Optimizing the Internal Combustion Engine using Variable Compression Ratios
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Secondary School
Institution
Project Lead The Way - Kentucky
KY House District #
63
KY Senate District #
23
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Tom Rowe
Abstract
Inefficiency is a prominent issue surrounding internal compression engines, as it is with many mechanical innovations. Gasoline engines are improving more and more over time, but even modern gasoline engines struggle with efficiency. Typical modern gasoline engines in cars have a thermal efficiency of 20% to 38%. Most modern internal combustion engines utilize stationary cylinders with fixed pistons, rods, and crankshaft designs, establishing the stroke and compression ratio of the engine. The stroke and compression ratio in traditional engines cannot be altered, which contributes to thermal inefficiency. One way to improve efficiency is to change the compression ratio for the engine's differing operating loads. To accomplish a variable compression ratio design, a dual-headed cylinder could be implemented using a bi-directional threaded rod to adjust piston to cylinder head clearance. This new and innovative design allows the compression ratio to be changed during operation for optimal efficiency.
Optimizing the Internal Combustion Engine using Variable Compression Ratios
Inefficiency is a prominent issue surrounding internal compression engines, as it is with many mechanical innovations. Gasoline engines are improving more and more over time, but even modern gasoline engines struggle with efficiency. Typical modern gasoline engines in cars have a thermal efficiency of 20% to 38%. Most modern internal combustion engines utilize stationary cylinders with fixed pistons, rods, and crankshaft designs, establishing the stroke and compression ratio of the engine. The stroke and compression ratio in traditional engines cannot be altered, which contributes to thermal inefficiency. One way to improve efficiency is to change the compression ratio for the engine's differing operating loads. To accomplish a variable compression ratio design, a dual-headed cylinder could be implemented using a bi-directional threaded rod to adjust piston to cylinder head clearance. This new and innovative design allows the compression ratio to be changed during operation for optimal efficiency.