The Wankel rotary engine, invented by Felix Wankel, is a unique type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotor instead of pistons to convert linear motion into rotational motion. The rotor, which is shaped like a triangle, orbits around the crankshaft in a epitrochoid-shaped housing. This design allows for a more compact engine with fewer moving parts, leading to potential advantages such as lighter weight, smoother operation, and lower cost.
Range Extender Systems for Electric Vehicles
One notable application of the Wankel rotary engine is in range extender systems for electric vehicles. A range extender is a small engine that is used to recharge the batteries of an electric vehicle when they run low, effectively extending the vehicle’s range. The Wankel rotary engine is well-suited for this application due to its compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, and low vibration levels.
According to a study published in the Journal of Power Sources, a 225cc 30 kW Wankel rotary engine was modeled using Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) to ensure accurate representation of turbulent flow features. This engine has a displacement of 225 cubic centimeters and produces 30 kilowatts of power. The use of LES allows for the faithful recreation of turbulent flow features, which is important for accurately modeling the engine’s performance.
The researchers found that the Wankel rotary engine’s compact size and high power-to-weight ratio make it an ideal candidate for range extender applications in electric vehicles. The engine’s low vibration levels also contribute to its suitability, as they can help reduce noise and improve the overall driving experience.
Aircraft Applications
Another application of the Wankel rotary engine is in aircraft. The Adiabatic Wankel type rotary engine project, which was funded by NASA, aimed to advance the technology of the Wankel rotary engine for aircraft applications through the use of adiabatic engine technology.
The project resulted in the development of rotor and side and intermediate housings with thermal barrier coatings, which helped to improve the engine’s efficiency and durability. According to a report published by NASA, the use of these thermal barrier coatings led to a 10% increase in the engine’s thermal efficiency, making it a more attractive option for aircraft applications.
The Wankel rotary engine’s compact size and high power-to-weight ratio are particularly advantageous in aircraft applications, where weight and space are at a premium. Additionally, the engine’s low vibration levels can help reduce the stress on the aircraft’s airframe and improve the overall flying experience.
Other Applications
In addition to range extender systems for electric vehicles and aircraft applications, the Wankel rotary engine has also been used in various other applications, including:
| Application | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Compact size, high power-to-weight ratio |
| Snowmobiles | Compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, low vibration |
| Chainsaws | Compact size, high power-to-weight ratio |
| Marine Engines | Compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, low vibration |
| Generators | Compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, low vibration |
The engine’s unique design and potential advantages have made it a subject of interest for engineers and researchers in a variety of fields. For example, a recent study published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy explored the use of a hydrogen-fueled Wankel rotary engine for automotive applications, using machine learning and genetic algorithms to optimize the engine’s performance.
Overall, the Wankel rotary engine’s compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, and low vibration levels have made it a versatile and attractive option for a wide range of applications, from electric vehicles to aircraft and beyond.
References:
– Multi-objective optimization of a hydrogen-fueled Wankel rotary engine based on machine learning and genetic algorithm
– Felix Wankel
– Wankel Rotary Engine
– Hege, John B. The Wankel rotary engine: A history. 2007.
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