Patent ID: 6516787
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: F02M,Y02T

Abstract:
An intake air separation system adapted for providing nitrogen enriched air for a combustion process within an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system, said intake air separation system comprising:an intake air input adapted to receive the intake air used in said combustion process for said engine; an intake air separation device in flow communication with said intake air input, and adapted for receiving said intake air and separating said intake air into an oxygen enriched air stream and a nitrogen enriched air stream; a purge gas conduit in fluid communication with said intake air separation device and with said exhaust system, and adapted for providing a stream of exhaust gas as purge gas flow to said intake air separation device, to increase efficiency of intake air separation; a permeate outlet in fluid communication with said intake air separation device, and adapted to receive said oxygen enriched air stream and said purge gas flow; and a retentate outlet in fluid communication with said intake air separation device and said intake manifold, said retentate outlet adapted to provide said nitrogen enriched air stream to said intake manifold for use in said combustion process.