Cam-driven radial rotary engine incorporating an HCCI apparatus

1. A cam-driven opposed-piston radial engine, comprising:

a plurality of cylinder sets arranged about a central shaft, each of the plurality of cylinder sets having:

a first cylinder, having:

an intake port;

a second cylinder coaxially aligned with the first cylinder, the

second cylinder having:

an exhaust port;

a first piston engaged within the first cylinder;

a second piston engaged within the second cylinder;

a combustion chamber formed between the first piston and the second piston;

a first cam mechanically engaged with the first piston;

a second cam mechanically engaged with the second piston;

wherein the first cam controls displacement of the first piston within the first cylinder and converts reciprocating motion to rotational motion;

wherein the second cam controls displacement of the second piston within the first cylinder and converts reciprocating motion to rotational motion;

a cylinder block configured to contain the plurality of cylinder sets;

a first plate;

a second plate;

an ignition source configured to initiate combustion within the combustion chamber;

wherein the first plate and second plate encompass the cylinder block; and

wherein the first cam and the second cam compress the first piston and the second piston together to compress a fuel air charge within the combustion chamber;

wherein each of the plurality of cylinder sets further comprises an air pump comprising:

a third cylinder coaxially aligned with the first cylinder and the second cylinder; and

a third piston contained within the third cylinder;

wherein the third piston is connected to the second piston;

wherein the third piston moves in unison with the second piston;

wherein the air pump flushes residual gasses from the combustion chamber; and

wherein the air pump forces a fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber.

2. The engine of claim 1 , wherein the ignition source is a spark plug.

3. The engine of claim 1 , wherein the ignition source is a fuel injector.

4. The engine of claim 1 , wherein the ignition source is heat developed by compression of a homogeneous fuel-air charge or HCCI.

5. The engine of claim 1 , further comprising:

an electrical generator, having:

magnets on either a rotating or stationary assembly; coils on either the rotating or stationary assembly; and

a controller;

wherein motion between the rotating and stationary assembly generates electrical power.

6. The engine of claim 5 , further comprising:

an electrical storage device;

wherein the controller causes the magnets and coils to produce electrical power directed in part or whole to the electrical storage device;

wherein the controller causes electrical power from the electrical storage device to be applied in whole or in part to the assembly to produce torque on the output shaft; and

wherein the torque may be in either the forward or reverse direction.

7. The engine of claim 1 , wherein the cylinder block is configured to rotate while the central shaft and the first and second cam remain stationary.

8. The engine of claim 7 , further comprising:

a centrifugal oil pump incorporated into the cylinder block, the centrifugal oil pump having:

a plurality of passages into the cylinder block;

wherein a rotation of the cylinder block forces oil to circulate through the plurality of passages.

9. The engine of claim 7 , further comprising: a centrifugal fan, having:

a plurality of vanes positioned radially between the cylinder sets of the cylinder block;

wherein air is drawn into the cylinder block near the central shaft and exits at a periphery of the cylinder block.

10. The engine of claim 9 , further comprising:

a passageway configured to route centrifugal fan inlet air through a radiator configured to cool intake air to the intake valve.

11. The engine of claim 9 , further comprising:

a passageway configured to route centrifugal fan inlet air through a radiator configured to cool engine oil.