Chinese-based Great Wall Alternative Power Systems is now building prototypes of a unique external combustion engine designed by Cyclone Power Technologies (OTCQB: CYPW).
The Cyclone technology is intriguing, but not commercially proven. It is a Rankine Cycle heat-regenerative external combustion engine. It is sometimes called a “Schoell Cycle” engine after company founder and CEO Harry Schoell. Simply put it’s a 21st century steam engine. In theory, the engine could be an onboard power generator for electric vehicles or the source of power itself. Whether or not the Stanley Steamer returns remains to be seen.
The engines built by Great Wall are based on Cyclone’s WHE-25 design, and are meant for use with biomass-to-power generator systems. Potential applications will include distributed combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and power sources for bio-char producing environmental remediation equipment.
“We see a multi-billion dollar market for distributed power in China’s rural areas,” said Great Wall’s Managing Director, Robert Devine. “With the Cyclone Engine, we can deliver viable, low cost biomass-based power solutions integrated with a bio-char process that can help remediate water and soil pollution. Operating within China can sometimes be challenging, and that has admittedly pushed back our production schedule. We are pleased to be back on track, and fully committed to seeing this project through to completion.”
These engines will ultimately be manufactured and sold only in China.
The Cyclone Engine is capable of running on virtually any fuel or combination of fuels including new bio fuels, while emitting far fewer pollutants than traditional gas or diesel powered internal combustion engines, according to the company.