New Tech from Delphi to boost FE

[frv]

Delphi engineers have found a way of using direct injection on petrol engines, and the breakthrough could revolutionise engine efficiency

Jon Morgan - AUTOEXPRESS - June 6th, 2012

Who needs a PHEV with this sort of efficiency? --Ed.

Engineers at Delphi say that the next generation of gasoline engines will offer the same FE as PHEV's without the extra weight and cost. They have worked out how to incorporate the direct-injection method of ignition used in diesels into gasoline engines. And the potential benefit is staggering.

Harry Husted, Delphi’s chief engineer for advanced powertrain development, said: “The results of initial simulation work show this technology could improve engine efficiency by up to 50 per cent.”

Delphi’s gasoline direct-injection compression ignition system uses sophisticated valve timing, intake and exhaust tech to inject gas in precisely controlled bursts. The company has successfully developed and tested a single-cylinder engine prototype and is already working on a more advanced system.

Husted added: “A multi-cylinder engine is being developed and will be ready to test later this year. It’s going to be a very torquey engine, with a similar feel to a diesel.”

And the new engine will have an immediate advantage over a diesel – and extra appeal to manufacturers: as unleaded fuel burns more cleanly than diesel, gas engines don’t need an expensive and highly complex... [Read More]

[ALS]

Nice!!!. You could theoretically increase the average gasoline powered fleet fuel economy by 40 to 50% over the next 15 years.

Think about it a 2020 Z06 Corvette getting better fuel economy than a 2013 Cruze.

As they say we are living in interesting times.

[50 mpg by 2012]

Mercedes’ compact saloon gets a hi-tech, downsized petrol engine that promises diesel-like economy

Mercedes will launch a revised C-class with a super-frugal 1.6-litre petrol engine in late summer, according to company sources. The new four-cylinder turbocharged engine, dubbed M274, is the longitudinally mounted version of the M270 engine that is also making its debut in the new A-class.

....

Mercedes will launch a revised C-class with a super-frugal 1.6-litre petrol engine in late summer, according to company sources. The new four-cylinder turbocharged engine, dubbed M274, is the longitudinally mounted version of the M270 engine that is also making its debut in the new A-class.

The engine, which features Mercedes’ new Camtronic two-stage variable valve lift, is expected to come in two forms with the same 1595cc capacity. Figures for the C-class haven’t been revealed, but in the A-class the new engine comes in 121bhp and 154bhp versions, producing 128g/km and 
129g/km of CO2 respectively.

There is also a 1991cc version of the engine, which is good 
for 208bhp and 143g/km. Pollution levels are so low 
that it meets 2015’s stringent Euro 6 emissions regulations.

The company says the engine benefits from three key Mercedes BlueDirect technologies in addition to Camtronic: piezo injectors, multi-spark ignition and a turbocharging system that uses ‘scavenging’ to reduce turbo lag to an absolute minimum. It also has balancer shafts, variable-rate water and oil pumps, low-friction internals and automatic stop-start.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...-turbo-c-class

As of 2 minutes ago there were 0 out of 1856 current new UK gasoline vehicle offerings rated Euro Step 6 emissions compliant.
http://carfueldata.direct.gov.uk

Diesel still seems to have the advantage at 90~110 versus gasoline at 125~129 gCO2/km.

[herm]

Originally Posted by ALS

Nice!!!. You could theoretically increase the average gasoline powered fleet fuel economy by 40 to 50% over the next 15 years.

I will believe it when I see it, I dont think it will beat an atkinson cycle hybrid in economy, and cost.

It still good to see Delphi is still alive.

[rhwinger]

Harry Husted, Delphi’s chief engineer for advanced powertrain development, said: “The results of initial simulation work show this technology could improve engine efficiency by up to 50 per cent.”

A 50% increase in fuel efficiency and reduced complexity would be a game changer. Coupled with hybrid drivetrain, what would THAT do?

[Carcus]

HCCI is just around the corner!!

...... for the billionth time. (Prolly trolling for another gubment grant).

/add, Delphi's history page from wiki reads like a "how to" list for crooks and liars:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delphi_Automotive

[wick1ert]

Originally Posted by rhwinger

Harry Husted, Delphi’s chief engineer for advanced powertrain development, said: “The results of initial simulation work show this technology could improve engine efficiency by up to 50 per cent.”

A 50% increase in fuel efficiency and reduced complexity would be a game changer. Coupled with hybrid drivetrain, what would THAT do?

Exactly my thoughts when I first read this. I'd almost go back to a regular ICE vehicle again (cost analysis pending) as that could possibly be close to what I get currently. I just know, that I'm not willing to go more than 10% less FE than what I get now in the future.

[MikeMarsUK]

The AutoExpress article is a bit confusing. There are *already* many vehicles with direct injection petrol engines, it's the compression-ignition which is new for petrol engines. The FSI engine in the A2 for example has been around for well over a decade. According to Wiki there have been direct injection petrol engines around since 1925.


> ... So say engineers at US technology company Delphi, who’ve worked out how to incorporate the direct-injection method of ignition used in diesels into petrol engines. ...

Presumably they're just copying this from a press release without understanding it, since the above sentence doesn't really make sense.

[Jay]

...The new engine could be on sale by 2020...

Why so far off into the future when Mazda and the Koreans have GDI now?

[Pavel4]

I'm sure this and other further developments of the ICE will be impressive but the fact remains that these engines are obsolete. There were wonderful improvements to steam in its closing days and bell-bottoms can still be found in a very few stores, but automotive propulsion must (and will) move on.