Replacing fossil fuels

[010010011010]

I guess this is an optimization issue. Wankel engines are compact and light. They would probably do very little duty as these cars are primarily designed as plug in hybrids. So the energy and space consumption of carrying a heavier and more fuel efficient engine would be eaten up by the weight penalty.

Which would make a jet engine even more effective. Can be made as small as you need, theyre very light, simple, cheap and reliable.

[ISLAMATRON]

I've been building and tuning rotaries since I was 13 and it is funny to hear some of the BS being thrown out here... pure nonsense

[010010011010]

I've been building and tuning rotaries since I was 13 and it is funny to hear some of the BS being thrown out here... pure nonsense

Perhaps you could rectify this and correct the 'BS'? Ive nothing against rotarys, in fact I quite like them, im just wondering whether a rotary of a jet would be better at driving a generator in a car.

[xpensive]

I've been building and tuning rotaries since I was 13 and it is funny to hear some of the BS being thrown out here... pure nonsense

And I've played soccer since I was six, why I know everything about the World Cup.

[WhiteBlue]

And I've played soccer since I was six, why I know everything about the World Cup.

lol

So what about your newly discovered BMW petrol turbo engine cars. Are you gonna buy one?

[xpensive]

And I've played soccer since I was six, why I know everything about the World Cup.

lol

So what about your newly discovered BMW petrol turbo engine cars. Are you gonna buy one?

This was indeed a change of heart from Munich, thanks for the info. Though I'm a little confused over the power figures, only 170 Hp from the 2.0 TC, not much boost there, is it? Guess they focused on fuel-efficiency only, any info on the "twin-scroll" technology?

[mx_tifoso]

Replacing fossil fuels perhaps?

[xpensive]

Dear Mod,
I believe that our discussion on replacing has evolved into limiting the use of fossil fuels, is that a problem?

Perhaps we need a new thread, but I think most members agree that replacing fossil fuels in the near future is rather unrealistic?

[tok-tokkie]

autogyro is proposing to add a turbo-generator with additional fuel added after the wankel so that the unburned fuel plus added fuel can be ignited and used in the turbo.

[autogyro]

autogyro is proposing to add a turbo-generator with additional fuel added after the wankel so that the unburned fuel plus added fuel can be ignited and used in the turbo.

My idea is based on continuing to use the Wankel rotary as the prime mover unit and not as a power source just to charge battery storage as a range increaser for a plug in hybrid.
Such powertrains using small compact engines just to charge batteries including turbines (or wankel rotaries) are also a good development direction. It would be useful to begin a comparison between all the various combinations of hybrid powertrains as the technology slowly matures to the eventual late generation pure electric systems.
The improvements in fuel efficiency from these technologies will reduce our reliance on fossil fuel (which is the thread topic)and I believe we should take far more notice of the potential both in road vehicles and in F1.

[WhiteBlue]

Replacing fossil fuels perhaps?

Replacig the traditional use of fossil fuel by methods with improved efficiency using less fuel seems a step in the right direction.

autogyro is proposing to add a turbo-generator with additional fuel added after the wankel so that the unburned fuel plus added fuel can be ignited and used in the turbo.

This sounds like an afterburner which traditionally is not an efficient method. On the other hand modern engines do a certain amount of waste gas recycling.

[autogyro]

It would be a kind of afterburner but the purpose is to clean up the exhaust of the Wankel engine and allow it to continue to run rich and cool.
The wankel would be controlled to keep it at the most efficient load when either driving the vehicle or acting as a battery charge generator. In this operating condition maximum charge would also be made available from the turbocharge generator. IMO devlopment of this would result in a cleaner and more efficient ic hybrid than either conventional reciprocating matched or turbine matched.
It would work best with my ESERU as a full range of operating configurations in all hybrid modes would then be available. This would allow for the first time a complete electronic control over the powertrain and all the sub assemblies, to achieve best efficiency while retaining a good drivability and feel for the driver.

[010010011010]

The wankel would be controlled to keep it at the most efficient load when either driving the vehicle or acting as a battery charge generator

How do you to keep it at its most efficent load if its driving the wheels?

IMO devlopment of this would result in a cleaner and more efficient ic hybrid than either conventional reciprocating matched or turbine matched.

In your opinion yes, but i would be of the view that a purely electric drive would be more efficent (less fun, but still more efficent). Also this thing of efficively 'afterburning' the engine, what if you took the big rotating engine out of the equation and replaced it with a very simple centrifugal compressor?

[ISLAMATRON]

I've been building and tuning rotaries since I was 13 and it is funny to hear some of the BS being thrown out here... pure nonsense

Perhaps you could rectify this and correct the 'BS'? Ive nothing against rotarys, in fact I quite like them, im just wondering whether a rotary of a jet would be better at driving a generator in a car.

I dont know enough about a small jet engine of that size to make a decision or even a comparison either way. Are they currently produced that small? And how much would the cost to mass produce? There is currently a 50hp go kart rotary being produceed that is relaively cheap and extremely small & lightweight... its life cycle & efficiency would have to be optimized but that would already be a good starting point for use in a hybrid electric vehicle.

[010010011010]

Size isnt a problem for cars anyway, they can be as big or small as necessary. Theres currently research going on into making nano versions for powering phones etc.

Manufacturing wise there are a few small companys that make them for RC planes but theres not enough demand to warrent large scale production as of yet. Not that that should be a problem, the most complicated parts are the compressor and turbine which are very similar to those in turbos, so the engine its self shouldnt cost much more than around €1000-€2000 at the very most.