This is not your standard engine.
Considering what we're going for (and including a nod to the environment), I've paired a few very specialized technologies to make a durable, lightweight, reliable, environmentally-friendly, and fuel efficient powerplant.
Is it realistic? Surprisingly, yes. I've spent the past few weeks researching the different technologies, and I've found nothing that would really stand against it being mechanically possible. The only thing, of course, is the utterly massive development costs, which put it out of range of any real-life production.
However, we have an unlimited budget, thanks to Wouter's recent billion+ lottery winnings
The powerplant is a 2600cc 6-piston Revetec-style internal combustion engine, made entirely of high-density ceramic. The fuel is 100% pure grain alcohol at its natural octane rating of 106. The output of the engine is controllable and programmable, anywhere between 200hp and 2400hp at around 8,000rpm. Idle speed is 300rpm. At maximum power levels, it will still acheive similar fuel economy to a new Corvette, and much greater economy at lower power levels. The final engine weight will be around 70kg. Seriously, read ahead...
Why these technologies?
Alcohol Fuel:
•More power!
•Ethanol is a much cleaner fuel than gasoline
•It is a renewable fuel made from plants
•It is not a fossil-fuel: manufacturing it and burning it does not increase the greenhouse effect
•It provides high octane
•Ethanol is biodegradable without harmful effects on the environment
•It significantly reduces harmful exhaust emissions
"Revetec"-Style Engine:
•Approximately 1/4 the size and weight of a conventional engine (for similar applications)
•Fewer moving and total components
•Eliminated irregularly reciprocating components such as connecting rods.
•All rotational forces are counteracted via the counter rotating cam – eliminates the need for a heavy flywheel.
•Torque and power output can be varied using a fixed capacity and piston stroke.
•Can be designed to operate at greatly reduced operating speeds while delivering high torque output
•Substantial reduction in stroke reduces heat loss through cylinder wall
•Maximum mechanical advantage can be applied to output shaft at only 10 degrees ATDC utilising high cylinder pressure early in the stroke, compared to around 60 degrees ATDC for conventional engines
•Lower emissions can be achieved due to increased control over combustion.
•Extremely low idle speed due to increase in mechanical efficiency at the top of the stroke
•Little or no bore contact/piston side thrust, which reduces wear on cylinder bore
•Lower centre of gravity.
•Due to controlled piston acceleration rates, reduced engine vibration
Ceramic Engine:
•Does not melt easily even at high temperature
•Has a low friction coefficient
•Has a low expansion coefficient
•Has low thermal conductivity
•It is extremely hard
•It is relatively light
•It does not corrode
•Requires no lubrication
•Requires no cooling
•+150 % more power
•Neglegible wear and tear
•-75% lower fuel consumption
•-50% less weight for same physical size
More Information:
http://www.revetec.com
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1614/
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