Posted on 03/18/2011 12:45:45 PM PDT by Red Badger
Michigan researchers have built a prototype of a new auto motor that does away with pistons, crankshafts and valves, replacing the old internal combustion engine with a disc-shaped shock wave generator. It could slash the weight of hybrid cars and reduce auto emissions by 90 percent.
The generator is about the size of a saucepot, and would replace the 1,000-pound power train in most cars — no transmission, cooling system, emissions regulation or fluids needed. Norbert Müller and colleagues at Michigan State University showed off the new motor prototype at a meeting with the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency.
It consists of a rotor carved with wave-like channels. Fuel and air enter through central inlets, and the rotor spins to block their exit through a separate outlet. The sudden build-up of pressure generates a shock wave, compressing the mixture. Then it’s ignited, and as the rotor keeps spinning, the outlet opens again to let the hot gases escape. New Scientist explains in further detail.
The novel generator would use about 60 percent of fuel for propulsion, according to MSU. This is a dramatic improvement over typical car engines, which use only 15 percent of fuel for forward movement. The system could also make cars 20 percent lighter, improving fuel economy even more.
MSU received a $2.5 million ARPA-E grant to develop the technology. Müller said he hopes to have an even larger 25-kilowatt prototype by the end of this year.
Thats my fear as well
Or a bit of a fraud, depending on who you believe. Naturally he had some great contributions but he very often couldn't back up his claims.
Thats my fear as well
Isn’t this just a variation on a turbine engine?
I prefer to call them Wanking Rotary Engines.
“And the Mazda goes hmmmmmmmmmm”. old commercial
I thought I had heard of this before. Thanks for the memory refreash.
At one point in my life I worked a bit on incorporating wave rotors into production jet engines, but then my supe told me the fun was over...
Maybe Daigny Taggert can solve the mystery on April 15th & this is the motor.
Exactly who is John Galt?
It would depend a lot on materials. Will they be able to use steel or will it require more exotic materials?
If it can in fact turn out 60% carnot effiency, it would have to run at temps that would melt most metals.
20 Million RPM. 0.0005 ft/lb torque. Make a nice alternator?
kinda reminds me of the Tesla steam disk generator.
I heard spots on the radio today advertising the large amount and general availability of Canadian gas and oil. I wonder if there is a vote coming up in the House or Senate in regards to this issue.
Thanks - bookmarking!
The thing that raised my eyebrows is the fact that the people working on it were given a grant by the government...I guess Id work on anything if I was given a grant.
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