, and the heat engine generates exhaust gases by combustion. The system comprises an independent air system, wherein the independent air system contains air separate to the exhaust gases. A heat exchanger system is provided for transferring exhaust heat energy from the exhaust gases to the air contained in the independent air system to generate pressurized air. A rotary vane engine is also provided having a housing, a rotor contained within the housing and coupled to the crankshaft of the heat engine, and a plurality of vanes extending radially from the rotor. The pressurized air is expanded within the rotary vane engine for rotation of the rotor thereby providing drive to the crankshaft of the heat engine.

Abstract: Lithium fuel pellets are coated with a fluorinated oil, rather than a fluorinated polymer or telomer. The lithium pellets are coated by placing the pellets inside the lithium reaction vessel and then pouring a fluorinated oil into the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel is rotated in order to evenly coat the lithium pellets. The oil adheres to the lithium pellets and does not settle to the low point of the boiler cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbomachine of axis X including a compressor and an integrated starter/generator. The field magnetic circuit of the starter/generator is mounted in the bore of at least one disk of the compressor and surrounds the secondary magnetic circuit which is secured to a cylindrical shroud provided on the support structure for the bearing of the compressor. The invention applies in particular to single-shaft or multi-shaft turbomachines.

Abstract: The present invention permits determination of steady-state off-design performance characteristics of a vehicle, such as a torpedo, powered by a closed cycle thermal propulsion system. The method may be utilized to determine propellant consumption for a torpedo resulting from various off-design kinematic maneuvers. Total run time may be calculated in response to a plurality of torpedo speed changes and/or torpedo configurations of variable torpedo length or torpedo diameter. The present invention may be utilized to define weapon design options for existing or future underwater weapons with mission requirements different from those for which the weapons were originally designed.

Abstract: A system of combining balanced, independent, self-starting and initially separated internal combustion engines, wherein engines not immediately required for power can be shut down. Shut down engines are disconnected from the running engine or engines, and drive train. This system will dramatically reduce fuel consumption and the amount of exhaust gases. A microprocessor determines vehicle power requirements from engine sensors. Hydraulic pistons under control of the microprocessor bring the individual engine units into and out of engagement with each other. Friction plates and locking pins are provided for coupling the crankshafts at predetermined relative angular positions.

Abstract: A power station is formed of a plurality of mobile modules. One of the mobile modules is a connecting module which has only connecting lines, control equipment, cut-off equipment and measuring equipment installed therein. The connection module can be used for different power stations, which allows a cost-effective construction of power stations. Further, fittings which have to be monitored and operated are concentrated in the connecting module, which reduces operating costs of the power station.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for additional thermal heating for motor vehicle equipped with pollution-free engine operating with additional compressed air injection into the combustion chamber (2) and having high pressure compressed air storage reservoir (23). The high pressure compressed air contained in the reservoir is previously to its final use at a lower pressure, directed towards a thermal heater (56) to increase its pressure and/or volume before it is injected into the combustion or expension chamber (2). The invention is applicable to all engines equipped with compressed air injection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating nonsystem-connected vehicles by means of high-temperature accumulators and for the operation of stationary energy storage using material with high evaporation enthalpy as storage media for high-temperature heat. Said high-temperature heat is generated by means of current transfer and can be stored for a sufficient length of time by means of super isolation and high-temperature resistant carbon materials. On demand, the stored high-temperature heat can be converted directly into electric operating energy, specifically pressure energy, for actuating hydraulic motors by means of a thermionic generator or a Stirling motor.

Abstract: An absorption power cycle is disclosed which achieves a closer match to heat source temperature glide, and also lower heat source exit temperatures, and hence higher conversion efficiencies, in practical equipment. Referring to FIG. 7, two separate absorbers (725 and 706) are provided, each with a pumping path for a different concentration absorbent liquid to a different temperature location within counter-current high-pressure desorber 721. Heat source 710 heats the high-pressure desorber 721 and superheater 724 in parallel, and subsequently heats intermediate-pressure desorber 761. Dotted lines in the figures signify vapor.

Abstract: A steam generator a steam turbine driving unit, designed for the use of gaseous propellant, especially hydrogen, containing a gas supply unit, an air feeding unit (20), a steam generator (1) and steam turbine (77). The gas supply unit is provided with a supply container (8), a gas container (18), and with fittings used for filling up and gas supply. The air feeding unit is provided with instruments regulating air flow, and with an air filter (25). The steam generator is provided with a combustion chamber (1) having a ceramics wall, and the cooling pipes (31) adapted for steam generation are arranged in the combustion chamber (1). The steam turbine (77) is driven by the steam obtained from the cooling pipes (31) used for steam generation, and its shaft (36) represents the power output.

Abstract: An engine assembly that includes an internal combustion engine and a steam engine both designed to operate at speeds of optimal efficiency at normal engine driving conditions. A heat exchanger recovers heat losses from the internal combustion engine's exhaust gases and coolant to produce steam to operate the steam engine. Excess steam produced by the heat exchanger but not directly used by the steam engine is supplied to a steam buffer which stores the excess steam and energy and delivers steam to drive the steam engine during short periods of high load as required. The engine assembly is particularly advantageous in applications for propulsion of heavy vehicles such as trucks, freight trains or ships.

Abstract: A turboalternator for a hybrid motor vehicle includes a low speed portion to generate electrical power, a high speed portion to generate electrical power, the high speed portion being generally parallel to the low speed portion and being independent from each other.

Abstract: A turboalternator for a hybrid motor vehicle includes at least one compressor, at least one turbine, at least one alternator having a rotor and being disposed between the at least one compressor and the at least one turbine, and a common shaft having a longitudinal axis and interconnecting the at least one compressor and the at least one alternator and the at least one turbine. The common shaft is integral and formed as one-piece with the rotor. The turboalternator also includes a structure for cooling the at least one alternator having at least one fluid flow channel extending longitudinally through the rotor and being spaced radially from the longitudinal axis of the common shaft.

Abstract: A turboalternator for a hybrid motor vehicle includes at least one compressor, at least one turbine, at least one alternator disposed between the at least one compressor and the at least one turbine, and a common shaft interconnecting the at least one compressor and the at least one alternator and the at least one turbine, the at least one compressor having a hollowed out portion.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic powertrain includes a fluidic driver connected in parallel with first and second liquid tanks connected, respectively, with first and second gas vessels. The gas within each gas vessel is in fluid communication with the liquid within the corresponding liquid vessel. A prime mover drives a pump to pump liquid alternately into one of the two liquid tanks connected in parallel with the pump. Switch valving directs the discharge of the pump to either the first liquid tank or the second liquid tank, while the liquid tank not receiving liquid from the pump discharge is discharging its liquid, driven by expansion of gas within the corresponding gas vessel, to drive the fluidic driver which, in turn, drives the drive wheels of the vehicle. Each gas tank is equipped with a heater and a cooler whereby the gas vessel, in the compression portion of the cycle, is cooled while the other gas vessel is heated for expansion of the gas contained therein.

Abstract: The invention is a device for generating utilizable energy from potential energy of slowly driving motor vehicles such as street traffic. The device comprises at least one rigid pivoted plate supported on a bearing block. The plate can be lowered by the force of gravity of a motor vehicle such that air is urged out of flexible containers and directed into a pressure equalizing reservoir connected to a turbine or a hydraulic motor. Storage containers for water are supported on both sides of the bearing block on the pivoted plate. The filling of the storage containers is controlled in a manner such that the storage container is exactly filled at the right moment so that it assists in lowering the plate caused by the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Hydraulic air compressor and fuel fired turbine apparatus disposed in a vessel or ship includes a hydraulic compressor having an air intake disposed above the water intake for entraining air in falling water, and the output of the hydraulic compressor is used as a compressed air source for turbine apparatus. The turbine apparatus includes a regenerator for heating the incoming compressed air output from the hydraulic air compressor. The hydraulic air compressor includes, in one embodiment, pump elements for providing a flow of water for when the ship or vessel is not moving and a flow of air to be entrained and compressed.

Abstract: A process for operating a closed Brayton-cycle engine (14) at two substantially differrent levels of output power by selectively changing the molecular weight of the working fluid, and an engine adapted for use with the process.

Abstract: A unique arrangement of components comprising an open Rankine cycle power system for under water application is provided. The arrangement features a high energy density steam generator, a turbine, pumps and other apparatus to provide and control the flow of a seawater working fluid and the use of a mixing condenser to condense the spent steam. The mixing condenser uses droplets of seawater to condense the steam exhausted from the turbine. Alternatively, the steam may be introduced into a pool of water in the mixing condenser by means of a bubble device. The mixing condenser also provides a preheated feedwater supply for the boiler. This system facilitates the packaging of power sources an order of magnitude more powerful than current sources. Moreover, this system can be installed in current vehicles.

Abstract: A power system for a wheeled vehicle in which the vehicle is powered from a steam power plant. The fuel is stored on the vehicle in the form of a compressed block of solid fuel. A fuel grinder or pulverizer is provided between the fuel storage and the steam generator to allow the solid fuel to be delivered in a particle form.

Abstract: A power plant and method of production of synchronous electric power utilizes diesel railroad locomotives which, when connected in parallel and when suitably governed and connected, can provide utility grade electrical power during periods of peak electrical demand while still supplementing the railroad fleet during the remainder of the year. The dual use of railroad locomotives provides substantial economic benefits to both rail carriers and electrical utilities with complimentary seasonal peaks.

Abstract: A power drive system highly adaptable for non stationary vehicle drive in which a battery powered electric motor is mechanically coupled to a hydraulic pump for pressurizing hydraulic fluid that is fed to a cylinder motor that is operably connected to one end of a non rotatable worm screw gear that is reciprocably and rectlinearly driven inside and output shaft for engagement to a series of clutches and gears positioned therein for providing rotation to the output shaft that is operably connected at the other end to the drive shaft, universal or differential of a standard vehicle for providing rotation to the wheels of said vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system in which batteries provide power for driving an electric motor connected to a pump for either compressing air or pressurizing hydraulic fluid for loading a fluid cylinder that is operatively connected for reciprocatably driving a series of drive gears operably connected to and for providing rotation to a series of worm screw gears having an output shaft connected for driving the wheels of a vehicle. A kinetic energy recovery system in which a series of gravitational alternators are operably connected between the axle and chassis/frame of a vehicle for providing electricity during vehicular movement. Additional kinetic energy is recovered as steam is generated by deriving heat from the operative fluid cylinder to the screw engine and transmitting the heated fluid to a low pressure steam boiler for providing steam in operating a screw engine generator for generating electricity.

Abstract: A vehicle kinetic energy reclaiming system employs the vehicle's engine (10) to compress air when the vehicle decelerates and reuses the stored compressed air to drive an air motor (78) which assists in powering the vehicle when it is underway again. When the vehicle begins to decelerate, an accelerator switch (24) causes a valve (38) in a carburetor (34) bypass pipe to open, allowing ample air to enter and be compressed by the engine, which is driven by the vehicle's kinetic energy through the transmission (42). This helps decelerate the vehicle and saves its brakes. The same switch closes a valve (22) in the exhaust line (18-19), causing the compressed air to be diverted to a storage tank (26). When enough pressure in accumulated in the tank, a pressure release valve (74) in the tanks' output opens and a valve switch (72) closes, allowing air to reach an accelerator-controlled valve (88). This enables a clutch (76), which connects the air motor to the vehicle's transmission, to be operated.

Abstract: A noise damping system incorporating in the hull of an underwater torpedo or the like which includes a power plant having a boiler. An inner hull section includes hotwell passages about the boiler whereby subcooled liquid in the hotwell passages absorbs heat from the boiler. A noise damping elastomer layer is provided about the inner hull section whereby the hotwell passages insulate the noise damping layer from the boiler. An outer hull section has condenser passages about the noise damping layer. The hotwell passages and the condenser passages are part of the closed circulation system of the power plant.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic vehicle drive system having a battery as the primary source of power being electrically connected to an electric motor that is mechanically connected to a multistage pump for pressurizing fluid according to the torque and horsepower requirement of the vehicle in which the pressurized fluid is fed to a standard hydraulic cylinder having piston rods reciprocatably connected to each end of a non rotatable worm screw gear having a right hand pitch at one end and a left hand pitch at the other end and arranged for reciprocatable engagement on each end to a rectangular gear fixed to the center of the clutch plate connected to a rotatable clutch disc for imparting rotation to a flywheel fixed to each end of a hollow output shaft to which the worm screw reciprocates therethrough in rotating the output shaft that is operatively connected to a clutch operative jackshaft connected to each side of an axle having a bearing to its center with the axles fixed at each end to a rotatable wheel of a vehicle

Abstract: Disclosed is a steam engine which is used to propel underwater vehicles without exhausting combustion products to the surrounding water. A solid metallic fuel reacts in a first chamber with water to produce hydrogen which is subsequently reacted in a second chamber with oxygen to produce heat and water. The amount of water produced in the second chamber is equal to the amount of water used in the first chamber. Consequently, no excess water is produced.

Abstract: Arrangement for a thermal, steam-powered engine in a submarine vehicle, for example a torpedo. A condenser is so arranged as to separate the exhaust from the engine into a condensable exhaust fraction and into a non-condensable exhaust fraction. A compressor, which is connected to the engine for the purpose of silencing, is so arranged as to compress only the non-condensable exhaust fraction which, after compression, is discharged through an exhaust outlet into the surrounding sea water. The condenser is in the form of a sleeve which for silencing purposes encloses both the engine and the compressor. A sound-deadening gap is arranged between the condenser and the hull of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention comprises a vehicle having wheels, a drive shaft, and a gasoline or diesel engine as a primary source of power, and an air operated engine and an electrohydraulic motor coupled to the drive shaft as the secondary and auxiliary power. Coupled to the output shaft of the air engine is a rotary vane which utilizes bypassed exhaust gases from both the gasoline/diesel engine and the air engine as an auxiliary assist to the air engine, and both the rotary vane and the air engine compress air for storage during vehicle deceleration and braking. Kinetic energy for operating the secondary and auxiliary power to the vehicle is recovered by the application of an alternator, hydraulic pump and an air compressor to each moving tire and the drive train shaft of the non stationary vehicle during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The recovered kinetic energy is transmitted either directly to the auxiliary power equipment for immediate application or is stored for later use.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine propulsion system is retrofitted by removing the pistons, valves and related parts and remounting the crank shaft on low friction bearings so that it may serve as a free wheeling mechanical energy storing device. The crank shaft is powered through linkage to a battery powered electric motor and connects, through a conventional internal combustion engine flywheel, to the drive train.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for a machine, and particularly an automotive vehicle, includes an energy storage device which selectively receives energy from the prime mover for storage via a predetermined path and delivers stored energy to the prime mover load via the same path. In the preferred embodiment the energy storage device is an elastomeric tube which is disposed for rotational movement about a shaft and secured at the ends to respective end members. Braking units permit selective braking and releasing of the end members relative to fixed supports. A set of planet gears are controlled by the brake actuation to drive a sun gear or be driven by a ring gear to effect energy inflow and outflow, respectively, from the elastomeric tube. The storage device is permitted to store energy or release its stored energy as a function of vehicle control and operational parameters.

Abstract: A roadway of the type over which motor vehicles pass, e.g. automobiles, trains, trolleys, etc., is disclosed where the roadway is one positioned in the path of movement of such vehicles and is provided with a power generating means for generating power in response to the movement of such vehicles over the roadway. The power generating means is responsive to and actuated by the weight of the vehicles as the vehicles pass thereover. The power generating means comprises a vertically displaceable generally planar member which is generally co-planar with the roadway. The power generating means comprises a fluid housed in a fluid housing which is in fluid communication with a generator via a transmission means. The fluid, while in the housing, is in contact with a displaceable bearing surface which when displaced acts upon the fluid, the displaceable bearing surface in turn being connected to the generally planar member.

Abstract: An energy conservation and highway safety apparatus for supplying supplemental or emergency electrical power caused by passage of vehicles over the apparatus comprising a plurality of elongated conduits having a plurality of pressure responsive pumping elements mounted therein. The conduits are connected through an accummulator to an air motor which drives a generator.

Abstract: A cryogenic powered vehicle is disclosed which utilizes liquid nitrogen contained in a storage tank or tanks and communicated with a plurality of expansion assemblies through a one-way flow valve with the pressurized expanded gas being discharged to atmosphere through a turbine structure which is drivingly connected to the driving wheels of a vehicle through a suitable transmission and other conventional drive components. The expansion assemblies include heat exchange devices in the form of serpentine tubes having heat exchange fins thereon with one of the expansion assemblies being in the form of a heat exchange coil associated with the air conditioning system of an automobile or the load cooling system of a load carrying vehicle. One of the expansion assemblies is located adjacent the inlet of a turbine and is in the form of a master expander coil to discharge pressurized gas into a rotary vane type turbine to produce a rotational output that is drivingly connected to the drive train of a vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary kinetic energy recovery system is provided for a vehicle with a rotary sliding vane engine including a compressor, a combustion chamber and a motor in which the braking is done by connecting the rotor of the compressor to a wheel and braking rotation of the rotor by controlling the gas flow through the rotary sliding vane compressor, such as by varying the outlet to increase the pressure ratio. This eliminates the conventional friction brakes. The compressed air generated during braking is fed to a surge tank for later use in operating the vehicle engine, thus recovering a portion of the kinetic energy of the vehicle. Additional amounts of kinetic energy are recovered by means of a closed circuit compressible gas circulating system which comprises an auxiliary compressor actuated by the same shaft as that attached to the engine compressor.

Abstract: The adaptation of a compressed-fluid (such as compressed-air) powered turbine in conjunction with the use of a flywheel as a hybrid propulsion system for nonstationary applications, such as vehicle drive, is shown and its practicality demonstrated. This propulsion system requires a nonpolluting fluid, such as air, and a source of mechanical or electrical energy to compress said fluid and energize said flywheel, both of which act as energy storage media. An expander/compressor unit, such as a turbine, is used for converting the stored energy of said compressed-fluid into shaft power by expanding said fluid, and recovering the braking energy during vehicle deceleration by compressing and storing the atmospheric air (if air is used). Said flywheel is used not only for providing peak powers necessary for vehicle acceleration but also for recovering the braking energy during vehicle deceleration and refilling said compressed-fluid in an emergency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concentration difference energy operated power plant comprising an aqueous solution tank containing an aqueous solution of slats, a pure water boiler disposed within the tank and completely immersed in the aqueous solution therein, preheater means for preheating the aqueous solution in the tank to a temperature very close to the boiling temperature thereof, and a steam engine which is operated by the steam generated in the pure water boiler, the steam discharged from the steam engine being injected through nozzles into the aqueous solution in the tank, dissipating the latent heat to the aqueous solution. Also disclosed is the compositions of the aqueous solutions used in conjunction with the above power plant.

Abstract: The temperature and pressure of the vapor generated in a vapor generating unit are so controlled that a fuel supply valve is opened for fuel delivery when the temperature or pressure drops below a predetermined lower limit and is closed when the temperature or pressure exceeds a predetermined upper limit, provided that a vehicle operator manipulable throttle valve is substantially in a fixed position. As the throttle valve is abruptly moved, an acceleration or deceleration signal opens or closes the fuel supply valve independently of the actual vapor temperature and pressure.