Shockwave-Generating Wave Discs Could Replace Internal Combustion Engines [View All]

[KittyWampus]

Video at SECOND link at bottom




Michigan researchers have built a prototype of a new auto motor that does away with pistons, crankshafts and valves, replacing the old internal combustion engine with a disc-shaped shock wave generator. It could slash the weight of hybrid cars and reduce auto emissions by 90 percent. The generator is about the size of a saucepot, and would replace the 1,000-pound power train in most cars — no transmission, cooling system, emissions regulation or fluids needed.

It consists of a rotor carved with wave-like channels. Fuel and air enter through central inlets, and the rotor spins to block their exit through a separate outlet. The sudden build-up of pressure generates a shock wave, compressing the mixture. Then it’s ignited, and as the rotor keeps spinning, the outlet opens again to let the hot gases escape. New Scientist explains in further detail.

The novel generator would use about 60 percent of fuel for propulsion, according to MSU. This is a dramatic improvement over typical car engines, which use only 15 percent of fuel for forward movement. The system could also make cars 20 percent lighter, improving fuel economy even more.

MSU received a $2.5 million ARPA-E grant to develop the technology. Müller said he hopes to have an even larger 25-kilowatt prototype by the end of this year.

http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2011-03/shockwave-generating-wave-discs-could-replace-cars-internal-combustion-engines

......................






.....................

snip
If it works as advertised, the so-called Wave Disk Engine would use shock waves to more efficiently compress fuel and transmit energy. The research team at Michigan State University claims that its prototype could potentially decrease auto emissions by up to 90 percent. The invention, which doesn't have a radiator or valve train, uses a generator connection to serve as a vehicle's engine, according to Norbert Mueller, an associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at MSU.

The idea here being that compression becomes more efficient if there are no moving parts involved in the process. The MSU team contends that their prototype thus would more efficiently process automobile fuel. What's more, they estimate it would subtract almost 1,000 pounds from the weight of a car that now gets taken up in the way of a conventional engine, transmission, cooling system, emissions, and fluids. Vehicles incorporating the system would be able to run on myriad fuels - including compressed natural gas, hydrogen, gas or renewable fuels.(You can listen to Mueller explain this in more detail in the above video filmed a couple of years ago when MSU received the grant to undertake the project).



Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-20044720-501465.html#ixzz1Jodb4BPn