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ELVAS Reduces Fuel Consumption and Lowers Emissions

14 October 2004

A European Union-funded research project has successfully designed, produced and tested an improved electromagnetic valve actuation system (ELVAS) for car engines, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions.

Electromagnetic valve actuation systems replace the mechanical systems used in conventional engine systems with control electronics. A conventional system involves steel valves, actuated (opened and closed) by rotating cams linked to a crankshaft. The link between valve actuation and the crankshaft is necessary because steel valves are heavy and need that force to move them. An ELVAS system, in other words, eliminates the conventional valve train (camshaft, rocker arms, timing belt, etc.) leaving only the valves and their control units. (A picture of the ELVAS valve actuator is to the right.)

Decoupling valve actuation from the crankshaft with an electromagnetic systems (combined with lighter-weight valves) enables independent fine-tuning of the valves, improving engine efficiency.

That system has now been delivered. New valve actuators have been designed and manufactured and a final demonstration has been performed on an engine test bench. The new system delivers significantly improved engine efficiency, reduced valve actuation power loss and maximum fuel savings.  —ELVAS coordinator Jean-Paul Rouet, Johnson Controls

According to the Project Office, using the ELVAS system:

• Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 15%

• Reduces fuel consumption by up to 11%

• Reduces engine noise by up to 10 dB at 3,000 rpm

• Weighs 25% less than conventional systems

• Reduces electrical consumption

The ELVAS project partners have developed a new set of testing guidelines for valve actuation system components, as well as a number of new manufacturing processes.

The project consortium included Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics (France), TRW Deutschland (Germany), the University of Sheffield (UK) and Fundacion Cetenasa (Spain). ELVAS ran in parallel with the LIVALVES project, another EU-funded initiative into which the Chinese contributed significantly, aimed at reducing valve weight.

October 14, 2004 in Emissions, Engines, Fuel Efficiency, Vehicle Systems | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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Comments

I have developed a cylinder modification that can improve internal combustion engine performance by 20%.

Details on the website.

Posted by: Somender | Nov 22, 2004 9:53:38 AM

I've had this idea too for over a year already,i have proposed this project to my friends, and most of them ignored such a concept,and the usual comment, IT WONT WORK,I have downloaded and researched all sorts of electromagnet for the past few months,until i came up with one theory that has the best potential for a fuel less car,in fact i believe this will be better than a hybrid car.Its great to know that I was right after all.I hope i could find someone really knowledgeable and willing to try out my fuel less magnetically propelled design.

Posted by: ricky reynante | Sep 12, 2007 8:12:10 AM

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