"Third-Generation Engine Technology"
Name :
Duke Axial-Engine Technology
Source: http://www.dukeengines.com/
Whats New!!!
The
past decade has witnessed the best technology advancements as far as Automotive
Technology is concerned. It includes many technologies like GDI(Gasoline Direct
Injection), Advanced/Compound/Variable Turbocharging, Dual Clutch, Vehicle
Infotronics, etc. These technological advancements focused primarily on the
development of the engines hence main focus of research in Automotive Industry
has always been the Engine Research. The past decade raise Engine Research to a
new level of Fuel efficiency, Power & Durability. These have been drivers
of the engine research so far...In this context, there has been recent
development reported by Dukes Engines.
Duke Engine’s has redeveloped the idea of using axial engines that originally
was introduced in 1910. It was the
redevelopment of a 1910’s idea of Axial
Engine Technology by Duke Engines,
which may be at par with all the other technology developments.
Design brief of Axial Engine Technology
Axial engines are a type of reciprocating engine which works on
conventional 4-Stroke cycle. However, there is a difference in the positioning and alignment of Piston & Cylinder
with the output shaft. Pistons are
arranged around the output shaft with their axes parallel to the shaft. Ya,
that’s true..the axis of the piston is parallel and not perpendicular to the
crankshaft which is contrary to the conventional design used in automobiles.
Barrel refers to the cylindrical shape of the cylinder group (result of the
pistons being spaced evenly around the central crankshaft and aligned parallel
to the crankshaft axis).
The idea
of duke engines is to convert the conventional linear Inline Arrangement into a
circular arrangement to obtain a Circular-sinusoidal type of output. This output
is then converted in to a circular motion by a star shaped reciprocator shown
in the picture. So the Barrel moves in the opposite direction to the output.
The duke engine has a number of interesting
features:
- The counter rotating components generate very low vibration
- Only 3 injectors and Spark plugs for 5 cylinders giving performance near to a conventional 6 cylinder Inline Engine.
- No valve train reduces the parts count
- Achievement of 30% weight reduction. Better fuel economy.
The
most important aspect of this design is its practical testing. The Duke Engines
are still on a development phase but has shown a great potential during
rigorous engine testing. Duke Engines even on this starting phase is developing
torque & power comparable to its inline engines even with lower emissions
and better fuel economy.
Everything has its pros and cons. There are some
limitations of Duke Engines found during testing, like Seal Arrangements, Lower
Engine Speed, Port timing , Port Shape, Combustion. Still, in this development
phase of duke engines its achievements are remarkably good. With future
Research & Development the limitations could be improved.In
recent years, there have been many design developments in axial engines, but
none of them succeeded to the level to which Duke Engines has. They show
a very impressive and well developed prototype.
Our
Verdict
This could undoubtedly be considered
as Third Generation Engine Technology. It has the potential to change the total
scenario of automobile industry. “Auto-Tech, the blog” group supports this
technology.
Judge
yourself ! Watch the video to see the internals in
motion and how it works.
Give your comments!!!!
