§13472 High efficiency heat engines

Summary

The Secretary must run a 5-year program to make heat engines much more efficient. The program must include field tests big enough to show they work and save money, use materials that boost efficiency, and develop advanced engines for electric and industrial power at small, mid, and large scales — for example, mechanically recuperated and intercooled turbines, turbines that use reformed fuels or hydrogen, and simple-cycle turbines made for high efficiency. The goal is engines that can get over 50 percent efficiency in the mid-term. Within 180 days after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must send Congress a 5-year program plan (included in the plan under section 13451(c)) and must consult industry, colleges, federal agencies (including the EPA), national labs, and professional groups when making the plan. Within 1 year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must ask for proposals to carry out the work. Money may be provided as needed from sums authorized under section 13451(e).