Much of engineering innovation lately comes from electronic gadgets, like cell-phones or media players. There are plenty of purely mechanical ideas that can revolutionize the world like the smartphone. The latest comes in the category of automotive engines, shaking up the near century long practices in the field.
Researchers at Michigan State University have designed and built a prototype rotary engine that may soon be the most logical replacement for the conventional engine in hybrid cars. Norbert Mueller and his team's work on the wave disk generator has been recognized by the Energy Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency and has been awarded $2.5 million in funding since 2009.
Wave disk generator (via Norbert Mueller)
The "wave disk generator" (WDG) works by spinning its rotor that is built with channels shaped like waves. While the rotor spins air and fuel fill up the channels, as the inlets become blocked off pressure increases and this causes a shock wave within the chamber to occur. As a result, the air-fuel mixture ignites, transmitting energy and the exhaust fumes are released as the rotor spins through the exhaust port openings. Very much like a turbine.
The new engine is poised to shift the industry due to its efficiency. The WDG uses 60 percent of its fuel for propulsion, which is four times larger than the paltry 15% most internal combustion engines operate at. A side benefit helps out the planet, The team stated that the engine can reduce emissions by 90% compared to standard autos. Additionally, it could make hybrid vehicles up to 30 percent lighter (1,000 pounds) due to its compact light design and ability to work without standard combustion engine parts. It is also easy to manufacture. The team stated that the WDG could reduce cost of hybrid vehicles up to 30 percent.
The new engine has enormous potential to improve efficiency of new hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, if many companies install and use this new engine in their vehicles it can substantially reduce the demand for fossil fuels. Though, I am sure the fuel industry will adjust prices to keep pace. Mueller and his team hope to have a 25-kilowatt version of the prototype finished and inside a hybrid test vehicle by the end of the year.
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