Engines
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Test of MUSIC Engine Shows 20% Improvement in Fuel Economy Over Conventional Gasoline Unit
May 17, 2008
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| MUSIC engine on the test bed. |
Recent testing of a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder implementation of the Merritt Unthrottled Spark Ignition Combustion (MUSIC) engine, initially developed at Coventry University, (earlier post) showed a 19.8% improvement in fuel economy compared to a baseline Ford 2.0L Duratec.
MUSIC is an un-throttled, high thermal efficiency, lean-burn, spark ignition system that uses an indirect combustion chamber to produce charge stratification by means of controlled air management.
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GM to Introduce Two New Fuel-Efficient Engine Variants in 2009
May 15, 2008
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| GM’s new 1.4L direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine. CLick to enlarge. |
General Motors Corp. will introduce in 2009 two new engines offering fuel efficiency gains for vehicles marketed in Europe and other regions. Both engines are new variants of GM’s existing engine families used globally.
A 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine will be used in vehicles worldwide starting in 2010. A 1.6-liter Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) turbocharged 4-cylinder engine will be introduced in the Opel Zafira in 2009.
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Optimized Engines for Neat GTL Can Simultaneously Reduce Exhaust Emissions and Fuel Consumption
May 12, 2008
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| The concept for optimizing an engine for neat GTL. Optimization techniques are in blue, positive outcomes in green and negative outcomes in red. Some of the optimization techniques counter the negative outcomes of other optimization steps. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers from Toyota Motor Corporation, Hino Motors and Showa Shell have evaluated the emissions reduction potential of three different Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) research fuels in three different latest-generation diesel engines of different displacements (2L, 4L and 8L). They also assessed differences in combustion phenomena between the GTL fuels and a baseline petroleum diesel in a single cylinder engine with optical access.
Based on their findings, they optimized one of the engines to improve both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption simultaneously, assuming the use of a neat GTL fuel rather than a blend. They also improved the conversion efficiency of the NOx catalyst.
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Audi Tunes 2009 A3 for Improved Efficiency; E85 Option
May 10, 2008
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| New generation Audi A3. |
Audi is introducing the 2009 model year A3 series equipped with wholly new or revised engines delivering reductions in CO2 emissions of up to 15%. The output of the 1.8 TFSI S tronic model, for example, drops from 179 g/km to 153 g/km.
As before, Audi is bringing the A3 and A3 Sportback onto the market with eight different engines—five gasoline and three diesel versions—six of them being four-cylinder direct injection units with turbocharging. The 1.6-liter gasoline engine can also be supplied in conjunction with a manual transmission for running on ethanol E85 fuel.
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MIT Study Concludes US LDV Fleet Can Reduce Fuel Consumption by 2035 to Pre-2000 Levels
May 09, 2008
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| Reducing demand growth (sales and Vehicle Kilometers Traveled, VKT) makes the task of reducing fuel consumption easier. ERFC = Emphasis on Reducing Fuel Consumption. Click to enlarge. |
An MIT study on projected fuel use by the US light-duty vehicle fleet concludes that, at constant performance and increased cost, a 30-50% reduction in fleet fuel consumption and a 25-40% reduction in fleet fuel use is feasible by 2035—i.e., to pre-2000 levels. Achieving this, however, will require focusing advancing technology on reducing fuel consumption rather than size or power, as well as likely requiring reduction in growth demand for vehicles and they distance they travel.
The study also concludes that there are a greater number of vehicle and fuel alternatives to displace petroleum use than to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to Award $45M to 16 Low-Carbon Vehicle Projects
May 08, 2008
The UK’s Technology Strategy Board has selected 16 projects to receive £23 million (US$45 million) in government investment through the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform. (Earlier post.) Including investments by the companies involved, the total value of the development projects will be £52 million (US$102 million).
The sixteen new research, development and demonstration projects represent the first investment by the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform since it was established in the autumn of 2007, and follows an open competition launched in September. The government investment is equally provided by the Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Transport.
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Researchers Propose New Combustion System For DME Engine: CCCI
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| Comparison of fuel consumption and emissions with a variation of CO2 in the air charge in CCCI combustion. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China are developing a new combustion system for an engine fueled with dimethyl ether (DME): compound charge compression ignition (CCCI). The CCCI combustion process consists of HCCI (homogeneous charge compression ignition) combustion, premixing combustion, and diffusion combustion. The combustion characteristics are mainly decided by the premixed fuel ratio and CO2 concentration in the air charge.
In comparison to HCCI combustion mode for DME, CCCI combustion can extend the operating range with accompanying low NOx, hydrocarbon (HC), and CO emissions. They report on their work in the journal Energy & Fuels.
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BMW 2.0L Diesel Named Best New Engine for 2008
BMW’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel (earlier post) was named Best New Engine of the Year 2008 at the tenth annual International Engine of the Year Awards at Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany (6-8 May). The top six contenders in this category included two twin-turbos (one gasoline, one diesel), a V10 with 580bhp, the world’s first diesel boxer engine (from Subaru), and a fresh version of Volkswagen’s TSI.
BMW’s 3-liter Twin Turbo gasoline engine was named International Engine of the Year 2008, as it was last year. (Earlier post.) The judges of the awards noted that the back-to-back win also confirms turbocharging as the power generator of choice. Seven of the twelve award categories were taken by turbocharged engines.
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Antonov Pursuing Dual-Speed Supercharging as Enabler for Downsizing
May 07, 2008
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| Antonov dual-speed supercharger. Click to enlarge. |
Antonov Automotive Technologies is recommending a simple dual-speed supercharger for downsizing engines to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Antonov currently offers a dual-speed supercharger, first shown at the Engine Expo in 2006 and currently on sale for the tuner market. (Earlier post.)
In a presentation on a panel on engine downsizing technologies at the Engine Expo 2008 in Stuttgart (6-8 May), Chris Baylis, operations director for UK-based Antonov, said that the dual-speed approach could enable a 25-50% reduction in engine size for road vehicles, with an accompanying reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
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GM Continues to Develop HCCI Platform, Demonstrates Gasoline HCCI at Idle
May 05, 2008
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| Speed load visitation map for a typical SI engine vehicle during the FTP driving cycle. A plausible steady-state HCCI operating zone is indicated by the region outlined in red. Point 1 represents the idle point. GM has extended HCCI operation to include idling. Diagram from Chang (2006).Click to enlarge. |
GM has begun public-road demonstrations of a Saturn Aura concept vehicle equipped with a modified 2.2L Ecotec four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers mixed mode operation: homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) at lower loads, reverting to spark-ignition at higher loads and speeds. HCCI can provide up to a 15% fuel savings, according to GM.
GM first unveiled driveable HCCI concept vehicles on its test track in August 2007 (earlier post); since then, the company has added the capability of operating in HCCI mode during idle in addition to highway driving. An extended range for HCCI operation is intended as further refinements to the control system and engine hardware are made.
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BorgWarner To Invest $125M in Turbocharger Expansion; to Support Ford EcoBoost for RWD
May 02, 2008
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| A BorgWarner turbocharger. |
BorgWarner Inc. will invest approximately $125 million to increase the company’s global passenger car turbocharger capacity by more than three million units. The increased capacity is expected to meet growing demand for the company’s fuel-efficient turbocharger technology and will support new business awards in North America, Europe and Asia.
The company also announced that it will supply turbochargers for rear-wheel drive cars and pickup trucks featuring Ford’s upcoming EcoBoost engine, a downsized gasoline direct-injection engine with dual turbochargers (earlier post). The combination of turbo power and gasoline direct injection means the 3.5-liter V6 engine will perform like a V8, but with an increase in fuel economy of up to 20% and a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 15%.
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Continental Introduces New Generation of Piezo Injectors for Common-Rail Diesel
May 01, 2008
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| The new direct drive piezo injector. Click to enlarge. |
Continental has introduced a new piezo injector with direct drive and closed-loop needle control, enabling engine developers to further reduce consumption and emissions. The new injector offers further potential savings by simplifying other emissions-related components such as sensors and control algorithms, according to Continental.
“Even vehicles in higher weight categories will now meet the Euro 6 emissions standard without nitrogen oxides aftertreatment,” said Wendelin Klügl, Senior Vice President, Powertrain System & Technology at the 29th International Vienna Motor Symposium.
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Audi Brings the 1.8 TFSI to the TT
April 30, 2008
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| Direct injection in the 1.8 TFSI. |
Audi is expanding its application of the 1.8 TFSI to TT line. The four-cylinder gasoline engine with turbocharger and direct injection deliver performance similar to that of larger, naturally-aspirated V-6 engines: 118 kW (160 hp) of power and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. In the TT Coupé, the 1,798 cc engine consumes 6.7 L/100km (35 mpg US) and in the Roadster 6.9 L/100km (34 mpg US).
The 1.8 TFSI is one of a new engine series (EA 888) designed to deliver greater power density. The new engine family was developed by Audi for worldwide use in all brands of the VW Group. Audi first introduced the engine in the A3 line in 2006 and has since expanded its application to the A4 and A5 lines. (Earlier post.)
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Advanced Low Temperature Diesel Combustion: Low Emissions and Better Fuel Economy
April 29, 2008
Researchers at Wayne State University and the US Army’s TARDEC (Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center) are proposing a strategy to reduce the penalties in diesel engine performance, fuel consumption and HC and CO emissions associated with a low temperature combustion (LTC) operating regimes.
LTC spans a number of approaches designed to reduce engine-out emissions of NOx and PM. The researchers devised an Advanced Low Temperature Combustion (ALTC) strategy to counter the downsides of one of those, the LTC Modulated Kinetics (LTC MK) approach. LTC MK reduces NOx and PM by burning a pre-mixed fuel-air charge, low in oxygen concentration, at low temperatures.
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Ford Developing Thermally Sprayed Nano-Coating for Cylinders to Reduce Friction, Support Lighterweight Construction
April 17, 2008
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| Honed cylinder coating made from one of the materials (SUNA) under test. Click to enlarge. |
Ford Research Centre Aachen (Germany) is developing a thermally sprayed nano-coating using a Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) process that could replace the heavier cast iron liners that provide the necessary wear resistance of cylinder bores in aluminum block engines.
Presented in a paper at the SAE 2008 World Congress by Dr. Clemens Verpoort of the Aachen center, the thin, wear-resistant coating reduces weight and improves friction performance while delivering equal durability and reliability to the product.
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Lotus and Continental Developing 1.5L Direct Injection Gasoline Engine for Low CO2 Output
April 14, 2008
Lotus Engineering and Continental Automotive are developing a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine with a number of synergistic technologies to realize low CO2 emissions while still providing similar performance to a typical 2.2-liter naturally aspirated engine. (Earlier post.)
When applied in place of a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine in a GM Opel Astra (a C-class vehicle), the 1.5-liter Sabre (Spark-ignition Advanced Baselined Research Engine) engine is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% (from 175 to 140 g/km), while also delivering a 1.1 second reduction in 0-100 kph acceleration time.
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Controlled Power Technologies Heading to Commercialization of Switched-Reluctance Motor Systems for Vehicle Efficiency
April 11, 2008
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| Design evolution of the production-ready VTES. Click to enlarge. |
Controlled Power Technologies (CPT), a UK startup working with switched reluctance motor technology to deliver cost-effective CO2-reducing solutions for vehicles (earlier post), is progressing toward commercialization of three initial products: Variable Torque Enhancement System, VTES, an electric supercharging system; SpeedStart12, an integrated belt-driven starter generator system; and TIGERS (earlier post), an exhaust turbine-driven generator system.
All three products, acquired from Visteon, employ switched reluctance motors. Controlled Power Technologies secured an exclusive license from Switched Reluctance Drives Limited to develop its electric motor technology for the automotive sector. SR Drives is a UK company based in Harrogate and wholly owned subsidiary of Emerson Electric Company.
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Mercedes-Benz Introduces New Generation of Four-Cylinder Diesel Engines
April 10, 2008
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| The new four-cylinder diesel family offers improved performance, torque, emission properties and fuel economy. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines with improved performance, torque, emission properties and fuel economy. The new engine family will supersede four different powerplants. The new engine will debut in the C-Class this fall, but will eventually be fitted in a number of variants across a wide range of model series, including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Mercedes-Benz says it also earmarking the engine family for use in hybrid vehicles.
In its most powerful variant, the new 2,143 cc four-cylinder unit delivers up to 150 kW (204 hp)—about 20% more power than the engine it replaces. Peak torque has risen from 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) to 500 Nm (369 lb-ft)—an increase of 25%. Despite the 25 kW increase in output, the new four-cylinder diesel burns less fuel than its predecessor, and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 13%. The new engine is Euro-5 compliant.
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FEV to Show Mahindra & Mahindra Diesel-Electric Hybrid Scorpio at SAE World Congress; Other Powertrain Developments
FEV will exhibit a diesel-electric hybrid version of the Mahindra & Mahindra Scorpio SUV at the 2008 SAE World Congress, 14-17 April in Detroit, Michigan. Mahindra developed the diesel hybrid version of the vehicle with support from FEV, a global powertrain and vehicle engineering company.
FEV will also show a number of other powertrain developments at the event, including a 2-step variable compression ratio (VCR) mechanism for medium- and heavy-duty engines; a spray-guided turbocharged gasoline engine; a new diesel aftertreatment control system; and a new low-height cylinder head concept.
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Study: Fuel Cell Vehicles Necessary for Long-Term Significant Reduction in GHG, Criteria Pollutants and Oil Consumption
April 01, 2008
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| Projected greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles under five of the vehicle scenarios: reference case gasoline ICE, gasoline HEV, gasoline PHEV, biofuel PHEV, and fuel cell vehicle (FCV). Click to enlarge. |
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be essential to cutting greenhouse gases by 60% below 1990 levels in the transportation sector; virtually eliminating urban air pollution; and reducing oil consumption to a point that US domestic oil production can supply all non-transportation petroleum needs, according to a paper presented at the National Hydrogen Association’s Annual Meeting by Dr. Sandy Thomas, the president of H2Gen Innovations, Inc. H2Gen Innovations is a manufacturer of hydrogen generation and gas purification systems.
The paper, Comparison of Transportation Options in a Carbon-Constrained World: Hydrogen, Plug-in Hybrids and Biofuels, modeled emissions and fuel consumption in eight types of vehicle—including combustion engine vehicles (ICEV), hybrids (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), fuel cell (FCV) and battery electric (BEV)—and five different fuels: gasoline, diesel, cellulosic ethanol, hydrogen and grid electricity.
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BMW Shows Demonstration Mono-Fuel Version of the Hydrogen 7; Next Engine Version Will Use Charging for 2-3X Increase in Power Density
March 31, 2008
BMW introduced a new mono-fuel version of its Hydrogen 7 vehicle at the 2008 National Hydrogen Association Conference in Sacramento, CA today. The BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel is a demonstration production vehicle, not a prototype, and was created to showcase the zero CO2 and low emissions potential and feasibility of a dedicated hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE).
Based on the BMW Hydrogen 7 bi-fuel version (gasoline and hydrogen) (earlier post), the BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel is equipped with a 6.0-liter V12 internal combustion engine (ICE) which has been engineered to run exclusively on hydrogen. The hydrogen storage system in the mono-fuel version is the same as in the bi-fuel version: a cryogenic tank that holds approximately 8 kg (17.6 lbs) of liquid hydrogen.
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Ricardo and Partners Complete 2/4SIGHT Prototype Program; Projected 27% Fuel Savings
March 25, 2008
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| The 2/4SIGHT engine enables automatic switching between two- and four-stroke mode. Click to enlarge. |
Ricardo and a consortium of automotive partners have completed an advanced prototype research program based on the 2/4SIGHT engine concept. (Earlier post.) This gasoline engine concept uses novel combustion, boosting, control and valve actuation technologies to enable automatic and seamless switching between two- and four-stroke operation, with the aim of delivering significant performance and fuel economy improvements through aggressive downsizing.
Simulation results based on a 2.0-liter 2/4SIGHT engine indicate a 27% reduction in fuel consumption while maintaining comparable acceleration performance compared to a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter engine.
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NRC Report Says FreedomCAR Making Significant Progress; Calls for Midcourse Shift in Strategic Planning
March 19, 2008
The FreedomCAR (Cooperative Automotive Research) and Fuel Partnership research collaboration has made significant progress in most research areas, according to a new report from the National Research Council (NRC), but should reassess its strategic priorities to account for new national and changed research priorities.
Among other recommendations, the review committee called for the Partnership to “significantly intensify” its efforts to develop high-energy batteries; and to “move forward aggressively” with completing and executing its R&D plan for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
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HEC and Startech Enter Strategic Alliance for Hydrogen-Fueled Power Generation
Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. (HEC) and Startech Environmental Corp. have entered a strategic alliance to develop commercial projects that combine HEC’s hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) generators with Startech’s proprietary Plasma Converter technology for waste destruction, processing and remediation. HEC’s engines will generate power using the hydrogen produced by Startech’s Plasma Converter.
HEC plans to deliver a hydrogen-powered generator system to Startech in May 2008. The combined HEC and Startech waste remediation and power generation package will be made available globally for a wide variety of applications.
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Hrein Energy Successfully Test Drives 1.2L Vehicle With Retrofitted Organic Hydride System
February 29, 2008
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| The organic hydride dehydrogenation reactor is mounted inline in the exhaust system. Click to enlarge. |
Hrein Energy, in cooperation with Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd, ITO Racing Service Co. Ltd.. and Dr. Ichikawa Masaru, a professor emeritus of Hokkaido University, has successfully test-driven a 1.2-liter Nissan March retrofitted with an on-board organic hydride system (earlier post) that delivers supplemental hydrogen to the gasoline engine.
Adding several percent of hydrogen dehydrogenated from the organic hydride to the intake air supported very lean-burn combustion. Fuel efficiency was improved by 30%; CO2 emissions were cut by 30%; and concentrations of CO and NOx were “considerably reduced”, according to the company.
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Mercedes to Introduce BlueEFFICIENCY C-Class Models; Fuel Consumption Reduction of Up to 12%
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| The C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY. |
Mercedes-Benz will add three fuel-efficient variants to its C-Class range: the C 180 KOMPRESSOR, C 200 CDI and C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models. Fuel consumption of the high-volume C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI models will be reduced by up to 12%.
The BlueEFFICIENCY version of the 100 kW/136 hp C 200 CDI consumes 5.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (46.1 mpg US), while the C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY with 115 kW/156 hp covers 100 kilometers with 6.5 liters of premium gasoline (36.2 mpg US). This corresponds to 135 and 156 grams of carbon dioxide, respectively, per kilometer. The C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY features spray-guided gasoline direct injection and burns around 10% less fuel than the model with the current V-6 engine.
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Lotus Engineering and Continental Division Powertrain Present Results of “Low CO2” Mild-Hybrid Project
February 23, 2008
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| The Low CO2 concept uses engine downsizing and a mild hybrid drive to reduce CO2 emissions some 15% from a stock version of the same Astra vehicle. |
Lotus Engineering, the automotive consultancy division of Lotus, and Continental Division Powertrain have presented the results of their “Low CO2” research collaboration. The primary objective of the Low CO2 project was to deliver greatly reduced CO2 emissions while maintaining an engaging driving experience from an affordable set of technologies. The solution employs an integrated set of powertrain systems within a downsized overall package.
The Low CO2 vehicle concept is demonstrated in an Opel Astra, and produces 149 g/km CO2—a reduction of 15% against the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine version of the same vehicle.
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ECOtality’s eTec Provides Hydrogen ICE Pickup to South Carolina Research Center
February 22, 2008
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| The eTec Silverado HICE. |
Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec), a wholly owned subsidiary of ECOtality, Inc. is delivering an eTec Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) Silverado truck to the Center for Hydrogen Research (CHR) in Aiken, South Carolina.
Based on a modified 2007 Silverado 1500HD full-size pickup truck with a Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine, the HICE Silverado delivers 146 kW (195 hp) of power with 352 Nm (260 lb-ft) or torque. It has a 147 mile (237 km) city range and 210 mile (339 km) highway range, with a top speed of 100 mph. Fuel consumption is 14 miles (22.5 km)/kg city, 20 mpg (32.3 km)/kg highway.
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Researchers Discover How Certain NOx Reduction Catalysts Form; Potential Boost for Wider Use of Lean-Burn Engines
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| Researchers found that, in the presence of water, aluminum ions (gray) on the surface of alumina bond to six oxygen ions (red). Heating removes the water and leaves some aluminum ions with only five oxygen ions. This creates a bonding site for the NOx-removing catalyst barium oxide. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have recorded the first observations of how certain catalyst materials used in emission control devices are constructed. The discovery could help remove a barrier to widespread use of diesel and other fuel-efficient lean burn vehicle engines.
The PNNL team observed how barium oxide attaches itself to the surface of gamma-alumina. Barium oxide is a compound that absorbs NOx from tail-pipe emissions. Gamma alumina is a form of aluminum oxide that is used as a support for catalyst materials, such as barium oxide, that are the active ingredients in exhaust systems.
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Peugeot to Launch New 308 Models at Geneva; Up to 10% Reduction in Fuel Consumption
February 21, 2008
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| The new 308 SW reduces fuel consumption by up to 10% compared to the outgoing 307 SW models. |
Peugeot will unveil two new 308 models at this year’s Geneva Motor Show (6-16 March): the 308 SW and the 308 GT THP 175. Peugeot introduced its 308 line—the first of the “8” generation—in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. (Earlier post.) The new 308 will serve as the platform for Peugeot’s first E85 flex-fuel model (the BioFlex) later this year.
The 308 SW, replacing the 307 SW, offers a selection of gasoline and diesel engines which, combined with the car’s improved aerodynamics, weight saving measures and the use of Michelin Energy Saver tires, reduces the fuel consumption compared to the 307 SW line-up by up to 10%.
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European Automobile Production Grows by 5.3% in 2007; Diesel Accounts for 53.3% of New Car Registrations
February 20, 2008
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| Diesel share of new car registrations in Western Europe, 1990-2007. Click to enlarge. |
Automotive production from the European motor vehicle industry in the EU27 grew 5.3% in 2007, reaching nearly 19.7 million vehicles (passenger cars, trucks and buses), according to the ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) winter Economic Report.
Diesel-powered cars accounted for 53.3% of total new car registrations in Western Europe in 2007, up from 13.8% in 1990. Luxembourg (77.2%), Belgium (77%), France (73.9%) and Spain (70.9%) had the highest diesel share of new car registrations in 2007. The share of 4x4s has increased steadily as well, rising from 2.6% in 1990 to 9.9% in 2009.
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Bosch Engineering to Assist Scuderi Group in Developing Injection Timing System for Air-Hybrid Engine Prototypes
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| Early rendering of the Scuderi air-hybrid showing the compressed air tank attached to the compression cylinders. The engine depicted has two paired combinations of compression and power cylinders. Click to enlarge. |
The Scuderi Group, developer of the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine (earlier post), has engaged Bosch Engineering GmbH to assist in the prototype development of air-hybrid implementations of that engine. Bosch Engineering will apply its expertise to the development of the timing system for the gasoline and diesel prototypes.
Specifically, Bosch will assist the Scuderi Group and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in defining the technical requirements, and supplying component specifications such as for the fuel injection system itself. The team will focus first on the Otto (spark ignition combustion) cycle and then address the diesel cycle.
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Honda Researching Advanced Hybrid Drive with Rankine Cycle Co-Generation
February 14, 2008
by Jack Rosebro
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| Outline of Honda’s Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system. Click to enlarge. |
Honda is exploring the use of a Rankine cycle co-generation unit to improve the overall efficiency of a hybrid vehicle by recapturing waste exhaust heat from the internal combustion engine and converting it to electricity to recharge the battery pack. Honda engineer Kensaku Yamamoto presented an overview of the work in a paper at the 2008 SAE Hybrid Vehicle Technology Symposium in San Diego.
Test results showed that in 100 kph (62 miles/hour) constant-speed driving, the use of the Rankine cycle improved the thermal efficiency of the engine by 3.8%. In the US highway cycle, the Rankine cycle system regenerated three times as much energy as the vehicle’s regenerative braking system.
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Westport Awarded US$2.25 Million to Support Development of Next Generation Heavy-Duty LNG Fuel System
February 13, 2008
Westport Innovations Inc. has been awarded US$2.25 million in funding from the California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The funding will support the development, demonstration, commercialization and certification of Westport’s heavy-duty LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuel system for the Cummins ISX to meet the US EPA 2010 NOx (0.2 g/bhp-hr NOx) emissions standard prior to 2010.
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GM Introduces New Crossover Featuring 3.6L Gasoline Direct Injection Engine
February 07, 2008
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| The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. |
GM used the Chicago Auto Show (6-17 February) to introduce the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse crossover. Offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the Traverse uses a variant of the new 3.6-liter V-6 VVT gasoline direct injection engine currently applied in the Cadillac STS and CTS.
This marks the second application of a gasoline direct injection engine in GM’s light truck line-up (the other being an Ecotec 2.0L I-4 VVT DI Turbo in the Chevrolet HHR). The engine is paired with the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, introduced in MY 2007 and used in the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acacia. (Earlier post.)
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GM Introduces Flex-Fuel Version of Chevrolet HHR; First Four-Cylinder Flex-Fuel Engine from GM in North America
February 06, 2008
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| The FlexFuel Chevy HHR. |
GM has introduced a flex-fuel version of the Chevrolet HHR, marking the first introduction of a four-cylinder model in GM’s North American lineup that can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol.
The HHR will be available with an Ecotec 2.2-liter or Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, both of which will be compatible with E85. For the first time, the Ecotec 2.2L is equipped with variable valve timing (VVT) to improve engine performance and efficiency. The Ecotec 2.4L continues to offer VVT.
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GM Invests $69 Million In DMAX Diesel Engine Plant for 2010 T2B5 Duramax 6.6L V-8 Turbodiesel
February 05, 2008
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| The 2008 Duramax Diesel 6.6L V-8 Turbo. |
General Motors Corp. (GM) will invest $69 million in its DMAX diesel engine plant in Moraine, Ohio to manufacture a new Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 turbo diesel engine that will meet 2010 emissions standards. DMAX Limited is a joint venture between GM and Isuzu Motors Limited and was established as a diesel engine company in 1998.
The 2010 model year 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax diesel will use a selective catalytic reduction NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter to help achieve the 2010 Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV 2 emissions standards, and it will be compliant in all 50 states.
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Proposed Department of Energy Budget for 2009 Boosts Coal, Nuclear, Science and Biomass Programs; Reduces H2, Solar and Vehicle Technology Funding
February 04, 2008
The proposed budget for the US Department of Energy (DOE) in the President’s 2009 Budget outlines discretionary program spending of about $26 billion, up 3.2% from the estimated spending for FY 2008.
The proposed budget significantly boosts spending on coal and nuclear technologies and the DOE Science program, with a smaller increase for biomass and biorefinery R&D. However, funding within the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) program is cut by 28%, down to $1.256 billion, with the reductions coming mainly from funding for hydrogen technology, solar energy, vehicle technologies, facilities and infrastructure, and the weatherization program.
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Bosch and MAHLE Establish Turbocharger Joint Venture
February 01, 2008
Robert Bosch GmbH and MAHLE GmbH are establishing a 50:50 joint venture to develop, manufacture, and market exhaust gas turbochargers. The new company, which will be called Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems, will be headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany starting in April 2008.
The joint venture partners plan to work together to develop and manufacture turbochargers for gasoline and diesel engines, and to market them worldwide. Series production is projected to start in 2010. The foundation of the joint venture is still subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.
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Study Compares Use of Hydrous and Anhydrous Ethanol Fuels in Direct-injection, Turbocharged Engine
January 31, 2008
Comparative testing by engineers at Orbital Corporation of hydrous (E93h, E87h, E80h) and anhydrous (E100) ethanol fuels on a direct injection multi-cylinder turbocharged engine found that the engine may be operated at high load with the same output and efficiency, with either hydrous or anhydrous ethanol. Orbital published its results in an SAE paper presented at Congresso SAE Brasil in late November, 2007.
In ethanol production, the “beer” resulting from the fermentation is processed in distillation columns where an azeotropic mixture of ethanol and water is separated out from the rest of the stillage. This product is referred to as hydrous ethanol—about 95% ethanol and 5% water. To be used as a supplementary blend in low levels with gasoline, this hydrous ethanol needs to be dehydrated, resulting in anhydrous ethanol.
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SwRI Full-Load Study of Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine Indicates Higher Power, Torque and Efficiency Than Conventional Engines of Equal Displacement
January 30, 2008
The first independent laboratory study of the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine (earlier post) under full-load conditions indicates that a gasoline-fueled version of the engine will have higher power, torque and efficiency ratings than the current state-of-the-art turbocharged gasoline engines of equal displacement on the road today.
The Full Load (FL) Study by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is the first of three reports to be published by the laboratory prior to the assembly of the first prototype, which is scheduled for completion later this year. A Part Load Study and an Air-Hybrid Study will be published in early and mid-2008 respectively.
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Lifan to Apply First China-made VVT Engine in 620 Sedan
January 28, 2008
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| The Lifan 1.8-liter VVT engine. |
China automaker Lifan will apply its new 1.8L VVT gasoline engine, China’s first domestically produced variable valve technology engine, in the new Lifan 620 sedan.
The engine (B4L18), which has been in development for two years with support from Ricardo, delivers maximum power of 100 kW (134 hp) and maximum torque of 172 Nm (126 lb-ft), while meeting Euro 3 emission standards.
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Fiat Adds New 1.6 Multijet 16v Diesel to Bravo Lineup
January 25, 2008
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| The Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet. |
Fiat has added a new 1.6 Multijet 16v turbodiesel engine to its Bravo compact model lineup. Introduced last year, the Bravo is performing well, with 90,000 vehicles sold in Europe during 2007. Fiat had targeted sales of 70,000.
The new 1.6-liter diesel is available in two power versions—105 bhp (77 kW) or 120 bhp (88 kW)—with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. Compared to the older 1.9-liter Multijet 120 bhp model (chosen by 55% of Bravo buyers last year, according to Fiat), the 1.6 Multijet 120 bhp delivers almost 25% more torque (300 Nm at 1500 rpm) while reducing fuel consumption by 8%, measured on the NEDC cycle.
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Audi Expands Application of the 1.8 TFSI Engine to the A4 and A5 Lines
January 24, 2008
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| The 1.8 TFSI in the A3. Click to enlarge. |
Audi is introducing its turbocharged, gasoline direct injection 1.8 TFSI engine as the new entry-level engine for the A4 and A5 model lines. Audi first introduced the engine—the first of a new family of engines—in the A3 line in 2006.
In the A4, the 88 kW (120 hp) four-cylinder 1.8 TFSI is offered with a manual six-speed transmission and front-wheel drive. Maximum torque of 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) is reached at 1,500 to 3,650 rpm. Average fuel consumption is 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.
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Oak Ridge to Lead Auto Supplier R&D Partnership
January 18, 2008
Oak Ridge National Laboratory will lead research and development work for the automotive supplier industry initiated through the US Automotive Partnership for Advancing Research and Technologies—USAutoPARTs—collaborative announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Made up of a consortium of federal and private partners, USAutoPARTs will perform pre-competitive research targeted at priorities established by the automotive supplier industry. Initial research will focus on advanced materials; electronics and hybrid technologies; and fuels, engine, and emission control technologies.
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Khosla Ventures Increases Stake in Transonic Combustion; 100 MPG Demonstrator Targeted for Q3 2008
January 17, 2008
Khosla Ventures has increased its investment in fuel-injection company Transonic Combustion, Inc. to become the company’s largest preferred shareholder. Transonic is an R&D-phase company developing an advanced fuel injection system for automobiles which promises to dramatically increase fuel efficiency. This fuel injection system allows engines to run on gasoline, diesel and a wide range of bio-renewables.
Transonic says that a unique aspect of its technology is that it can precisely control fuel heat release during the combustion process without using spark ignition or relying on compression ignition.