Concepts For Reducing Exhaust Emissions And Fuel Consumption Of The Aircraft Piston Engine

Exhaust emissions standards promulgated by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for aircraft piston engines, rising fuel prices and the possibility of reduced fuel availability generated the need for research aimed at reducing exhaust emissions while at the same time improving the fuel economy of General Aviation aircraft piston engines.

Projected benefits from exploratory testing and analytical predictions have resulted in this effort to investigate and develop three concepts which, when applied to an aircraft piston engine, provide reductions in exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide while simultaneously improving fuel economy.

The three chosen concepts, (1) an improved fuel injection system, (2) an improved cooling cylinder head, and (3) exhaust air injection, when combined, have the potential to show a synergistic relationship in achieving these goals.