Ricardo switching two-four-stroke engine

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Ricardo switching two-four-stroke engine

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The study was carried out using the Ricardo powertrain blockset in the MSC “EASY5” software package that allows detailed modelling of engines, transmissions, drivelines, tyres and aerodynamics. The baseline vehicle for the study was an 1800 kg passenger car sold in the European market with a 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine and 5 speed conventional automatic transmission with torque converter. To verify the validity of the models and input data, the baseline vehicle fuel consumption results were compared with published data, which were reproduced by the model to an acceptable accuracy of 1%.

The simulation results indicate that vehicle acceleration performance, including launch from rest, can be maintained with a 2.0 litre V6 2/4SIGHT gasoline engine replacing the 3.5 litre baseline powerplant. This would deliver fuel savings of 27% over the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) and would reduce the vehicle CO2 emissions of the baseline from 260 g/km to 190 g/km.

Excellent cost-benefit trade-off

In parallel with the prototype engine development effort in the UK, Ricardo engineers at the company’s Detroit Technology Campus have designed a patented mechanical cam switching system which is capable of delivering the required switching performance for the control strategies developed on the test bed using the EHV system for the 2/4SIGHT engine.

This not only opens the way for packaging and integration of the 2/4SIGHT engine into a production vehicle but also represents a highly cost-effective means of implementation of this highly efficient combustion concept. As such a future gasoline engine equipped with 2/4SIGHT technology offers the prospect of superior performance and lower production cost than other advanced gasoline and diesel powertrains, and straightforward compliance with gasoline engine emissions standards.

Having completed development of the prototype 2/4SIGHT engine, the partners are currently negotiating potential sources of funding and support for a vehicle demonstration programme. Commenting on the successful completion of the prototype engine development programme, Ricardo technology director, Neville Jackson, said:

“The completion of the prototype engine development programme of the 2/4SIGHT engine and demonstration of its two-/four-stroke switching capability is an important milestone for the project partners. While significant further research and development challenges remain, not least in the vehicle demonstration of this advanced engine concept, the initial prototype development project has demonstrated the potential of 2/4SIGHT to offer improved gasoline fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions, while also maintaining or improving vehicle performance. In addition to validating the 2/4SIGHT concept, the research project is also delivering significant benefits in terms of its many constituent technologies which are likely to see application in the more immediate term.”

The 2/4SIGHT project team: The 2/4SIGHT project was led and coordinated by Ricardo. In addition the company was responsible for design and development of the prototype engine and integration of its systems. DENSO was responsible for development and supply of the direct fuel injection and advanced engine control systems. Ma 2T4 contributed its knowledge and expertise of valvetrain switching technology. Brunel University carried out single-cylinder engine testing and development. The University of Brighton carried out multi-cylinder engine testing and combustion and cooling system analysis. The 2/4SIGHT project was part-funded by the British Government through the Technology Strategy Board. The Board's mission is to promote and support research into, and development and exploitation of, technology and innovation for the benefit of UK business, in order to increase economic growth and improve the quality of life.

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