40 years old today

[clutch-monkey]

http://www.smartplugs.com/engines/ro...nglerotary.htm
?? possible diesel rotary? not sure if it's meant for cars though..

[jediali]

these things just go around

[PerfAdv]

http://www.smartplugs.com/engines/ro...nglerotary.htm
?? possible diesel rotary? not sure if it's meant for cars though..

It isn't meant for cars. It's used for turning refrigeration compressors, not having to change revs much. High revs aren't required for such an application either, the main issue with a diesel, it's inability to rev high.

[Matra et Alpine]

It's also not a "true" diesel as we are used to.
Hence why it can operate with low 8.5:1 compression - well within Wankel capabilities.
It's all down to their "smart plug" which is what the site is clearly pitching
Nice idea

[fpv_gtho]

has anyone tried to make a diesel rotary?

They seem to be having far more success with hydrogen

[Falcon500]

The Mazda Rotary (twin-rotar) engine that is, not me ...
http://www.new-car-net.co.uk/Mazda_news.html?id=6881
http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/rotary/
Many happy returns

you only wish you where that age again :P

Amazing how much time has passed and while the engine has improved considrably It still has a long way to go.

[Dino Scuderia]

The rotary engine isn't much good in todays world. It's a novelty more than anything....even after 40 years.

[john14]

Originally Posted by Dino Scuderia
The rotary engine isn't much good in todays world. It's a novelty more than anything....even after 40 years.

Well, the rotary engine is in IMO two of the greatest cars of all time, the Japanese Mazda RX-7 (especially the FD3S and FC3S) and the Mazda RX-8. Also, rotary engines have been great engines in/for many other cars. Rotary engines are hardly a novelty, they are a great invention.

[Dino Scuderia]

Poor mileage for their displacement and hard to upgrade without creating a lot of emmissions...this is what I mean....they aren't really a design for modern era.

[Matra et Alpine]

The rotary engine isn't much good in todays world. It's a novelty more than anything....even after 40 years.

hmmmm... already running Hydrogen and has the UNIQUE ability to be switched by the user from Hydrogen to petrol
yaeah ... a novelty ....

[Dino Scuderia]

Is that in wide use? And how many miles real world testing to date?

[Ferrer]

hmmmm... already running Hydrogen and has the UNIQUE ability to be switched by the user from Hydrogen to petrol
yaeah ... a novelty ....

Hey piston engines can also run on hydrogen...

[Dino Scuderia]

So it's been around since 2004. What's the status today?



MAZDA RX-8 HYDROGEN ROTARY ENGINE: A SPORTS CAR (AND ENGINE) LIKE NO OTHER
Mazda RX-8


2004 NAIAS

– Mazda Unites Alternative Fuel Power and Zoom-Zoom–

DETROIT – With a cat-like predatory stance, forward-thinking freestyle door system and enough room for four, not two, adults to enjoy all its benefits, the Mazda RX-8 has set itself apart from the pack. But if the recently introduced RX-8 production sports car truly is unique thanks, in large part, to its rotary engine, the RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary Engine (RE) concept, showcased this year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), takes "unique" to all new levels.

Featuring a fuel system that consists of a high-pressure hydrogen tank, the vehicle balances the needs of the driving enthusiast and the environmentalist with a blend of alternative power and the exhilarating driving experience for which Mazda is known.

As the auto industry turns its attention to hydrogen fuel as a gasoline alternative, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE offers a hydrogen-powered version of RENESIS—Mazda’s next generation rotary engine that was introduced last year in the all-new RX-8. By virtue of its smooth performance, compact size and impressive driving characteristics, RENESIS was named International Engine of the Year in June 2003.

The RENESIS Hydrogen RE allows the RX-8 concept to run on either hydrogen fuel or gasoline and capitalizes on all the advantages of the rotary to assure RX-8’s ease-of-operation and reliability.

The RENESIS Hydrogen RE incorporates an electronically controlled hydrogen injector system, with the hydrogen injected in a gaseous state. The system draws air from the side port during the intake cycle and uses dual hydrogen injectors in each of the engine’s twin rotor housings to directly inject hydrogen into the intake chambers.

Because it offers separate chambers for intake and combustion, the rotary engine is ideal for burning hydrogen without the backfiring that can occur in a traditional piston engine. The separate induction chamber also provides a safer temperature for fitting the dual hydrogen injectors with their rubber seals, which are susceptible to the high temperatures encountered in a conventional reciprocating piston engine.

Also helping to maximize the benefits of the rotary engine in hydrogen combustion mode, the RENESIS Hydrogen RE features adequate space for the installation of two injectors per intake chamber. Because hydrogen has an extremely low density, a much greater injection volume is required compared with gasoline, thus demanding the use of more than one injector. Typically, this can be difficult to achieve with a conventional reciprocating piston engine because of the structural constraints that prevent mounting injectors in the combustion chamber. However, with its twin hydrogen injectors, the RENESIS Hydrogen RE is both practical and able to deliver sufficient power.

In addition to the revolutionary hydrogen-powered RENESIS rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept benefits from improved aerodynamics and optimized tires and weight-saving measures. A fast-fill tandem master cylinder reduces brake drag and friction hub carriers help cut power losses.

The vehicle also incorporates a host of other technologies for exceptional environmental compatibility. Three-layer, wet-on water-based paint on the RX-8 Hydrogen RE dramatically reduces the emission of organic solvents, saves energy by shortening the drying process and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the plant-based plastics used for the vehicle’s interior parts provide an attractive alternative to plastics derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum.

The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE illustrates Mazda’s dedication to the future environment without abandoning true Zoom-Zoom and soul-of-a-sports-car thinking.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.

[Matra et Alpine]

Is that in wide use? And how many miles real world testing to date?

Irrelevant.
If it becaomes a de facto Hydrogen vehicle then the current engines are holding place in current cars

Also, don't knock it till you've driven one. Changed my mind about them

[Matra et Alpine]

Hey piston engines can also run on hydrogen...

Not without major alterations to compression ratio and chamber due to the differing fuel-burn fronts. (iirc)
Switching BETWEEN the fuels was the advantage I passed on.....