Plasma-vortex engine and method of operation therefor

A plasma-vortex engine (20) is provided. The engine (20) consists of a plasmatic fluid (22) circulating in a closed loop (44) encompassing a fluid heater (26), an expansion chamber (30), and a condenser (42). The expansion chamber (30) is fabricated of magnetic material, and encompasses a rotor (72), fabricated of non-magnetic material, to which T-form vanes (114), also fabricated of non-magnetic material, are coupled. A shaft (36) is coupled to the rotor (72). During operation, the plasmatic fluid (22) is heated to produce a plasma (86) within the expansion chamber (30). The plasma (86) is expanded and a vortex (100) generated therein to exert a plasmatic force (93) against the vanes (114). The rotor (72) and shaft (36) rotate in response to the plasmatic force (93). A plurality of magnets (115,119) are embedded in the vanes (114) and rotor (72) to provide attractive and repulsive forces (97,99,101) and better seal the vane (114) to the expansion chamber (30).

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of rotary engines. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of external-combustion rotary engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The controlled expansion of gases forms the basis for the majority of non-electrical rotational engines in use today. These engines include reciprocating, rotary, and turbine engines, and may be driven by heat (heat engines) or other forms of energy. Heat engines may use combustion, solar, geothermal, nuclear, or other forms of thermal energy. Combustion-based heat engines may utilize either internal or external combustion.

Internal-combustion engines derive power from the combustion of a fuel within the engine itself. Typical internal-combustion engines include reciprocating engines, rotary engines, and turbine engines.

Internal-combustion reciprocating engines convert the expansion of burning gases (typically, an air-fuel mixture) into the linear movement of pistons within cylinders. This linear movement is then converted into rotational movement through connecting rods and a crankshaft. Examples of internal-combustion reciprocating engines are the common automotive gasoline and diesel engines.

Internal-combustion rotary engines use rotors and chambers to more directly convert the expansion of burning gases into rotational movement. An example of an internal-combustion rotary engine is the Wankel engine, which utilizes a triangular rotor that revolves in a chamber, instead of pistons within cylinders. The Wankel engine has fewer moving parts and is generally smaller and lighter, for a given power output, than an equivalent internal-combustion reciprocating engine.

Internal-combustion turbine engines direct the expansion of burning gases against a turbine, which then rotates. An example of an internal-combustion turbine engine is a turboprop aircraft engine, in which the turbine is coupled to a propeller to provide motive power for the aircraft.

Internal-combustion turbine engines are often used as thrust engines, where the expansion of the burning gases exit the engine in a controlled manner to produce thrust. An example of an internal-combustion turbine/thrust engine is the turbofan aircraft engine, in which the rotation of the turbine is typically coupled back to a compressor, which increases the pressure of the air in the air-fuel mixture and markedly increases the resultant thrust.

All internal-combustion engines of this type suffer from poor efficiency. Only a small percentage of the potential energy is released during combustion, i.e., the combustion is invariably incomplete. Of that energy released in combustion, only a small percentage is converted into rotational energy. The rest must be dissipated as heat.

If the fuel used is a typical hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon-based compound (e.g., gasoline, diesel oil, or jet fuel), then the partial combustion characteristic of internal-combustion engines causes-the release of a plethora of combustion by-products into the atmosphere in the form of an exhaust. In order to reduce the quantity of pollutants, a support system consisting of a catalytic converter and other apparatuses is often necessitated. Even when minimized, a significant quantity of pollutants is released into the atmosphere as a result of incomplete combustion.

Because internal-combustion engines depend upon the rapid (i.e., explosive) combustion of fuel within the engine itself, the engine must be engineered to withstand a considerable amount of pressure and heat. These are drawbacks that require a more robust and more complex engine over external-combustion engines of similar power output.

External-combustion engines derive power from the combustion of a fuel in a combustion chamber separate from the engine. A Rankine-cycle engine typifies a modern external-combustion engine. In a Rankine-cycle engine, fuel is burned in the combustion chamber and used to heat a liquid at a substantially constant pressure. The liquid is vaporized to become the desired gas. This gas is passed into the engine, where it expands. The desired rotational power is derived from this expansion. Typical external-combustion engines also include reciprocating engines, rotary engines, and turbine engines.

External-combustion reciprocating engines convert the expansion of heated gases into the linear movement of pistons within cylinders. This linear movement is then converted into rotational movement through linkages. The conventional steam locomotive engine is an example of an external-combustion open-loop Rankine-cycle reciprocating engine. Fuel (wood, coal, or oil) is burned in a combustion chamber (the firebox) and used to heat water at a substantially constant pressure. The water is vaporized to become the desired gas (steam). This gas is passed into the cylinders, where it expands to drive the pistons. Linkages (the drive rods) couple the pistons to the wheels to produce rotary power. The expanded gas is then released into the atmosphere in the form of steam. The rotation of the wheels propels the engine down the track.

External-combustion rotary engines use rotors and chambers instead of pistons, cylinders, and linkage to more directly convert the expansion of heated gases into rotational movement.

External-combustion turbine engines direct the expansion of heated gases against a turbine, which then rotates. A modern nuclear power plant is an example of an external-combustion closed-loop Rankine-cycle turbine engine. Nuclear fuel is “burned” in a combustion chamber (the reactor) and used to heat water. The water is vaporized to become the desired gas (steam). This gas is directed against a turbine, which then rotates. The expanded steam is then condensed back into water and made available for reheating. The rotation of the turbine drives a generator to produce electricity.

External-combustion engines may be made much more efficient than corresponding internal-combustion engines. Through the use of a combustion chamber, the fuel may be more thoroughly consumed, releasing a significantly greater percentage of the potential energy. More thorough consumption means fewer combustion by-products and a significant reduction in pollutants.

Because external-combustion engines do not themselves encompass the combustion of fuel, they may be engineered to operate at a lower pressure and a lower temperature than comparable internal-combustion engines. This in turn allows the use of less complex support systems (e.g., cooling and exhaust systems), and results in simpler and lighter engines for a give power output.

Typical turbine engines operate at high rotational speeds. This high rotational speed presents several engineering challenges that typically result in specialized designs and materials. This adds to system complexity and cost. Also, in order to operate at low-to-moderate rotational speeds, turbine engines typically utilize a step-down transmission of some sort. This, too, adds to system complexity and cost.

Similarly, reciprocating engines require linkage to convert linear motion to rotary motion. This results in complex designs with many moving parts. In addition, the linear motion of the pistons and the motions of the linkages produce significant vibration. This vibration results in a loss of efficiency and a decrease in engine life. To compensate, components are typically counterbalanced to reduce vibration. This results in an increase in both design complexity and cost.

Typical heat engines depend upon the diabatic expansion of the gas. That is, as the gas expands, it loses heat. This diabatic expansion represents a loss of energy.

What is needed, therefore, is an external-combustion rotary heat engine that maximizes and utilizes the adiabatic expansive energy of the gases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a plasma-vortex engine and method of operation therefor are provided.

It is another advantage of the present invention that an external-combustion plasma-vortex engine is provided that utilizes external combustion.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a rotary plasma-vortex engine is provided.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a plasma-vortex engine is provided that utilizes vapor hydraulics.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a plasma-vortex engine is provided that utilizes adiabatic gas expansion.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a plasma-vortex engine is provided that operates at moderate temperatures and pressures.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a plasma-vortex engine incorporating a plasmatic fluid configured to become a plasma upon vaporization thereof, a fluid heater configured to heat the plasmatic fluid, an expansion chamber formed of a housing, a first end plate coupled to the housing, and a second end plate coupled to the housing in opposition to the first end plate, a shaft incoincidentally coupled to the expansion chamber, a rotor coaxially coupled to the shaft within the expansion chamber, a plurality of vanes pivotally coupled to either the expansion chamber or the rotor, and a vortex generator coupled to the expansion chamber and configured to generate a plasma vortex within the expansion chamber.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a method of operating a plasma-vortex engine, wherein the method includes heating a plasmatic fluid, introducing a plasma derived from the plasmatic fluid into an expansion chamber, expanding the plasma adiabatically, exerting an expansive force upon one of a plurality of vanes within the expansion chamber in response to the expanding activity, rotating one of a rotor and a housing in response to the exerting activity, and exhausting the plasma from the expansion chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1shows a schematic view of a plasma-vortex engine20in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers toFIG. 1.

Plasma-vortex engine20is desirably configured as a closed-loop external combustion engine, e.g., a Rankine-cycle engine. That is, a plasmatic fluid22from a reservoir24is heated by a fluid heater26to become a plasma (discussed hereinafter). An injector28introduces the plasma into an expansion chamber30through an inlet port32. Within expansion chamber30, vapor hydraulics, adiabatic expansion, and vortical forces (discussed hereinafter) cause rotation34of a shaft36about a shaft axis38. The plasma is then exhausted from expansion chamber30through an outlet port40. The exhausted plasma is condensed back into plasmatic fluid22by a condenser42and returns to reservoir24. This process continues as long as engine20is operational in a closed loop44.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in some embodiments, an open-loop system may be desirable. In an open-loop system, condenser42is omitted and the exhausted plasma is vented to outside the system (e.g., to the atmosphere). The use of an open-loop embodiment does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 2shows a block diagram of the composition of a plasmatic fluid for plasma-vortex engine20in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers toFIGS. 1 and 2.

Plasmatic fluid22is composed of a non-reactive liquid component46to which has been added a solid component48. Solid component48is particulate and is effectively held in suspension within the liquid component46. Liquid and solid components46and48desirably have a low coefficient of vaporization and a high heat transfer characteristic. These properties would make plasmatic fluid22suitable for use in a closed-loop engine with moderate operating temperatures, i.e., below 400° C. (750° F.), and at moderate pressures.

Liquid component46is desirably a diamagnetic liquid, (e.g., a liquid whose permeability is less than that of a vacuum, and which, when placed in a magnetic field, has an induced magnetism in a direction opposite to that of a ferromagnetic material). One possible such liquid is a non-polluting fluorocarbon, such as Fluoroinert liquid FC-77® produced by 3M.

In other embodiments, liquid component46may desirably be a fluid that goes to a vapor phase at a very low temperature and has a significant vapor expansion characteristic. Typical of such liquids are nitrogen and ammonia.

Solid component48is desirably a particulate paramagnetic substance (e.g., a substance and in which the magnetic moments of the atoms are not aligned, and that, when placed in a magnetic field, possesses magnetization in direct proportion to the field strength. One possible such substance is powdered magnetite (Fe3O4).

Plasmatic fluid22may also contain other components, such as an ester-based fuel reformulator, a seal lubricant and/or an ionic salt.

Plasmatic fluid22desirably consists of a diamagnetic liquid in which a particulate paramagnetic solid is suspended. When plasmatic fluid22is vaporized, the resulting vapor will carry a paramagnetic charge, and sustain its ability to be affected by an electromagnetic field. That is, the gaseous form of plasmatic fluid22is a plasma.

The following discussion refers toFIG. 1.

Plasmatic fluid22is heated to become a plasma by fluid heater26. More specifically, plasmatic fluid22is heated by an energy exchanger50within fluid heater26. Energy exchanger50is configured to exchange or convert an input energy into thermal energy, and to heat plasmatic fluid with that thermal energy. The exchange and conversion of energy may be accomplished by electrical, mechanical, or fluidic means without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The input energy for energy exchanger50may be any desired form of energy. For example, preferred input energies may include, but are not limited to, radiation52(e.g., solar or nuclear), vibration54(e.g., acoustics, cymatics, and sonoluminescence), and heat56obtained from an external energy source58. Heat56may be conveyed to energy exchanger50by radiation, convection, and/or conduction.

Plasma-vortex engine20is an external-combustion engine. This may be taken theoretically to mean simply that the consumption of fuel takes place outside of engine20. This is the case when the input energy is such that there is no combustion (e.g., solar energy).

Conversely, “external-combustion engine” may be taken literally to mean that there is an external combustion chamber60coupled to energy exchanger50. This is one preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, fuel62is consumed within combustion chamber60by combustion (i.e., fuel62is burned). Heat56generated by this combustion becomes the input energy for energy exchanger50.

The combustion-chamber embodiment of the present invention is desirable for use in a multiplicity of applications. In a motor vehicle, for example, fuel62may be hydrogen and oxygen, liquefied natural gas, or any common (and desirably non-polluting) inflammable substance. As another example, in a fixed installation of engine20, fuel62may be natural gas, oil, or desulphurized powdered coal. In any case, fuel62is burned in combustion chamber60and the resultant heat56is used to heat plasmatic fluid22in energy exchanger50.

FIGS. 3 and 4show an external isometric view and an internal side view, respectively, of expansion chamber30in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers toFIGS. 1, and3, and4.

Expansion chamber30is formed of a housing64, a first end plate66affixed to housing64, and a second end plate68affixed to housing64in opposition to first end plate66.FIG. 4depicts a side view of expansion chamber30with second end plate68removed.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of two end plates66and68is not a requirement of the present invention. Either one of end plates66and68may be integrally formed with housing64without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

A shaft36is incoincidentally coupled to expansion chamber30(i.e., coupled so that an axis38of shaft36does not pass through a center70of expansion chamber30). As depicted inFIGS. 1 and 3, shaft36passes through both of end plates66and68. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is not a requirement of the present invention. Shaft36may terminate in one end plate66or68(and pass through the other end plate68or66, respectively) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

A rotor72is encompassed within expansion chamber30and coaxially coupled to shaft36. A plurality of vanes74are pivotally coupled to rotor72, housing64, or one of end plates66or68. Each of vanes74is made up of a vane pivot76, a vane body78, and a vane slide80. Rotor72and each of vanes74also incorporate seals (not shown). The seals allow rotor72and vanes74to maintain sufficient sealing contact with end plates66and68, and vanes74with either housing64or rotor72, so as to provide adequate containment of the expanding plasma.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, vanes74are pivotally coupled to rotor72, and rotor72is fixedly coupled to shaft36. When engine20is in operation, pressure upon vanes74causes rotor72to rotate (housing64does not rotate). This in turn causes rotation of shaft36. As rotor72rotates, each vane74pivots outward to maintain contact with housing64. At some point, the “contracted” length of vane74is insufficient to maintain contact with housing64. Therefore, vane slide80slides over vane body78to increase the length of vane74and maintain contact.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the Figures), vanes74are pivotally coupled to housing64or one of end plates66or68, and one or both of end plates66and68is fixedly coupled to shaft36. When engine20is in operation, pressure upon vanes74causes housing64to rotate. As rotor72rotates freely on shaft36, it functions as a type of gear and guide for vanes74. As rotor72rotates, each vane74pivots inward to maintain contact with rotor72. At some point, the “contracted” length of vane74is insufficient to maintain contact. Therefore, vane slide80slides over vane body78to increase the length of vane74and maintain contact.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that whether rotor72or housing64rotates is moot. For the purposes of this discussion, it will be assumed that shaft36is fixedly coupled to rotor72. The use of alternative embodiments does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 5shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of expansion chamber30with sliding vanes75and with one end plate66or68removed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussing refers toFIGS. 1 and 5.

A rotor72is encompassed within expansion chamber30and coaxially coupled to shaft36. Rotor72has a plurality of vane channels77. Within each vane channel77is located a vane75. Vanes75are slidingly coupled to rotor72through vane channel77. That is, each vane75is configured to slide within vane channel77. Each of vanes75is made up of a vane base79and a vane extension81. Each of vanes75also incorporates seals (not shown). The seals allow vanes75to maintain a sufficiently sealed contact with housing64and end plates66and68.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 5, vanes75are slidingly coupled to rotor72, and rotor72is fixedly coupled to shaft36. When engine20is in operation, pressure upon vanes75causes rotor72to rotate (housing64does not rotate). This in turn causes rotation of shaft36. As rotor72rotates, each vane75slides outward to maintain contact with housing64. At some point, the “contracted” length of vane75is insufficient to maintain contact with housing64. Therefore, vane extension81slides over vane base79to increase the length of vane75and maintain contact.

For the purposes of this discussion, it will be assumed that the embodiment ofFIG. 4, i.e., having vanes74pivotally coupled to rotor72, and shaft36fixedly coupled to rotor72.

FIG. 6shows a flow chart of a process120for the operation of plasma-vortex engine20in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIGS. 7,8,9,10,11, and12show side views of expansion chamber30(with one end plate removed) during operation, and depicting a plurality of expansion cells82within expansion chamber30with a reference cell821at a 1 o'clock position (FIG. 7), a 3 o'clock position (FIG. 8), a 5 o'clock position (FIG. 9), a 7 o'clock position (FIG. 10), a 9 o'clock position (FIG. 11), and an 11 o'clock position (FIG. 12) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers toFIGS. 1,2,3,6,7,8,9,10,11, and12.

Process120describes the operation of plasma-vortex engine20. Throughout operation process120, a parent task122circulates plasmatic fluid22around closed loop44. During a portion of closed loop44, plasmatic fluid22exists as a plasma86.

Tasks124and126are intertwined and work together in one of two different scenarios.

In the first scenario, in a task128, a block heater88heats expansion chamber30to a desired operating temperature. One or more sensors90detect the temperature of expansion chamber30and couple to a temperature controller92, which in turn causes block heater88to maintain expansion chamber30at the desired temperature throughout operation process120. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that block heater88may be a heat extractor configured to utilize excess heat from fluid heater26to heat expansion chamber30.

In a task130, fluid heater26superheats plasmatic fluid22. That is, fluid heater26heats plasmatic fluid22to a temperature greater than or equal to a vapor-point temperature of plasmatic fluid22.

In the second scenario, in a task134, block heater88heats expansion chamber30to an operating temperature in excess of the vapor-point temperature of plasmatic fluid22. Expansion chamber30is maintained at this temperature throughout operation process120by the action of sensor(s)90, temperature controller92, and block heater88.

In a task136, fluid heater26heats plasmatic fluid22to a temperature proximate but less than the vapor-point temperature of plasmatic fluid22.

In a task138, injector28injects plasmatic fluid22into a cell82of expansion chamber30through inlet port32. Because expansion chamber30has a temperature in excess of the vapor-point temperature of plasmatic fluid22, injection into cell82causes plasmatic fluid22to be post-heated to the temperature of expansion chamber30in a task140. This in turn causes plasmatic fluid22to vaporize and become plasma86in a task142.

In either scenario, plasma86now resides within a cell82of expansion chamber30. For the purposes of this discussion, this specific cell82shall be referred to as reference cell821. Reference cell821exists at the 1 o'clock position (i.e., from vane pivot76at the 12 o'clock position to vane pivot76at the 2 o'clock position) inFIG. 7, and rotates clockwise through the 3 o'clock, 5 o'clock, 7 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 11 o'clock positions inFIGS. 8,9,10,11, and12, respectively.

When plasma86is introduced into reference cell821(FIG. 7), plasma86begins to expand hydraulically and adiabatically in a task144. This begins the power cycle of engine20. In a task146the hydraulic and adiabatic expansion of plasma86exerts an expansive force94upon a leading vane741(i.e., upon that vane74bordering reference cell821in the direction of rotation34). This causes, in a task148, leading vane741to move in the direction of rotation34. This in turn results in the rotation34of rotor72and shaft36.

In a task150, a vortex generator96, driven by a vortex generator driver98, generates a vortex100(FIGS. 8,9, and10) in plasma86within reference cell821. In a task152, vortex100exerts a vortical force102upon leading vane741. Vortical force102adds to expansive force94and contributes to rotation34of rotor72and shaft36(task148).

It may be observed fromFIGS. 7,8, and9that the preferred curvature of housing64is such that when reference cell821is in approximately the 1 o'clock position until when reference cell821is in approximately the 6 o'clock position, reference cell821increases in volume. This constitutes the power stroke of engine20. This increase in volume allows energy to be obtained from the combination of vapor hydraulics and adiabatic expansion, i.e., from expansive and vortical forces94and102. In order that a maximum use of energy may be obtained, it is desirable that the curvature of housing64relative to rotor72be such that the volume of space within reference cell821increase in the golden ratio φ. The golden ratio is defined as a ratio where the lesser is to the greater as the greater is to the sum of the lesser plus the greater:

ab=ba+b.
Assuming the lesser, α, to be unity, then the greater, b, becomes φ:

1ϕ=ϕ1+ϕ⁢:ϕ2=ϕ+1⁢:ϕ2-ϕ-1=0.
Using the quadratic formula (limited to the positive result):

ϕ=1+52≅1.618033989
Those skilled in the art will recognize this as the Fibonacci ratio. It will also be recognized from the theory of gases that adiabatic expansion can be maintained to a very high ratio, providing there is a relatively constant temperature (hence, the heating of expansion chamber30by block heater88(FIG. 1), and a relatively constant pressure provided by the seals of vanes74and rotor72. Therefore, to extract the maximum energy from adiabatic expansion, the volume of reference cell821should increase according to the Fibonacci ratio. This is accomplished by the curvature of housing64in conjunction with the offset of rotor72within housing64.

Tasks144and152, i.e., the adiabatic expansion of plasma86and the generation of vortex100, continue throughout the power cycle of engine20. Once the power cycle is complete, at nominally the 6 o'clock position, reference cell821decreases in volume as rotation34continues. In a task154, plasma86is then exhausted from reference cell821through exhaust grooves103cut into the inside of expansion chamber30and/or end plates66and/or68(not shown), and thence through outlet port40(FIGS. 10 and 11). In a task156, the exhausted plasma86is condensed by condenser42to become plasmatic fluid22and returns to reservoir24. Rotation34continues until reference cell821is again at the 1 o'clock position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the hereinbefore-discussed cycle of reference cell821(FIGS. 7,8,9,10,11, and12) is representative of only one cell82. As depicted in the Figures, expansion chamber has six cells82. As each cell82reaches the 1 o'clock position (FIG. 7), that cell82becomes reference cell821and proceeds through the discussed tasks. Therefore, at any given time during operation process120, every cell82between the 1 o'clock position (FIG. 7) and the 9 o'clock position (FIG. 11), inclusively, contains plasma86and is represented by reference cell821at some portion of its cycle.

FIG. 13shows a schematic view of a four-chamber plasma-vortex engine201in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIGS. 14,15, and16show interior side views of expansion chambers30for plasma-vortex engine201in a 1 o'clock state108(FIG. 14), a 12 o'clock state110(FIG. 15), and a 2 o'clock state112(FIG. 16) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers toFIGS. 1,2,3,13,14,15, and16.

In the four-chamber engine ofFIG. 13, there are four substantially identical expansion chambers30coupled to a common shaft36. In order to differentiate the four expansion chambers30, they are labeled301,302,303, and304.

Each of the four expansion chambers301,302,303, and304is injected with plasmatic fluid22through a separate injector28. Injectors28are fed from an intake manifold104, which is in turn fed from fluid heater26(FIG. 1).

The output of each of expansion chambers301,302,303, and304passes to an exhaust manifold106, and then to condenser42(FIG. 1) for condensation and reuse.

Rotors72are coupled to shaft36in a specific pattern. The rotors72within expansion chambers302and304are displaced approximately 30° from the rotors72within expansion chambers301and303.

When expansion chamber301has a cell82in a first state108(FIG. 14), i.e., the 1 o'clock position and ready to receive plasmatic fluid22, then expansion chamber302has a cell82in a second state110(FIG. 15), i.e., the 12 o'clock position, approximately 30° in advance of the first state108(FIG. 13). When the cell82in expansion chamber301has advanced to a third state112(FIG. 16), i.e., the 2 o'clock position, approximately 30° past the first state108, then the cell82in expansion chamber302has advanced to the first state108(FIG. 14) and is ready to receive plasmatic fluid22. Expansion chambers303and304operate as do expansion chambers301and302, respectively.

There are four expansion chambers30, and each of the four expansion chambers30has six cells82. Therefore, displacing the rotors72of expansion chambers302and304by 30° relative to the rotors72of expansion chambers301and303allows for smooth operation with plasmatic fluid22being injected into two of expansion chambers30approximate every 30° of rotation.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), even smoother operation may be obtained by displacing the rotor72of expansion chambers302by approximately 15° relative to the rotor72of expansion chamber301, displacing the rotor72of expansion chambers303by approximately 15° relative to the rotor72of expansion chamber302, and by displacing the rotor72of expansion chamber304by approximately 15° relative to the rotor72of expansion chamber303. This allows for operation with plasmatic fluid22being injected into two of expansion chambers30approximately every 15° of rotation.

FIGS. 17 and 18show schematic views of cascading plasma-vortex engines202and203with variant chamber diameters (FIG. 17) and variant chamber depths (FIG. 18) in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The following discussion refers toFIGS. 1,2,3,13,14,15,16,17, and18.

The cascading four-chamber engine202ofFIG. 17is substantially identical to the four-chamber engine201ofFIG. 13(discussed hereinbefore) except for the diameters of the expansion chambers30and the path of plasma86. In order to differentiate the four expansion chambers30of engine202, they are labeled305,306,307, and308.

Similarly, the cascading four-chamber engine203ofFIG. 18is substantially identical to the cascading four-chamber engine202ofFIG. 17except for the depths of the expansion chambers30. In order to differentiate the four expansion chambers30of engine203, they are labeled309,310,311, and312.

In engine202, all expansion chambers30have substantially the same depth. The volume of each expansion chamber30is therefor a function of the diameter of that expansion chamber30. Conversely, in engine203, all expansion chambers30have substantially the same diameter. The volume of each expansion chamber30is therefor a function of the depth of that expansion chamber30.

The following discussion assumes an exemplary embodiment of engine202or203wherein each expansion chamber extracts approximately 70 percent of the potential energy from plasma86. Plasma86is first passed from fluid heater26(FIG. 1) and injected into first expansion chamber305or309. Expansion chamber305or309has a predetermined volume. Experimentation has shown that the exhausted plasma86from expansion chamber305or309has lost approximately 70 percent of its initial potential adiabatic energy.

The exhausted plasma86from expansion chamber305or309is then injected into expansion chamber306or310. Expansion chamber306or310has substantially one-fourth the volume of expansion chamber305or309. The exhausted plasma86from expansion chamber306or310has again lost approximately 70 percent of its potential adiabatic energy, or approximately 91 percent of its original potential adiabatic energy.

The exhausted plasma86from expansion chamber306or310is then injected into expansion chamber307or311. Expansion chamber307or311has substantially one-fourth the volume of expansion chamber306or310(i.e., substantially one sixteenth that of expansion chamber305or309). The exhausted plasma86from expansion chamber306or310has again lost approximately 70 percent of its potential adiabatic energy, or approximately 97 percent of its original potential adiabatic energy.

The exhausted plasma86from expansion chamber307or311is then injected into expansion chamber308or312. Expansion chamber308or312has substantially one-fourth the volume of expansion chamber307or311(i.e., substantially one thirty-second that of expansion chamber305or309). The exhausted plasma86from expansion chamber307or311has again lost approximately 70 percent of its potential adiabatic energy, or approximately 99 percent of its original potential adiabatic energy.

This very exhausted plasma86is then passed to condenser42(FIG. 1) to be condensed and recirculated.

In this manner, cascading plasma-vortex engines202and203derive a maximal amount of energy from plasmatic fluid22.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the four-chamber embodiments ofFIGS. 13,17, and18discussed hereinbefore are exemplary only. The use of multi-chamber embodiments having other than four expansion chambers30(i.e., six chambers) does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 19shows a simplified side view of the expansion chamber ofFIG. 3with T-form vanes114with only one end plate66depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 20shows a simplified cross-sectional view of one cell82of expansion chamber30taken at line20-20and demonstration magnetic vane positioning. The following discussing refers toFIGS. 5,19, and20.

In an alternative embodiment, sliding vanes75ofFIG. 5may be replaced with sliding T-form vanes114ofFIG. 19. T-form vanes114may operate in a manner substantially similar to that described hereinbefore for sliding vanes75, i.e., through the use of vane extension81and vane base79. Preferably, though, the relative sizes of rotor72and T-form vanes114may be such that no vane extension or vane base is needed. This allows a simpler magnetic attraction/repulsion mechanism (discussed hereinafter) to be utilized.

With sliding vanes75, sliding vane75is held against an inside of housing64by a combination of the action of vane base79and vane extension81, typically a spring action, and rotational forces93(i.e., centrifugal force). With T-form vanes114, this rotational force93remains. In addition to rotational force93, the injection of plasma86into expansion cell82(discussed hereinbefore and demonstrated inFIG. 7) produces a plasmatic force95that is impressed upon the back side of the T-head of the vanes114. This plasmatic force is maintained throughout the power portion of the cycle and may be considered a combination expansive force94and vertical force102(both discussed hereinbefore).

The application of plasmatic force95to a T-form vane114serves to produce a better seal between that T-form vane and the inner surface of housing64.

It is desirable that T-form vanes114additionally be made to form the best possible seal against the inner surface of housing64. Therefore, in addition to a seal formed by rotational force93and plasmatic force95, it is desirable that an attractive force97be employed to inherently attract vane114to housing64.

A magnetic field may be induced in each of housing64and the T-head of vane114through the embedding of magnets115, or other means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, so as to form attractive magnetic force97that attracts that vane114towards housing64.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that housing64and vanes114are desirably fabricated of a non-magnetic material (e.g., a copper alloy, such as brass or bronze, or a thermoplastic, such as the polyamide-imide Torlon® of Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC.) so as to optimize attractive force97. This is not a requirement of the present invention, however, and magnetic materials may be used for either housing64and vanes114without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Alternatively, attractive force97may also readily be realized if housing64is fabricated of a magnetic material (e.g., steel or other iron alloy). In this embodiment, not shown in the Figures, the natural magnetic attraction between the magnetic field of vanes114and the material of housing64would constitutes attractive force97.

Other magnetic fields may be developed in vane114and rotor72by embedding magnets115in vane114and rotor72proximate an inner end of vane channel77, or by other means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. If these magnetic field are appropriately oriented, a repulsive magnetic force99may be generated between rotor72and each vane114generated that drives vanes114away from shaft36(i.e., towards housing64). Repulsive force99works in concert with attractive force97, and with rotational and plasmatic forces93and95, to seal vane114against housing64.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that rotor72is desirably fabricated of a non-magnetic material so as to optimize repulsive force99. This is not a requirement of the present invention, however, and a magnetic material may be used for rotor72without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that magnetic vane positioning and the use of attractive and repulsive forces97and99, while discussed herein in relation to T-form vanes114, may also be used with sliding vanes75(FIG. 5) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Expansion chamber30, as depicted in the Figures, incorporates housing64and first and second end plates66and68. It is highly desirable that T-form vanes114(or sliding vanes75) form optimal seals not only with housing64, but with end plates66and68. This may be accomplished by structuring vanes114so as to consist of a vane body117and a vane cap118, where vane cap118is loosely coupled to vane body117proximate one of end caps66or68in a substantially gas-tight manner.

As discussed hereinbefore in conjunction with housing64and vanes114, magnetic fields may be produced in each of end plates66and68, and in vane body117and vane cap118by embedding “plate” magnets119, or other means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. These magnetic fields may exert a secondary attractive magnetic force101between end plates66and68and vane body and cap117and118, respectively, and thereby improving the seal between vane114and end plates66and68.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that endplates66and68are desirably fabricated of a non-magnetic material so as to optimize secondary attractive force101. This is not a requirement of the present invention, however, and a magnetic material may be used for end plates66and68without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Again, in an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, secondary attractive force101may readily be realized if end plates66and68are fabricated of a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the natural magnetic attraction between plate magnets119in vane body117and vane cap118and the material of end plates66and68would constitute secondary attractive force101.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that plate magnets119differ in kind from magnets115only in their orientation. For each vane114, “primary” attractive force97, produced by magnets115, is substantially in a plane of that vane114and directed towards housing64. Secondary attractive forces101, produced by plate magnets119, are also substantially in the plane of that vane114, but substantially perpendicular to plane of that vane114, but substantially perpendicular to primary attractive force97and directed towards end plates66and68.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the Figures), vane114may consist of vane body117and two vane caps118, one proximate each of end plates66and68. The use of two vane caps118does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the use of one or two vane caps118is applicable to pivoting vanes74(FIG. 4) and sliding vanes75(FIG. 5) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the pluralities of magnets115or119in vane114, vane cap118, and/or rotor72may individually and/or collectively be replaced by single magnets of an appropriate structure and orientation without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the pluralities of magnets115and/or119embedded in any one or combination of housing64, end plates66and68, vanes114, vane bodies117, vane caps118, and rotor72may be replaced by appropriate field(s) generated by electromagnets or other means without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In summary, the present invention teaches a plasma-vortex engine20and method of operation120therefor. Plasma-vortex engine20is a rotary engine utilizing external combustion. Plasma-vortex engine20also utilizes adiabatic gas expansion at moderate temperatures and pressures.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.