Very interesting design, another ingenious solution to a non-existent problem. Just because something CAN be done does not mean that it SHOULD be done. Even this design does not get around the fundamental problem of the reciprocating engine: it reciprocates! A large mass is accelerated in one direction, then must be brought to a stop, and then moved in the other direction, then stopped, etc. Major chunks of energy eaten internally before you produce any output. One of the main attractions of the Wankle is getting around this problem. This is a major advantage of turbine engines, output efficiency. I admire the genius of the inventors/designers and their commitment to trying to make this work, but a hundred years of perfecting (and understanding the science and mechanics) of the reciprocating engine and the development of efficient manufacturing techniques is going to be hard to overcome. Now, let's talk electrics..... Putting on the Nomex and ducking. |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.