Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Closed circuit engines

[Doc <doc@bionicdolphin.com>]

Way back in the last century Dusty and I paid a visit to Cosworth Marine
in
the U.K. in search of a practical closed cycle system for our first
Dolphin.
 They were testing a system for the US Navy that utilized a Cosworth
4 cylinder
racing engine rated at 1000HP+ with a closed cycle computer monitored
rebreather.
It was based on some closed loop diesel generator system used in the
North Sea.
 I'd say more, but then I'd probably have to kill ya. ;-)

We also looked at a unit in Colorado (I think), designed for a high altitude ARV that
was closer to what we wanted but more expensive than every other component combined.
 
The main problems with most every thing we've seen so far are, too big, not big enough
and the usual topper,,,,, Too Freaking Expensive!

Doc

ToolRoomTrustee@aol.com wrote:

Seems like the Germans researched this in the late 20s and early 30s.
One researcher was jewish and forced out by the NAZIs.
My understanding is that the 4 cycle engines that are gasoline fuelled
can use their exhaust when spiked with oxygen or air as both a fuel
component  plus gasoline vapor from the carburetor and as air supply.
I wonder what carbon monoxide dissolves in or is absorbed by.
Carbon dioxide, of course, is absorbed by soda lime.
I do wonder if carbon monoxide is bled into the water, will it kill fish?
I don't know what the relationship in cost is between compressed air
and oxygen.
I have wondered whether a 4 stroke engine could be run in an inert atmosphere
that wouldn't support combustion.  Maybe then there would be less of a fire hazard
with gasoline.
If the exhaust gases are cooled in the muffling process, then their volume will
decrease though becoming denser.
Seems to me that the Germans in their WWI subs innovatwed the practice of using
the exhaust diesel gasses to finish bowing out their ballast tanks.  I don't know
how practical that would be for a personal sub.

Just thinking and pondering
Larry Murray