Combustion Engine
Efficiency
The internal combustion engine, the workhorse of modern transportation, relies on burning fuel to create movement. However, this process is far from perfect. A substantial portion of the energy stored within the fuel escapes as waste heat, contributing to environmental concerns and diminished fuel economy. Combustion engine thermal efficiency emerges as a critical concept in this arena. It quantifies how effectively an engine transforms the chemical energy of fuel into usable mechanical work. Delving into and optimizing thermal efficiency holds immense significance. It offers a path towards a cleaner future by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Furthermore, improved efficiency translates directly to increased fuel economy, leading to cost savings for consumers. Finally, the pursuit of enhanced thermal efficiency fosters innovation in engine design, paving the way for the development of cleaner and more efficient powertrains altogether.
Real-World Engine Thermal Efficiency
The Dynamic Flow engine addresses the challenge of thermal efficiency with a two-fold strategy. First, its advanced valve configuration enables optimized airflow, allowing for a significant boost in thermal efficiency, reaching up to 48% in engines of varying sizes. Second, its use of the Atkinson cycle, which incorporates early intake valve closure, brings the engine’s thermal efficiency within the range of 60% to 75%. These two features are unique to the Dynamic Flow engine and cannot be implemented in conventional 4-stroke or 2-stroke engine designs.
Table: Comparison of Current Combustion Engine Technology and Dynamic Flow Engine Technology Improvement – By Transportation Sector
| Industrial Sector | Engine Type & Fuel Type | Engine Thermal Efficiency | Thermal Efficiency Improvement with Dynamic Flow Engine Technology | Estimated U.S. Annual Carbon Dioxide Emission reduction with Dynamic Flow Engine Technology | Estimated U.S. Annual Fuel Saving with Dynamic Flow Engine Technology |
| Marine – Large slow-speed diesel | 2-stroke, diesel | 48% | 12% | 4.44 Million Metric Tons | 0.11 billion gallons of gasoline equivalent |
| Marine – medium-speed diesel | 4-stroke, diesel | 42% | 18% | 6.66 Million Metric Tons | 0.16 billion gallons of gasoline equivalent |
| Industrial Truck – high-speed diesel | 4-stroke, diesel | 28-38% | 22% | 157.41 Million Metric Tons | 15.47 billion gallons of gasoline equivalent |
| Light Duty Truck & Passenger car | 4-stroke, gasoline | 23-25% | 35% | 586.54 Million Metric Tons | 66.15 billion gallons of gasoline equivalent |
| Motorbike | 2-stroke, gasoline | 13-17% | 43% | 5.30 Million Metric Tons | 0.57 billion gallons of gasoline equivalent |
Industries Technical Review, vol. 45, no. 1, 2008.
**U.S. Annual CO2 emission and fuel estimation is based on EPA Fast Facts U.S. Transportation Sector for 2022.
**The Industrial Truck sector includes Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks, and buses.
The potential impact of Dynamic Flow engine technology is nothing short of significant. Compared to current combustion engines, its projected 60-75% thermal efficiency translates to the potential for saving billions of gallons of fuel annually. This reduction in fuel consumption would also lead to a dramatic decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, potentially reaching hundreds of millions of tons per year. These environmental benefits solidify Dynamic Flow engine technology as a game-changer in the fight against climate change.