The overall objective retrofits a set of production engines with D-Cycle technology, demonstrating in dynamometer testing, simultaneous improvements of at least 50% fuel efficiency increase, 100% boost in low-end torque, 15% reduction in engine-out emission. The heart of the D-Cycle engine is the innovative split-piston design that allows the exhaust and intake strokes to be independent of the crankshaft motion. This allows for flexibility to adapt to the load demand to maximize fuel efficiency, while boosting performance by producing a power stroke every revolution of the crankshaft while still performing 4 thermal cycles. The engine architecture remains the same with only modification to five components. Phase I focuses on computer modeling and optimization of the 4 thermodynamic cycles to provide the design constraints when performing the detailed design of engine components to be retrofitted. Phase II is the detailed design and build of the five components to be retrofitted into the engine. The retrofitted engine is tested on a dynamometer to assess performance, emissions and fuel economy performance compared to the original production surrogate engine.
Benefit: Investment and Speed to Market. The D-Cycle can retrofit existing 4-Cycle engines during design and in aftermarket vehicles. With only five components required for retrofit, the D-Cycle can be brought to market cheaper and faster than other technologies that have prohibitive investment costs in manufacturing and infrastructure, long lead times, and/or major technical hurdles to overcome. The D-Cycle does not require industry retooling and infrastructure investment. Marketability. The 4-Cycle operation requires that engines be designed for either power or efficiency, not both. Bigger engines achieve more power but tradeoff on fuel efficiency. To save at the pump, consumers must sacrifice driving experience - an often objectionable compromise. The D-Cycle can provide fuel efficient, yet powerful engines using cheaper inline configurations that perform similarly to V-configurations. Thus, the D-Cycle, with its combination of performance, efficiency, and cost advantages, can satisfy consumer appetites. Compatibility with Other Technologies and Renewable Fuels. There are a multitude of fuels that may be used in the future, including gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, LPG, NGV, ethanol, and hydrogen. By modifying the fuel system, the D-Cycle technology is compatible with any of these fuels because it is an internal combustion engine. The D-Cycle can also couple with hybrid, plug-ins, and other add-ons. Many Commercial Applications. The D-Cycle has vast commercial potential beyond automobiles because of its fuel, performance, and cost benefits. It can replace the 4-Cycle in both transportation industries (including automobiles, trucks, buses, trains, ships, boats, and planes) and nontransportation industries (including power tools, construction equipment, and generators).
Keywords: Internal Combustion Engines, Internal Combustion Engines, Energy Efficiency, Green Technology
