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.
Right after we start fueling our cars with algea made gas.
Followed just after flying cars.
Yeah, I’m thinking it would only work well at one speed.
“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.”
The Senate will be voting to ban general availability of Canadian gas and oil.
Did you ever have one of those? I have one that was a bicycle conversion. Still runs but is pretty wobbly with my large end on it.
I wouldn’t doubt it.
New car prices will probably be up by several million dollars by then. May as well develop nuclear power plants for cars.
Quando paramucho mi amore de felice carathon.
Mundo paparazzi mi amore cicce verdi parasol.
Questo abrigado tantamucho que canite carousel.
That “shockwave” thingy is a little turbine, BTW.
“Couldn’t have much torque to speak of.
They are looking at it being a generator motor for electric hybrids...............”
Then I guess I will stick with this:
I owned a 1972 Mazda RX-2. Nice power, but the engine only lasted 40,000 miles and blew up.
We had one.
It was a lemon. 2 sets of seals under warranty. Rebuilt twice.
RX4 1974. Spry. Fun to drive. 1 quart of oil every 100 miles.
POS
I think that’s why that propose it to recharge hybrids. The shock wave returning from the compression on the wall would have a narrow range of speed and that would force the rotor to run in a narrow range of RPM.
Like the Wankel, seals and gaskets are the problem or like a turbine, it only has one speed.
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I agree.
Actually overheard (or as close as I can come) in a restaurant in the Tyrol. The waiter got the picture.
Nonobtanium is on the specification sheet. It also is from Hawaii.
Darn! The tsunami got the nonobtanium plant!
Well, back to the drawing board.
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