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Ford engineers have recently filed a patent for a groundbreaking pre-combustion system that could potentially revolutionize the efficiency and emissions of gas-powered vehicles, providing a compelling alternative in a time when the automotive industry is shifting towards electrification.
The patented system aims to enhance the utilization of gases captured by positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) systems, or other evaporative emissions systems, by channeling them into a pre-combustion chamber. This process differs from conventional methods, where captured gases are stored in a carbon-filled canister and periodically purged back into the intake.
One of the key advantages of Ford’s system is its ability to improve the utilization of unburnt fuel by directing vapors into a pre-chamber equipped with an igniter. This approach not only reduces the time required to purge a carbon-filled canister but also enhances combustion stability during the purging process, ultimately leading to reduced evaporative emissions.
According to the patent filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the system has the potential to increase fuel vapor flow during hydrocarbon breakthrough, further reducing evaporative emissions. Additionally, the system could lead to more efficient fuel burn, potentially increasing power output while simultaneously reducing emissions.
Another significant benefit of Ford’s pre-combustion system is the potential reduction in carbon deposits on engine valves, resulting in improved engine longevity. While it is still early in the development phase, and the system could prove to be complex and costly to manufacture, especially in light of Ford’s heavy investment in electrification, the innovation demonstrates that Ford is not yet ready to abandon the potential of combustion engines.
Overall, Ford’s patented pre-combustion system represents a promising step towards improving the efficiency and emissions of gas-powered vehicles, offering a glimpse of a more sustainable future for internal combustion engines.
