Gadgets

Chinese air-plasma engine does not need fuel (2 photos)


The development of new types of engines goes immediately toin several areas, one of which is the creation of a workable scheme that does not require the combustion of biological fuel, as a result of which the atmosphere is polluted. Scientists from Wuhan University have developed a scheme that can radically change the aircraft industry in terms of creating environmental engines. Innovative models do not require biofuel and work without loss of power at the level of modern jet engines.

Before the decrease in air traffic caused bycoronavirus emerging from the same Chinese province of Wuhan, aircraft made a significant “contribution” to air pollution (over 2.5% of the total number of harmful emissions). Using an engine with a reduced emission of combustion products, or in their complete absence, can have a beneficial effect on the environment, which makes the work of engineers from Wuhan extremely important for modern aircraft manufacturing.


The principle of operation of new engines is based onusing the so-called "air plasma". For its formation, compressed air flows through the nozzle of the engine, while being ionized using microwave radiation. The stream of ionized gas (plasma) escaping from the nozzle creates a jet stream. A prototype plasma jet device can lift a steel ball weighing 1 kilogram above a quartz tube with a diameter of 24 millimeters.

This engine requireselectricity, however, the process of burning biofuels does not occur and toxic substances are not formed. Scientists have already stated that the idea is workable and the next step will be studied the feasibility of creating a real engine running on air plasma.

Source: eurekalert