Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragoneye
They've already got a working generator prototype, that has two magnetic coils on both ends (the two protrusions). which equals double the power output. <===Like I said, if electric is the way to go, could you see this inthe Volt?
The only negative thing I've heard is that this company is a little stuck up to say the least, there are drawbacks, like actual functionability in cars that they haven't addressed. The "excerpt" from their site: that's all they say about the engine (nothing on how it works)! I had to go digging to learn about this thing, the site didn't tell you.
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If you really wanted to make the most of what the Volt has to offer, you should be looking at small turbine engines... its MUCH more efficient than any type of internal combustion engine.
This engine works much like a turbine, in that it can really only operate at one speed efficiently... They say as much in the video. It's effectively a single speed engine, and at that point, you're better off with a turbine for series-hybrid drivetrains...
The one thing that I think may kill this engine is weight and rotating mass... it probably takes a LONG time to accelerate this thing in between different speeds...
The central sinusoidal swash-plate that the pistons ride on has to be a crazy-expensive part to make (3D machining with tight tolerances onto VERY hard steel? Yeah...)
This idea isn't that new... and I think a small turbine might still be better. I have seen things like this before (using sinusoidal drives to run pistons back and forth)... the sinusoidal machining usually drives costs thru the roof!
~LSx