The Internal Combusion Engine Ain't Dead Yet

From Autoblog:

Automotive supplier Valeo claims that camless engines will be a reality by 2008, eliminating one of the most antiquated and limiting portions of the internal combustion engine. Opening the valves with an electromechanical actuator not only gives much more control over valve timing (the single largest determining factor in engine performance), but also has the potential to improve the amount of time that the valve spends at maximum lift while also reducing the effects of valve float. That’s good for power and economy. The exact fuel savings are still in question, while experience with aftermarket camshafts suggests that peak power improvements of 25-50% are likely. It seems that this would combine quite well with a CVT, with the engine and transmission working together to obtain peak operating efficiency. 12V electrical systems have always been considered to be one of the factors preventing such technology from reaching the market, and it’s not clear whether Valeo’s technology depends on the long-awaited switch to 42V systems. If so, then we might have to wait longer yet for such technology.

Very nice. Just when everyone starts acting like the internal combusion engine is at the end of its life something like this comes along and jolts it back to life.:clap:

S.

pretty cool

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Originally Posted by srivendel

From Autoblog:

Automotive supplier Valeo claims that camless engines will be a reality by 2008, eliminating one of the most antiquated and limiting portions of the internal combustion engine. Opening the valves with an electromechanical actuator not only gives much more control over valve timing (the single largest determining factor in engine performance), but also has the potential to improve the amount of time that the valve spends at maximum lift while also reducing the effects of valve float. That’s good for power and economy. The exact fuel savings are still in question, while experience with aftermarket camshafts suggests that peak power improvements of 25-50% are likely. It seems that this would combine quite well with a CVT, with the engine and transmission working together to obtain peak operating efficiency. 12V electrical systems have always been considered to be one of the factors preventing such technology from reaching the market, and it’s not clear whether Valeo’s technology depends on the long-awaited switch to 42V systems. If so, then we might have to wait longer yet for such technology.

Very nice. Just when everyone starts acting like the internal combusion engine is at the end of its life something like this comes along and jolts it back to life.:clap:

S.

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one big problem with that piece of fluff.

Camless engines are already a reality - F1 cars have been using pneumatically operated valvetrains for years. But I most definitely wouldn't expect to see a camless engine in mass production by 2008. Heck, I wouldn't even expect to see one in production by the end of this decade, since engine development cycles are typically three to four times that of car models. In other words, for a camless engine to be introduced by 2008, it would already need to be entering the prototype development phase. Cute, but the author has little feel for how real world product development works - he apparently thinks engines magically go from the drawing board to the showroom floor.

As for "antiquated & limiting"... a cam and follower is one of the most basic and robust mechanical linkages available. There is a reason that every production reciprocating engine in the world has at least one - it's simple, cheap to manufacture, easy to design, and it works. If it ain't broke, don't f**k it up with another goddamned software interface.

I was prety sure that a German invented the camless motor back in the 50's (i.e. Mazda rotary) No cams, no valves. Just ports!:D

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Originally Posted by Radio-Active

I was prety sure that a German invented the camless motor back in the 50's (i.e. Mazda rotary) No cams, no valves. Just ports!:D

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camless reciprocating engine

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Originally Posted by altiain

If it ain't broke, don't f**k it up with another goddamned software interface.

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lolercoaster! Beautiful.