A Survey of Automotive Rankine Cycle Combustion Technology

The Rankine cycle engine is being considered as an alternative to the emission controlled spark ignition automobile engine, primarily because of the promise of inherently low emissions. Much of this promise is beginning to become reality. The development of combustors for Rankine cycle engines has progressed to the point where very low steady state emissions have been demonstrated for several combustor designs. In addition, the original 1976 emissions standards have been met in several motor vehicles powered with Rankine cycle powerplants.