Let’s be careful not to start threads on unproven technology, particularly gas engine technology.
In this case, reference is made to an interesting 2-stroke gas engine design along with a set of claims with no downside mentioned, despite plenty of them being on the webpage referenced. References indicate that emissions are NOT just “CO2 and H2O” as claimed below, but measurable HC and CO were noted---worse, the tests didn’t note under what load conditions they were measured and no NOx emission readings were noted, which is convenient because with increased dwell at TDC and higher pressures/temps, NOx emissions would be very high. Dynamic balance concerns, inability to control ignition timing, wear on scotch yoke bearing and other concerns make this engine design not necessarily ideal despite its simplicity or any claims. More important: If no one is producing these engines for integrating with a generator, I don’t see how this can be claimed: “looks like this may be the best electrical source you could have aboard.” The Bourke engine isn’t an electrical source…it’s an internal combustion engine.
If someone is selling these and has a set of real engine specifications/measurements for review, that would be good to read---short of that, let’s don’t discuss IC engines on this list. We want to resist seeing discussions of Westerbeke or Kubota diesels, steam engines, Stirling engines, etc. on this list.
Thanks!
-Moderator
Wikipedia on Bourke: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourke_Engine#Claimed_and_measured_performance
From: electricboats@yahoogroups.com [mailto:electricboats@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kirk McLoren
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 6:27 AM
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Electric Boats] might be the most efficient yet
Russell Bourke, the inventor, made several claims about his engine in his "Bourke Engine Documentary" and other published articles. A summary of those unique claims are as follows:
Emissions: Russell Bourke, the inventor, stated the exhaust components were carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Exhaust Temperature: Russell Bourke, the inventor, stated that matches could be held in the exhaust without igniting.
Multi-Fuel Capable: Russell Bourke, the inventor, stated the engine would run on any low grade fuel (diesel, jet fuel/kerosene, home heating oil, brown distillate, ect.).
Fuel Consumption: Russell Bourke, the inventor, claimed a brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of .25 pounds of fuel per horsepower hour.
Simplicity: With only two (2) moving parts, the simplicity of this engine is self evident.
Reliability: Russell Bourke, the inventor, stated he tested the engine for 2,000 hours of marine use on an outboard motor lower unit with no detectable wear.
Power-to-Weight Ratio: Based on the testing that Russell Bourke performed on this engine, the power-to-weight ratio will be 2.5 or greater.
Operational Costs: Based on reliability, fuel consumption, and mutli-fuel tests, this engine will be very economical to operate.
http://www.rexresearch.com/bourke/bourke.htm
looks like this may be the best electrical source you could have aboard.
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