It sounds like something out of science fiction, but the Dearman Engine Company is very serious about their invention, which they say will be only second best to cold fusion – an engine that runs on liquid air.
Most people wouldn’t think of liquid air as fuel, but apparently it is. Here’s how this engine still being developed will work: pistons get pushed by the pressure of rapidly expanding air in the cylinder; the liquid air is stored at -256 degrees Fahrenheit and then it will be pumped into the cylinder along with what Dearman calls a heat exchange fluid. This liquid air rapidly changes into a gas as it reaches ambient temperature, expanding at the same time.
The good part, environmentally speaking, is that when the exhaust valves open, the only emission is air. The stuff of dreams to those worried about the environment.
The only question for those preoccupied with figures, finances and logistics is will it be practical? The concept of using temperature difference to power an engine is feasible and unlike Hydrogen or new battery technology it doesn’t need a different support structure. However, liquid air is likely to evaporate over time just like liquid hydrogen. The consequence would be that a vehicle’s tank would lose fuel if parked for a period of time.
Nevertheless, Dearman Engine Company is confident about their creation, presently being independently tested. If the results are positive, then the possibilities are immense.
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