Product category:
Design and Development Consultancy
News Release from: Ricardo
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 01 March 2005
Consortium begins work on novel petrol
engine
An advanced research programme will investigate a petrol engine concept which aims to deliver substantially reduced CO2 emissions as well as class leading performance and economy.
Ricardo and a consortium of automotive partners have begun a GBP 1.9 million advanced research programme to further investigate a petrol engine concept which aims to deliver substantially reduced CO2 emissions as well as class leading performance and economy The 2/4Sight engine concept is based on an innovative design of combustion system combined with advanced valve train and control technologies, enabling automatic switching between two- and four- stroke operation
In this programme, supported in part by the UK Department of Trade and Industry, a research engine will be constructed and tested to validate the significant benefits predicted by the earlier 2/4Sight Feasibility Study.
Completed in early 2004, the 2/4Sight Feasibility Study showed through extensive computer aided engineering simulation, the significant potential for its advanced engine concept.
The 2/4Sight concept uses a direct injection petrol combustion system in which the design of intake and exhaust ports, combined with appropriate changes in fuel injection, ignition and valve timing, enable operation both in two-stroke and four-stroke modes.
By matching the control strategy to make best use of the 2/4Sight engines capabilities, the project indicated that the concept had the potential to deliver: up to 30% benefit in fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions; the potential for aggressive engine downsising - using a smaller, lighter engine operating at higher specific load; compliance with Euro 4 emissions standards and with the potential to adapt to meet future standards as applied to conventional petrol engines; similar economy and production costs to a conventional diesel engine; and highly attractive driving characteristics, with class leading torque delivery.
The 2/4Sight consortium includes Ricardo, Denso, Ma 2T4, the University of Brighton and Brunel University, as well as a number of automotive manufacturers.
It will now embark on a follow-up project in which a research engine will be constructed and tested.
The GBP 1.9 million project will be part funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry under its Technology Programme, with the partners contributing the balancing cost of the project.
The targets of the research programme will be to validate the benefits predicted in the earlier simulation work through investigative testing of a research engine.
If successful, the 2/4Sight engine concept is most likely to be most attractive for development towards two market segments: mid-sized family cars which make up the largest single section of the UK vehicle fleet; and premium cars and SUVs which represent a key UK vehicle engineering and manufacturing strength.
It is expected that the most attractive of these application segments for first introduction will be premium vehicles where CO2 emissions tend to be higher and the torque benefits of the 2/4Sight engine concept will fit well with typical driving characteristics.
For this reason the research engine created by the project will be a 2.0 litre V6 targeted at levels of performance and driveability more usually associated with 3-4 litre V8 petrol engine.
In addition to this, however, the project will study in some detail the potential cost/benefit of a 1.0 litre 2/4Sight engine for use in mid-sized family cars as a highly efficient replacement for a conventional 1.8-2.0 litre petrol engine.
Ricardos role in the 2/4Sight will be leadership and co-ordination of the project, design and development of the novel engine and integration of its systems.
Denso will develop and supply the direct fuel injection and advanced engine control systems.
Ma 2T4 will contribute its knowledge of valve train switching technology.
The University of Brighton will carry out investigative engine testing and combustion and cooling system analysis, and Brunel University will carry out transient engine testing and development.
Work on this programme is expected to last 30 months.
• Ricardo: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
