"Third-Generation Engine Technology"

"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).

 

Source: http://www.dukeengines.com/

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!!!!