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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So you want economy but insist on sticking to huge US-built dinosaurs because you think they are safer?
Take a look at the US-NCAP crash test results. Compare small European and Japanese ’supermini’ class cars with those huge US built machines that struggle to achieve 30mpg (even if it is US gallons.) The results on that site seem to indicate that European and Japanese ’supermini’ class cars no less safe in a crash than American cars.
And the latest Bluemotion diesels from VW return an average of 75mpg, with touring figures in the high 90s achievable. I get an average of 72mpg in my 2003 Citroen - and yes, it is achieved with a combination of town driving and motorway cruising at up to 70mph.
It’s your choice, guys. The technology exists already and is widely used on the rest of the planet. Not wanting to adopt it is your choice, not something that has been forced upon you.
Somebody needs to do research before writing articles. Tucker made a car in 1948 that broke 100mph and had a 40+mpg. Considering it is arguably the safest car ever made, that’s impressive.
And yes, american cars have had 35+mph since the early 80’s. That’s why over half the mustangs and camero’s have been four bangers.
As to size, some of us cannot safely drive a midget, or neon, or ever a cavalier. Something about having to put my knees on either side of the wheel just to get in the car.
And hybrids don’t “save the planet”, most power on the grids is produced by burning coal, you know coal, like they used to change the color of london during the industrial revolution.
What I’d love to see would be a diesel hybrid. I would guess it would get 60 to 80mpg.
America is in for a rude awakening. Business-as-usual is no longer an option.
Tim,
Check out these two diesel hybrids, which could be coming to the US real soon:
http://gas2.org/2008/04/07/mercedes-40-mpg-diesel-hybrid-vision-glk-bluetec-suv/
http://gas2.org/2008/03/03/a-biodiesel-prius-vw-to-release-699-mpg-diesel-hybrid/
Why do people always think that the car companies are the end all to things? Try looking up Russell Bourke, he created an engine that can run up to 60:1 air to gas. The fundamental stoichiometric ratio that car companies build engines on is a lie. Why do you think extra air needs to be pumped into the exhaust? What do you think catalytic converters are? Extra gas is used to cool engines, not make them run better or faster. Try running an engine in an Ultra Lean condition and watch how fast it heats up. There are some good old boys in Canada that are using an off the shelf Honda engine and adding a fuel vapor tech that can get over 100MPG. Detroit is too embedded with the Oil boys to care.
The only reason I hesitate to drive tiny fuel efficient cars is that it would be crushed when rammed by the huge hummer behind me.
Then again my only means of transportation now is electric trains and bicycle so my MPG is infinite.
[...] New Technologies Six New Technologies Will Help Manufacturers Reach the 35 MPG Goal (Without Hybrids) : Gas 2.0 Supposedly they will enhance gas mileage….I’m leary of some of them. I didn’t write the article, [...]
God, I’m so sick of hearing you Europeans go on and on about your turbo diesel cars getting 70 miles per gallon. Do you really think all americans drive hummers? What kind of morons are you? Perhaps you should stop for a second and realize that some of the biggest engines coming out of production are FROM GERMANY. Hi. V12 Mercedes? What do you think that Audi RS6 comes with?
Open your friggin eyes.
Only morons drive hybrids. Who else would pay 30k for a car worth 10. Screw that. You can easily get over 35MPG if you choose to. If your gas was as cheap as ours YOU WOULD DRIVE A BIGGER CAR.
Instead you settle for some tiny little japanese crotch rocket of a car, which can fit 2 humans, and a backpack.
Spare me. You’ll be pulling your pud when you see us pushing 80MPG hummers within 5 years, because we are the country to do it.
I have increased the distance i travel on a full tank of fuel by using the MPG CAPS.
I run a limousine company, here in South Australia. We have 50 vehicles in our fleet, petrol, diesel and gas. This CAP is saving us around 14% on our fuel bill. The best part is the product has been tested all over the world and the results show a reduction in harmful emissions. This allows a business like mine, improve our carbon footprint, since transport plays a huge part in global warming, I can hold my head high knowing I am taking steps.
How the MPG CAPS work http://www.lessfuellesspollution.com
Which of these features could actually be integrate into the hybrid?