Date:         Fri, 5 Oct 2007 11:44:48 -0400
Reply-To:     Jim Akiba <syncrolist@BOSTIG.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Akiba <syncrolist@BOSTIG.COM>
Subject:      Re: Hybrid Engine Conversion (LVC, but it is nearly Friday!)
In-Reply-To:  <ac1f198b0710050838o2a626110m266752737f5ff644@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

That's a good explanation Jake, only thing I would add is that real
world the apex seals on the mazdas have commonly been the source of
trouble. This combined with the fact that it's already low compression
don't give me a warm fuzzy feeling about increasing the brake thermal
efficiency without even more trouble. This isn't to say it's not
possible but with the current state of things unlikely.

Jim Akiba



On 10/4/07, Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com> wrote:
> The rotary isn't very efficient Craig.  Smooth, yes, powerful, yes, good on
> gas, no.
>
> Its also more difficult to keep the lubricating oil out of the combustion
> chamber, so the hydrocarbon emissions are a little high.
>
> On 10/4/07, craig cowan < phishman068@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > I've spent the last hour reading the various articles i could find on that
> > "little engine that could". I'm quite familiar with the Wankel Rotary
> > design, but this is awesome! I am suprised and amazed at this little bit
> > of
> > potential. If this eventually comes out, and becomes cheap, and a cheap
> > hybrid system comes into the market as well for it.....this would seem
> > like
> > an amazing conversion for many cars. That brings me to wondering why
> > people
> > dont use more rotary engines for conversions, and not just in vanagons. My
> > understanding is that its a far superior technology in many ways, yet
> > doesnt
> > only mazda use it? I've heard of a bus with a rotary in it, but am yet to
> > find a link to it.
> >
> > A hybrid would be cool. Have you guys seen that link to the electric
> > vanagon
> > project? I dont still have the link, but it was a pretty cool looking
> > project. Inovative thinking keeps the world turning.
> >
> > -Craig
> > '85GL
> >
> > On 10/4/07, Ron LK Johnson < adhocMedia@comcast.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > A quick follow-up to Mark's note - lots of nice links - thanks!
> > >
> > > Diesel hybrid systems for city buses do operate the diesel engine at
> > > peak power production - essentially running continuously  or near
> > > continuously at a constant rpm to maximize efficiency. There are
> > > several such buses in the Portland, OR fleet (TriMet).
> > > The diesel engine is connected to a generator that only feeds the
> > > battery pack - i.e., it is completely out of the drive train. The bus
> > > is driven by an electric system that is fed by the battery pack. In
> > > the case of the TriMet buses, the batteries are located on the roof.
> > > This arrangement allows for a much smaller diesel engine, reduced
> > > maintenance, increased engine life, reduced emissions, etc.
> > >
> > > http://www.regtech.com/
> > >
> > > Above is a link to company with a promising rotary diesel engine
> > > design:  40+ HP in a 6" x 6" package. The claim is the design is
> > > easily scalable. One of the applications papers on the site describes
> > > the type of hybrid system above that could be adapted to passenger
> > > vehicles owing to the small size of their diesel design.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Ron Johnson
> > > Portland, OR
> > > '91 Weekender
> > > '04 Prius (& former '01 Insight owner)
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>  --
> Jake
> 1984 Vanagon GL
> 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/
>