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This paper describes a new form of reciprocating engine and some of the work accomplished to date to investigate the capabilities, feasibility and some of the design issues associated with this engine. This engine offers the substantial performance advantages that are thermodynamically possible when regeneration is applied to a reciprocating internal combustion engine. This regenerated engine is being investigated under a jointly funded, integrated effort involving the US Navy, Caterpillar Inc., the ReJen Co., and Ultramet Inc. This paper describes only the R&D efforts performed at ReJen and Ultramet.

This paper describes a new form of reciprocating engine and the work accomplished to date to investigate the capabilities and feasibility of this engine. This engine offers the substantial performance advantages that are thermodynamically possible when regeneration is applied to a low heat rejection (LHR) engine. Under a contract with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, a computer model that is capable of modeling the complex processes occurring in the LHR regenerated engine has been constructed. This model is being used to assess and examine the performance of various engine designs. In addition, design and materials issues associated with the most critical new component, the regenerator, are being investigated. Throughout this program, Caterpillar, Inc. has provided valuable technical support.

The engine described in this paper has the following features and potential improvements over conventional gasoline or Diesel engines: 1. Much higher thermal efficiency, 2. Lower emissions, 3. Less stringent fuel requirements, 4. No ignition system required for steady operation, 5. Highly efficient operation at low compression ratios, 6. High power to displacement ratio, 7. Similar to conventional engine hardware. In this paper the thermodynamic advantages of regeneration with Otto and Diesel cycle engines are presented, along with a brief description of past attempts to provide regeneration in a reciprocating internal combustion engine. Finally, the single cylinder regenerated internal combustion engine concept is presented and described, along with its inherent and potential features, advantages, challenges, and issues.