4 ms·

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but it sounds like a normal rotary (Wankel) engine you can buy from Mazda right now. They have some benefits, but they're not a magi

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but it sounds like a normal rotary (Wankel) engine you can buy from Mazda right now. They have some benefits, but they're not a magical cure-all - everyone except Mazda dropped development of them. Wikipedia for the lazy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wankel_engine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wankel_engine

duck 14y ago
Actually, Mazda dropped the rotary a couple years ago due to efficiency issues. I think they may be working on a new model however.
lhc- 14y ago
I thought the same thing when I read the first description. But as an owner of an Rx7 (mazda's rotary car), I can assure you they are not very clean. In fact, they tend to do worse on emissions testing than cars from the same era, at least my older one does (an '88). Also, the "shockwave" part suggests this may not have sparkplugs...? If this engine really can combine the exceptional power-weight ratio and small size of the rotary with modern fuel efficiency and emissions control, it could be a legitimate contender. I don't really get why the article claims it is good for hybrids though; is it just the weight factor? You could make a small rotary hybrid right now if you wanted, if weight was the issue.
drucken 14y ago
From what little I've read [1], it does not look anything like a Wankel engine. While they both confer similar engineering benefits (though not claimed fuel benefits) compared to a reciprocating engine, the Wave Disk Generator/Engine, 1. uses compression of air/fuel mixture for ignition (like a diesel engine), not a separate ignition system 2. has an exhaust system that is both radial and circumferential using centrifugal/centripetal forces to clear the gases. Essentially exhausting all the time. 3. has an intake central and orthogonal to the plane of the rotor. Essentially continuous intake. 4. has no "hot spot" fixed housing locations for different parts of the thermodynamic cycle like in a Wankel engine, so, there is no need for a separate cooling or heat distribution system. [1] http://sites.psu.edu/mitanshshah/2012/12/03/wave-disk-generator/ http://sites.psu.edu/mitanshshah/2012/12/03/wave-disk-genera...
bradleyland 14y ago
It has more in common with a turbine engine than it does a Wankel.

duck 14y ago

Actually, Mazda dropped the rotary a couple years ago due to efficiency issues. I think they may be working on a new model however.

lhc- 14y ago

I thought the same thing when I read the first description. But as an owner of an Rx7 (mazda's rotary car), I can assure you they are not very clean. In fact, they tend to do worse on emissions testing than cars from the same era, at least my older one does (an '88). Also, the "shockwave" part suggests this may not have sparkplugs...? If this engine really can combine the exceptional power-weight ratio and small size of the rotary with modern fuel efficiency and emissions control, it could be a legitimate contender. I don't really get why the article claims it is good for hybrids though; is it just the weight factor? You could make a small rotary hybrid right now if you wanted, if weight was the issue.

drucken 14y ago

From what little I've read [1], it does not look anything like a Wankel engine. While they both confer similar engineering benefits (though not claimed fuel benefits) compared to a reciprocating engine, the Wave Disk Generator/Engine, 1. uses compression of air/fuel mixture for ignition (like a diesel engine), not a separate ignition system 2. has an exhaust system that is both radial and circumferential using centrifugal/centripetal forces to clear the gases. Essentially exhausting all the time. 3. has an intake central and orthogonal to the plane of the rotor. Essentially continuous intake. 4. has no "hot spot" fixed housing locations for different parts of the thermodynamic cycle like in a Wankel engine, so, there is no need for a separate cooling or heat distribution system. [1] http://sites.psu.edu/mitanshshah/2012/12/03/wave-disk-generator/ http://sites.psu.edu/mitanshshah/2012/12/03/wave-disk-genera...

bradleyland 14y ago

It has more in common with a turbine engine than it does a Wankel.