METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING FUEL CONSUMPTION IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

摘要

Method and apparatus for reducing fuel consumption in an internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine (M) is fitted with two different means for increasing fuel efficiency : a Rankine cycle circuit for recovering heat energy dissipated by the engine ; and a supercharger (S). The recovered heat energy is transformed into mechanical energy by a turbine (T), and may be applied directly to the engine's output shaft (10). The supercharger (S) is driven mechanically from the engine's output shaft (10). This arrangement enables the effect of the means for increasing fuel efficiency to be substantially cumulative by preventing one of said means from reducing the potential gain in efficiency available from the other.