The External Combustion Piston Engine (ECPE)

The External Combustion Piston Engine (ECPE) is a new and unusual powerplant concept which is intended to improve the performance and emissions of conventional reciprocating piston engines in the power class which is needed for automobiles. Under contract to the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command and the Environmental Protection Agency (Office of Air Programs), the analysis and preliminary design of a 160 bhp, 6-cyl engine with a low-emission external burner was undertaken. The study has shown that the ECPE powerplant is a potential solution to the present air pollution problem.