REFLECTOR: Exhaust systems

[John Dibble]

Brian,
I agree with your comments about compression ratio, power, and EGT.  However, you
can't get the EGT at the intake temp because the laws of thermodynamics limit the
maximum energy extraction for an internal combustion engine at around 30%.  Fuel cells
can extract around 90% of the energy, but we're a long way from a practical fuel cell
that will work on a practical fuel like gasoline.

Brian Michalk wrote:

> The most efficient engine would have an EGT that is the same as the intake
> temperature.  That would mean 100% energy extraction from the fuel.  Where
> can I get one of those?
>