There's a new engine cycle in the auto industry that ranks among the original greats, like the Rankine Cycle, the Otto and the Diesel; and it's called Scuderi. The Scuderi Air-Hybrid Engine is the most innovative technology to come down the automotive technology pike in many decades, 130 years to be exact; and it was a definite SAE show stealer.
There are two leagues of innovation: one is incremental; the other is monumental. Sure, we’ve been thrilled with GM's Ecotec, Ford's EcoBoost, Toyota's Atkinson cycle engines, complete with superchargers, turbos, variable valve timing and direct injection. Those have been significant to say the least, but every one of them is incremental and dependent upon the other technology pieces for increasing efficiency, but not to the point where the very heart of engine effciency is maximized.
Futhermore, we’ve also been dazzled with the promises of Li-ion and hydrogen- powered cars using so-called green renewable energy resources. Definitely great innovations, the industry challenge for today, though, centers on the need for a massive change in infrastructure; a feat that is much easier achieved in China than in America or Europe.
Fact is that despite all the high tech, the efficiency of the internal combustion engine has only been improved incrementally, not monumentally. Even GM’s HCCI combustion technology that makes a gasoline engine run like a diesel warrants a 15% improvement at best; and Toyota’s use of the Atkinson cycle in their Prius and other cars is not any better.
The Scuderi Air-Hybrid Engine, on the other hand, is a monumental achievement. It doesn’t take an engine Einstein to recognize true innovation when you see it; and the Scuderi Engine has plenty of that.
According to the SAE profile, "The Scuderi engine produces very robust combustion that results in better efficiency and less toxic emissions, enabling engine manufacturers to meet future emission standards today with minimal retooling costs. By adding the Air-Hybrid component – which recaptures wasted energy in the form of compressed air – the gasoline engine can increase efficiency up to 50 percent more than conventional engines, and emit up to 80 percent less N0x, all while having the same power and torque of a Diesel engine."
For the record, the Otto Cycle engine is based on four strokes: intake, compression, power and exhaust. Problem is it takes two up-strokes and two down-strokes of the piston to achieve a one complete cycle. The Scuderi Air Engine split’s the cycle into two halves; in other words, cylinder pairs.
That’s correct. The Scuderi Air Engine is a split-cycle engine. Imagine a V6 engine where the left bank functions as an air compressor, a supercharger, so to speak; then imagine the right bank functioning as the power pistons. The left bank feeds the right bank with compressed air that is stratified with fuel.
Key to this cycle is the timing of the spark. Unlike traditional engines where spark occurs BTDC (before top dead center), the Scuderi fires ATDC (after top dead center) by about 10-15 degrees.
The Scuderi team is quick to point out that it is a true “hybrid engine,” just as green and cheaper. After all, the medium for the cycle is free air where hybrids use expensive batteries.
There is plenty of mechanical advantage in the cycle as well. For one, the air-bank side can store compressed air in a tank which can also be recharged in less than 15 seconds; think auto recharge while coasting. The leverage with the air comes from the fact that it takes 45 seconds to fully discharge the air tank. That’s 3:1 by my math.
I also noticed the left-bank air piston can be tailored in bore and stroke size apart from the bore and stroke of the power piston side. That’s a tremendous flexibility.
Aside from the discussion I had with the Scuderi team at SAE, their website and literature points out that the real advantage is scalability. Unlike most hybrids, this engine can be scaled to match the needs of heavier vehicles like trucks and vans.
On the human family side, there is a great story here. The inventor, Carmelo Scuderi (now deceased) achieved much in his engineering career. His familiy is carryying the technology to fruition. Still, there is too much to tell here, so for more information, be sure to visit Scuderi Group website.
Bottom line here: The Scuderi cycle now officially ranks in the history books with Rankine, Diesel and Otto.
Examiner Final Comments
The moment I hit the floor at SAE, I was looking for new tech; and I found it with the Scuderi Air Engine. Admitted, I thought it might be a lab project without much scientific backup. That was immediately proven wrong.
The only other new engine technology worth a look, in my opinion, was GM’s HCCI engine combustion technology. However, there was very little information on that, much to the shame of GM. Furthermore, the engineers did not seem very knowledgeable.
For the record, there have been OEM development projects using compressed air, but none of them have made any great splashes. Either they failed to achieve their expectations or they buried it for safe keeping, much like the use of natural gas for automobiles.
When I shifted my inquisition toward other engine technologies at SAE, I only found the WaveTech, a design that uses a cam to convert linear piston motion to rotary motion. It espouses constant torque throughout the cycle, but it still uses the Otto Cycle. The inventor, Brad Raether, was there to explain, but I found far less innovation when compared to the Scuderi; and I got the impression the Wavetech is still looking for backers, while the Scuderi already has the attention of the automotive OEMs.
While I found the family to be in it for the honor of the Scuderi name as much as the sale of the rights, bottom line for me was that the Scuderi was clearly the technical innovation winner of this year’s SAE 2010 World Congress.
Obviously, SAE agreed as they awarded them Industry Innovator. And I am placing them on my list of Detroit Automotive Technology Innovators of the Year.
Again, I will release more pics as I cover each technology as I saw them at SAE. So stay tuned for more articles and slideshows.
Comments
Wow, freaking cool!
What a great article. I have been watching this engine process for some time. Seems like the big three could benefit from technology like this but they're not that bright, obviously. From past blogs seems that other countries are looking more at the Scuderi engine.
Mr. Sherosky neglected to mention that this engine has undergone about a year of testing at Southwest Research Institute in Texas. The results of the tests basically validate 3 years of in depth computer analysis (structural, CFD, thermal) by SWRI. Carmelo Scuderi had the foresight to enlist the expertise of SWRI early on in the development of the engine. SWRI was able to prove analytically and in tests Mr. Scuderi's insights into the success of the split cycle engine - extremely high combustion flame speed and firing after top dead center.
This engine technology is definitely the greatest advancement I have seen and no retooling, no change to infrastructure,and the oil co. can still make their billions. Kudos to the Scuderi team. Now if only the big 3 can get on board and start putting these engines in their cars, maybe we can turn the American car industry around. This is definitely a "no brainer". And it would be nice if the government would help kick start this technology . This would be money well spent for a change!
Guy Negre from Motor Development International (MDI) has created some innovative compressed air engines with patents in 127 countries. He is known as a Formula 1 racer from the 80's and the development of the 3.5 liter W 12 engine.
I'm not sure who the big three are (lol) but I can't wait for this to hit the streets. The demand for auto fuel will immediately be cut driving prices down and extending the life of reserves. This technology also addresses some of the drawbacks to natural gas as an auto fuel.
Congratulation to the entire Scuderi Group!!! Your perseverance in the development of this engine should be an example to all future innovators. The definition of perseverance is to take a course of action in a belief or purpose and to be steadfast. Your hard labors and beliefs in your convictions is finally coming to fruition. Best of luck in the future!
I have eagerly watched the Scuderi development for the past five years through trials and tribulations. The naysayers and the negative blogger's , especially from their home state of Massachusetts. I am so pleased for this wonderful family who has endured all the ups and downs and hard work to see their father
Carmelo name go down in history with the likes of Otto,Diesel,Edison,Bell,Ford,etc..
The entire World should be grateful for what they have accomplished for the betterment of mankind and the World we live in.
Sounds like the Scuderi Engine stole the show at the SAE conference. I've been following the progress of the engine for the last two years and I think they are on the verge of something big. The proto-type results have been excellent and the engine maps up to 4000 rpm will be ready for the OEM's anyday. There is no doubt in my mind several OEM's will be discussing licencing this year as they can't afford to be left out of this break through technology. With the billions of dollars allocated for R&D, to sign a licensing agreement would be of minimal financial risk compared to the potential benefits in sales, gross margins, and profitability. Also note the OEM's can do this while meeting all future emmission regulation forthcoming.
Have been investing in this company for over four years now and believe this is the year the big players finally step up. The innovation is absolutely remarkable. This will be the biggest thing to hit the automotive industry in last 130 years. Once they get the engine up to 4000 rpm's and have the test data the big boys should come a marching.
Thank you so much for your perseverance and hard work Scuderi Family. I am an inveestor and look forward to sharing in your success. I believe in you with all my heart!
I have been invested in this since the ground floor. i take my hat off to Sal, Nick, and whole Scuderi crew working so hard for so many years, making their dads dream become a reality.The world will be thanking you all very soon.
I'm impressed with Frank Sherosky Design Engineering backround, and his many years experience with General Motors. He gives excellent credibility to the Scuderi Engine design.
Congratulations to the Scuderi Family: Sir Oliver Wendell Holmes Said it best: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us". I believe Holmes was talking about Carmelo. It seems that lighting CAN strike twice! Thank you to the Scuderi family for once agin coming to our rescue!
To: Bill Constantine
The naysayers and negative bloggers probally had no mechanical engineering knowledge or gave opinions prior to researching the newly patented invention features of the engine. Have not heard much from them lately.
"Firing after top dead center"? Big deal. Current engines engine can do that, but typically don't except at high loads because it is less efficient.
So far, this is just more FLUFF FLUFF FLUFF until there is actual verified data available. All the so called experts are quiet because they know this is just FLUFF and will eventually go away.
Steve,
Actual verified data is available, engine mapping from 1000 to 4000 rpm, under all driving conditions have been completed by Southwest Research. They will be made available to all OEM's who have signed an NDA. However you are probally correct in stating current engines can fire after top dead center but choose not to because they are less effecient. The Scuderi Engine technology has solved the many problems associated with firing after top dead center. That is why they were awarded SAE Industry Innovator
for the year 2010. If you beleive in something, understanding is possible, however to not believe is never to understand.
Steven says:
"Firing after top dead center"? Big deal. Current engines engine can do that, but typically don't except at high loads because it is less efficient.
So far, this is just more FLUFF FLUFF FLUFF until there is actual verified data available. All the so called experts are quiet because they know this is just FLUFF and will eventually go away.
April 20, 10:13 PM
sorry....but there is no actual engine who can do that....you have no idea
Chris,
There is a new technology in town, it cleaner burning than any internal combustion engine in the world, flame speed faster than a speeding bullet, greater torque than any diesel locomotive, smoother running than anything on the road. Look under the hood it's an Otto, no it's a diesel, no it's a Scuderi Powered Engine. I know it's hard to grasp the ramifications of what this technology will mean to the future of the automobile industry, in fact the entire world but the Scuderi engine has finally arrived.
More fuel for the ATDC fire -
The Scuderi engine gets optimum efficiency firing 12-15 degrees ATDC. I don't believe an Otto cycle engine would even run with that late an ignition. The flame speed is just not fast enough - the piston would outrun the combustion pressure wave. I think Mazda has a Miller effect engine firing 2-3 deg (?) ATDC. Here's a direct cut and paste from the SCuderi website:
This high-pressure air entering the power cylinder creates massive turbulence. The turbulence is further enhanced by keeping the valves open as long as possible during combustion. The result is very rapid atomization of the air/fuel mixture, creating a fast flame speed or combustion rate faster than any previously obtained. The combination of high starting pressure and fast flame speed enables combustion to start between 11 and 15 degrees ATDC and end 23 degrees after ignition.
jk
Your knowledge of the Scuderi Engine Technology is awesome, keep the comments coming.
We are in a time of conflict, remember when we are in times of conflict all for profit media broadcasts the ruling parties information. This is a fabrication made by the government to use rhetoric and propaganda to keep the public's fears at bay. Things such as the Scuderi engine, computers that can process 1000 terabites a second, and a black president are an act to make the truth a bit more hazy and suppress rebellion. The truth is that this is nothing but a puppet show and not before long the strings will break.
Edgar,
I agree with some of your political philosophy however it has nothing to do with the Scuderi Split Cycle engine. Please keep your comments more on the subject, I'm sure you have a lot of intelligent comments to make.
I apoligize, your right I am a idiot for throwing outrageous statements like that on a blog like this. I still disagree with dependence on oil but scuderi is i quess a good intermediary while we wait for something that is not dependent on a finite resource.
Edgar: What the heck are you thinking? For the record, this is my article blog, not yours. I do have the keys to the delete button. While I believe in allowing all comments, yours is out of line and away from the subject matter. I will leave it on just to show that I believe in an open forum, but there has to be a limit and a callout on disrespect; and you are there. Be warned I will remove off-subject comments, no matter how politically righteous you believe them to be.
And as far as oil dependence is concerned, nobody wants that more than me or those who read this blog. Rest assured we will replace oil soon enough; and I see the Scuderi engine as a major step in that direction. First things first: diminish present oil consumption by increasing efficiency and making mileage go up at a cost Walmart greeters can afford. That will buy time to develop an infrastructure for the rest of the super green stuff that all can afford.
i never insulted your blog and the purpose of blogs is to debate whether something is bullshit or not. PEACE BE WITH YOU
Hidden among the "big once" show in Detroit the writer failed to notice the real thing.
An amassing simple evolving new split engine approach.
PL visit www.tourengine.com
Note to Ben:
I did miss the Tour engine, but I am aware of it after some research. So, that means I'm planning on another article featuring the concept. The main difference between the Tour and the Scuderi seems to be that the Tour is an opposed cylinder arrangement for thermodynamic reasons. I would be interested in Scuderi's reaction to the approach.
The Scuderi Group is off to Stuggart, Germany to give a summary of the first engine maps. They also have several meetings scheduled with various OEM's. I believe they will secure licensing before the end of the year. The race is on, who ever signs first is assured to get the best deal along higher profit margins.
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