Six New Technologies Will Help Manufacturers Reach the 35 MPG Goal (Without Hybrids)
As the automakers scramble to make plans for achieving 35 MPG by 2020, it seems that our suspicions that the task is entirely possible without fancy hybrids or hydrogen cars has been confirmed. The manufacturers been achieving high mileage in Europe and Japan for years now, so I expect to see it in the US eventually. Luckily, there are six exciting new technologies that are going to make it possible in the US.
These technologies are interesting because they come without the paradigm shift that seems to accompany buying a hybrid or a small economy car. Cars equipped with this green tech will be just like any other car, just more efficient.
More on the six new engine technologies after the break.
- Multistage oil pump: Oil pumps usually only pump oil out through one port, meaning that under every circumstance the pump ends up doing about the same amount of work. Multistage oil pumps, like those that are beginning to be released with some Toyotas, use two oil ports, one small and one larger, to make sure that the amount of oil being pump is optimized based on the operating conditions of the engine. During low-stress operation, only the smallest pump will be used. As the engine is put through its paces, it will switch to the large port, and finally, if you’re really going all out, both ports will open up to allow maximum flow.
- Shortened cylinder head: In the past, cylinder heads have remained a certain height in order to keep the valves aligned in operation. While this presents and issue for shorter cylinder heads (which save weight), guides on the top of the valve springs can be used in conjunction with standard valve guides to ensure smooth operation. The weight difference might not be that dramatic, but at the very least, it will cut down on some materials usage.
- Variable compression ratio: Engines are more efficient at higher compression ratios, but that doesn’t mean it’s always best to be running at the highest compression ratio you can. With that in mind, several manufacturers have begun exploring variable compression ratio engines, where the connecting rod length can be changed using an actuator so that during low-load operation (like driving on the freeway) compression ratio is reduced and fuel economy improves dramatically.
- Guided-spray turbo: The most important thing here is not the turbo, but the method of creating the air-fuel mix in the combustion chamber. The injectors and chamber have been redesigned so that spark plugs are positioned to more efficiently ignite the fuel-air mix and pistons have also been redesigned to create a swirling in the chamber (something that’s been used since Honda since 1992 in fuel economy-conscious engines). Together, all these designs make for incredibly efficient combustion, resulting in impressive power output and comparably good fuel economy numbers.
- Electromagnetic valve actuators: In my opinion, this is probably one of the neatest new technologies out there. By using electromagnets to control the valve train, the camshaft and all its friction losses and rotating mass would be replaced with a system of almost no moving parts that can also precisely control valve timing and adjust it to run the most efficiently in any condition. While expensive, this change could bring up to a 19% improvement in fuel efficiency, and might very well be implemented down the road.
- Hydraulic power electrification: Car makers have already begun this switch-over, as it is one of the most common-sense, and easiest things to do. Beginning with the move from belted radiator fans to electric, car makers have started trying to reduce parasitic loads on the engine. Because electric versions of things like power steering and A/C are more efficient (and run when the engine isn’t on, which is necessary for full hybrids), we’re already starting to see these things popping up on Honda and Toyota hybrid models. Soon manufacturers will be moving even to electric water pumps, which are more efficient and precise.
So, do we at Gas 2.0 anticipate seeing these technologies any time soon, or are they just more pie in the sky stuff that the automakers like to trot out to “prove” they’re “doing something.” Well, several of these we have seen already, and with the automakers scrambling to make 35 MPG in a very unfriendly market, it seems like the cheapest way to do so will be to use some of these tricks rather than trying to upgrade everyone to hybrids. Hopefully we’ll begin seeing these technologies in run-of-the-mill engines sooner, rather than later.
Source: PopMech
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I know it’s sad. I have driving my big car because it uses so much gas but I want to be safe from the other morons that are called “good drivers”.
Also it’s whenever I see ads on the tv from the big three strutting their 35 mpg or better. We are just so far behind it’s really sad.
Yup imports rock!
“low-load operation (like driving on the freeway) compression ratio is reduced and fuel economy improves dramatically.”
I’m pretty sure compression ratio always increases fuel efficiency and power output. The only reason higher compression ratios aren’t always used is because preignition occurs and can ruin power and damage the engine. I bet they meant high compression can be used at low loads when preignition is less likely to occur and low compression can be used at high loads to protect the engine.
A very interesting aspect of electromagnetic valves is you can eliminate the starter as with computer control the engine can start itself.
Direct fuel injection should have been included on here, where you inject fuel directly into the cylinder and not into the intake tract. Is can assist in lean burn operation, and preignition resistance when used in conjunction with electromagnetic valves.
for the limey who says “our cars regularly go over 40 MPG” You use IMPERIAL GALLONS which equal 1.2 US gallons. hence 40mpg in england = 33.3mpg in the US. What’s so great about that? Diesel Volkswagen rabbits have been over 40mpg for 30years. The trick is to do it with a gasoline powered engine because the environmental whacko’s in Kalifornia have a severe distaste for diesels. Why this is I don’t know, but it’s silly.
I don’t know if you noticed, but the average American is about 4″-5″ inches (10cm-13cm for you metric folks)taller than the average Japanese citizen. Not to mention they probably outweigh them by an average of 40lbs (18Kg).
We have plenty of cars that can get 35mpg, What this article discusses is the CAFE standard which means that the manufacturers AVERAGE mpg of ALL cars sold has to be 35mpg. There is a huge difference.
“”"Also, another thing we need to do in this country is stop advertising cars based on “speed” or “performance.” You don’t need a car to do that stuff. “”"
See, one of the wonderful things about the US if freedom. I personally enjoy high-performance cars and I drive one on a daily basis. Just because YOU don’t value it doesn’t mean that some of us can’t or shouldn’t. I’m all for finding more fuel efficient ways of doing things — and believe me, I want a Tesla Roadster like nothing else… but don’t, for one instant lecture me about what I can and can’t do — attitudes like that aren’t respectful and will not accomplish any pro-environmental goal…in fact, just the opposite.
I just love some of the commentary here. It’s interesting to see some of you going from fuel efficient vehicles to hating the United States in the same sentence. Off topic much?
“Fuel Efficient vehicles, new valve trains, multistage oil pumps. . FSCK THOSE DIRTY AMERICANS!!!11″
Grow up or get a life, or both. . whichever is applicable.
One thing many of you in the UK are overlooking is that an American gallon is smaller than a European Gallon. So 35mpg US is closer to 44mpg in the UK. Another thing to consider is that they want this to be the average, not just a goal for small vehicles, but small, medium, and large, so smaller cars will obviously have to be even more efficient than 35mpg to make up for the larger vehicles. (btw, 35mpg is about 6.2litres/100km). I’m Canadian though so I perfer using the metric system.
My 07 Sentra averages about 6.3litres/100km (34-35mpg) with about 70% HWY driving and 30% city. I generally travel at 115km/72mph on the highway as well, as that is the medium speed during those times, flow of traffic and all that. However, while traveling around 90kmh (about 55mph?), I get between 4.9-5.1 l/100km, (47-48mpg us) while at 115km/h it is closer to 5.8 (37/38). Perhaps not as efficient as a small 1.6litre diesel, but still not that bad, considering my 07 Sentra is not a tiny vehicle.
I once drove on HWY 7 for 450km, which is a 80km/h highway. After 454.5 km of driving at 87km/h average I used about 23.3 litres. Once again, not as great some European vehicles with diesel engines, but still not too bad.
Personally, I think the best thing right now is
1. Develop engines that are easy to turn off and on at long lights/ in drive throw lanes.
2. Make the vehicles lighter, I love my 07 Sentra, but it’s pretty heavy compared to it’s predecessors, and I know Nissan has already promised to cut weight by 10-15% avg for example.
3. Bring over more diesels, and replace the big heavy engines with turbo diesels. Why does a glorified station wagon need a v8 anyways? (dodge magnum).
4. Teach people that they don’t need to push the gas pedal down all the way to get up to speed all the time. I usually keep my rpm below 2k (cvt transmission). Also being able to drive at the speed limit would be helpful. Unfortunately half the time the everyone in the slow lane is going 110km+
If the laws of every state in the US, Canada and Mexico restrict speed to below 110km/h (70mph), don’t even start about your need for “freedom” to go faster than 140 (90mph).
A gasoline engine can easily pull 70-80mph if it’s designed correctly. Any engineer with half a brain willing to incorporate what we know can easily figure it out. People these days just don’t see beyond one step in one direction at a time.
I still think electric is the more correct system to use, and so I advocate designs similar to the Tesla Roadster.
People in the US think driving is like an arms race. Bigger is better in case someone hits you. My sister-in-law went from a Chrysler La Baron to a Dodge Dakota truck using that same train of thought.
The auto makers are to blame for pushing bigger and bigger engines in the US market. This was of course prompted by our artificially low gas prices. Car makers claim that they are just responding to demand, while ignoring the billions they pour into advertising, most of which is centered around horsepower.
My 1989 Honda CRX HF got 40+ MPG, mostly city, but only had 60 or so HP. Didn’t bother me, but apparently they couldn’t sell that anymore. However, I felt I was destined to become a splatter in the grill of a suburban assault vehicle, and so I compromised on a VW Passat. Safe, but with a 1.8L turbo driven engine, if I drive like an old lady, I get close to 30 MPG.
Also, you didn’t mention ultra-light vehicle. Rocky Mountain Institute and Fiber Forge have a concept “Hypercar” that is built out of Carbon Fiber. Safer than a steel framed vehicle, it gets magnificent (if only theoretical) mileage, by virtue of wasting less fuel energy moving car and more moving passengers.