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John Weston from Charlotte County, Florida, has created a fuel vapour system that allows his car to run on vapours, achieving an incredible 463 miles per gallon. This system involves cutting the fuel injector lines and adapting the engine to run on fuel vapours. While some mechanics argue that running an engine without liquid fuel can cause damage, proper lubrication can mitigate this issue. The concept of running cars on vapours has gained traction, with videos and pictures demonstrating its feasibility using simple parts and tools. This method not only improves fuel efficiency but also eliminates the issue of dirty carburettors. However, controlling the air-fuel ratio and vapour concentration remains a challenge, requiring further advancements in metering and technology.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | 100 miles per gallon or more |
| Parts Required | Simple, cheap parts and tools |
| System | Vaporizer system |
| People | John Weston, Tom Ogle |
| Vehicles | Car, motorcycle, emergency power generator, lawnmower |
| Steps | Turn off the fuel pump, disconnect the fuel line |
| Challenges | Measuring and controlling vapor concentration |
| Risks | Explosion, engine damage |
| Alternatives | Hydrogen, electric vehicles |
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What You'll Learn
John Weston's fuel vapour system
At the heart of Weston's system is the idea of running an engine on vapours instead of liquid fuel. By vaporizing gasoline before it reaches the engine, the AVFS aims to optimize fuel usage and reduce consumption. Weston demonstrated his system's effectiveness by outfitting his car, motorcycle, generator, and lawnmower with the AVFS, showcasing their enhanced fuel efficiency.
The AVFS consists of a container with a small amount of gasoline at the bottom and an extra pipe with a valve. This valve allows for the adjustment of the air/vapour mixture, ensuring smooth engine operation. Weston's system eliminates the need for a carburetor, preventing issues like gummed-up parts caused by liquid fuel.
While the AVFS shows promise in reducing fuel consumption, it has faced some challenges. Early tests revealed that the system increased emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are harmful greenhouse and smog pollutants. However, Weston attributed this issue to improper adjustment of the vapour/air mixture by the testing engineer.
Despite these setbacks, Weston remains dedicated to refining his invention and bringing it to the global market. He believes that his system has the potential to address pressing issues such as smog, global warming, and the high cost of foreign oil. Weston's journey serves as an inspiring testament to human potential, showcasing that innovation is not limited by educational or socioeconomic barriers.
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The impact of temperature on vapour concentration
In the context of running a car on fuel vapours, temperature plays a crucial role in vapour formation. The flash point of a fuel is the lowest temperature at which it releases vapours capable of forming an ignitable mixture with air. This is an essential characteristic for distinguishing between flammable fuels such as petrol (gasoline) and non-flammable alternatives. The flash point is influenced by factors such as the height of the flame above the liquid surface, with the fire point being the lowest temperature at which the vapours continue to burn after ignition.
The ambient temperature also affects the vapour concentration of fuel. In cold weather, heating the container may be necessary to maintain adequate vapour production. Additionally, the temperature of the air and fuel impacts the amount of fuel vaporised, which in turn affects the potency of the feedstock to the engine. This highlights the importance of creating a predictable vapour concentration through the use of computers, sensors, and metering valve configurations.
Furthermore, the challenge of metering a vapour system due to constantly changing variables, such as temperature, is acknowledged. The vapour concentration of fuel vapour systems can be challenging to measure and control in practice. The complexity of managing a dry vapour charge is higher than simply injecting a precise liquid volume. This is because the quantity and quality of vapour in an incoming mix are subject to fluctuations influenced by temperature and other factors.
Overall, temperature has a significant impact on vapour concentration. In the context of running a car on fuel vapours, understanding and managing the relationship between temperature and vapour concentration is crucial for optimising the system's performance and efficiency.
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How to control air/fuel ratio
The air-fuel ratio, or AFR, plays a crucial role in determining a car's performance and efficiency. The ideal ratio is generally accepted to be 14.7:1, meaning 14.7 parts of air for every 1 part of fuel. This is known as the stoichiometric mixture or Lambda 1.0, where complete combustion is achieved, ensuring the most efficient utilisation of fuel.
When a car is said to be running 'lean' or 'rich', it relates directly to the AFR. A 'rich' mixture indicates that there is too much fuel being fed into the engine, while a 'lean' mixture means there is insufficient fuel, and the AFR is incorrect. For example, a ratio of 12:1 is typically required to achieve maximum engine power. Therefore, the AFR needs to be adjusted to achieve the correct balance for optimal performance.
The AFR impacts fuel economy, performance, reliability, and overall engine operation. A lean mixture, containing less fuel and a higher proportion of air, can improve fuel efficiency and mileage. However, it may also result in reduced power output and, if excessive, can lead to increased nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. On the other hand, a rich mixture can cause incomplete combustion, leading to higher emissions of pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO).
To control the AFR, modern engines utilise various sensors, such as throttle position, mass air flow, and lambda/O2 sensors, to adjust the amount of fuel delivered. This is crucial to prevent issues such as detonation and pre-ignition, which can cause engine damage and failures. It is important to note that the ideal AFR may vary depending on the engine and the type of fuel used.
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Carburetor vs fuel injection systems
Running a car on vapours involves using a simple vapour system. This involves turning off the fuel pump and disconnecting the fuel line. Some people have converted their cars to run on fumes, with impressive results. However, this is not without its risks, and safety precautions must be taken.
Now, onto the carburetor vs fuel injection systems. Carburetors and fuel injection systems are both mechanisms for delivering fuel to an engine. A carburetor is a tube that feeds an air-fuel mixture into the cylinder from one end, with an air filter attached to the other. Somewhere in the middle of this tube, the air passage area is restricted to increase the velocity of the air passing through. This creates a low-pressure pocket, which draws fuel from a jet near the venturi through suction. This process is known as Bernoulli's principle. Carburetors are simple, and some people prefer them because they can be easily repaired at home.
Fuel injection systems, on the other hand, are a more recent innovation. They consist of a complex set of electronics and sensors that work together to deliver the best air-fuel mixture possible. The fuel injection nozzle goes directly inside the combustion chamber, and the pressurised fuel is atomised as a homogenous mist, allowing for efficient and clean combustion. The system is controlled by an ECU, which makes complex calculations at a high frequency to deliver the optimal amount of fuel. This results in increased power output, fuel economy, and reduced emissions.
While fuel injection systems offer improved performance, fuel economy, and reduced emissions compared to carburetors, some people still prefer carburetors because they are simpler and can be repaired at home. Additionally, in the event of a battery failure, a carburetor engine can be started using a starting rope, whereas a fuel injection engine may not be able to operate without a battery.
In terms of vapour systems, it is important to note that the very design of carburetors and fuel injectors is meant to match the engine they are designed for. Therefore, a vapour system may not be compatible with these engines. Additionally, vapour carburetion can be challenging to control and measure, and environmental factors like temperature can affect the performance of the system.
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The benefits of vapour carburetion
Vapour carburetion offers several benefits over conventional carburetion systems. Firstly, it increases fuel efficiency, allowing vehicles to achieve impressive mileage on fumes alone. For example, John Weston's car reportedly achieves over 400 mpg, while Tom Ogle's lawnmower engine ran for 96 hours on vapours from a small tank of fuel.
Vapour carburetion also eliminates the issue of dirty or gummed-up carburetor systems, as there is no liquid fuel to sit and stagnate in the carburetor. This is especially beneficial for equipment that is stored for long periods, such as lawnmowers, which often have their carburetor systems gummed up from disuse.
Additionally, vapour carburetion can improve engine performance. A study by Asfar et al. found that vapour carburetion provides a well-vapourised fuel-air mixture, improving the quality of the mixture and alleviating issues associated with conventional carburetors. This results in a more homogeneous and correctly proportioned combustible mixture, leading to improved engine performance and reduced exhaust emissions.
While vapour carburetion has its advantages, it is important to note that it presents challenges in controlling the air-fuel ratio, which is critical for optimising fuel efficiency and engine power output. The vapour mixture is influenced by factors like temperature and draw rates, making it difficult to meter and control in practice. Furthermore, safety concerns and the potential for icing in the carburetor at certain temperatures are additional considerations that need to be addressed.
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Frequently asked questions
A fuel vapour system allows your car to run on vapours, or "fumes", that form when gas evaporates. This means the engine does not use liquid fuel, where a majority is wasted and not consumed to produce energy.
John Weston, who achieved 463 miles per gallon with his vapour system, cut the fuel injector lines in his car and adapted the system to run on fuel vapours. He turned off the fuel pump and disconnected the fuel line. You can also run a hose from the top of the tank directly into the carburetor.
A fuel vapour system can greatly increase fuel efficiency. It also means there is no carburetor that will get dirty or gummed up from sitting.
