Abstract
In view of the recurring interest in coal-dust fueled IC engines, German programs and activities on the development of coal-dust engines are reviewed on the basis of a comprehensive literature and patent search, supplemented by personal communications with German engineers who had participated in these programs. The German development projects were independently conducted by 5 industrial companies from 1916 to 1944. Under programs running for periods of 8 to 24 yr about 19 coal-dust engines in the power range 10 to 600 hp and at speeds between 160 and 1600 rpm were built and tested. The review includes a discussion of problems associated with the use of solid fuels in IC engines. Technical and performance data of the German engines are tabulated and supplementing information is given. From the literature data the conclusion can be drawn that the German programs were successful in solving most basic problems of the coal-dust engine, at least to an acceptable degree. Although 2 of the 19 engines allegedly were used in routine factory operation, at the time of program termination the coal-dust engine was not yet ready for commercial utilization. Considerable work must still be done before the coal-dust engine would be commercially applicablemore » and competitive with other coal-operated prime movers, in technical as well as in economical respects. A comprehensive bibliography and list of patents are included. « less

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