Intelligent valve actuation explained

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 15, 2005

Camcon Technology has given a presentation on intelligent valve actuation (IVA), a technology critical to the development of camless engine, at the 100th SAE Congress in Detroit USA.

Earlier this week, Camcon Technology, the UK inventor and developer of the Camcon binary actuation technology, gave a presentation on intelligent valve actuation (IVA), a technology critical to the development of camless engine, at the 100th SAE Congress in Detroit USA.

The camless preproduction engine prototype is based on Camcon's digital actuator.

It can assist in development of advanced combustion systems for gasoline and diesel engines.

The introduction of Camcon's digital actuator technology will allow each valve of the engine to be independently controlled; will support a number of lift positions; will allow for energy recovery to support low power consumption and provide low seating velocities to ensure durability and low noise.

Intelligent valve actuation (IVA), as the product has been designated, will significantly improve the engine combustion efficiency, enhancing engine performance and fuel economy, whilst at the same time enabling reduced emissions from the engine.

Precise control over combustion has become a key consideration in design and development of next generation engines.

In conventional valvetrains the mechanical relationship between valve and camshaft limits the flexibility of the control of combustion events.

IVA provides a compact, low cost, low power consumption mechanism providing full control over valve actuation.

As such it offers significant opportunities for developing advanced combustion systems with improved engine performance, economy and emissions.

"As a prototype development company we offer expertise and technology to our partners for subsequent manufacture, support and market distribution".

"Camcon technology can benefit our licensees tremendously and change the way car engines are manufactured today", said Ian Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, Camcon Technology .

The high-speed, low energy consumption and long life characteristics of the Camcon binary technology is set to have a considerable impact in a number of industries.

In addition to the specific automotive applications, the technology is appropriate in other areas including gas and liquid flow control, remote location and subsea oil services, automotive engine control and noise pollution reduction in the aviation industry.

Camcon's binary actuator fundamentally differs from the traditional valve designs.

Using high power permanent magnets and a spring-loaded armature the configuration requires a very short electrical pulse to disrupt the magnetic field, causing the armature to switch from one stable position to another, thereby opening or closing the valve.

No electric current needed to maintain the on or off position, creating a unique opportunity to drive even multiple valve systems from a local battery allowing precise and programmable delivery of any gas or fluid.