Two- and four-stroke engines: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:06, 22 August 2018

Revision as of 19:38, 27 January 2019

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===Ricardo 2x4 engine===

The two cycle modes are currently being researched at [[Ricardo Consulting Engineers]] in the UK. The concept consists in switching from one mode to the other depending on [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] value. The four stroke engine is more efficient when running at full throttle, while the opposite is the case for the two stroke engine. When a small car under heavy load runs at half speed, the engine automatically switches to the two cycle mode which is then more efficient. The research on this showed a 27% reduction in fuel consumption.<ref name="genius">[http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/305434/Stroke+of+genius.htm Engineer Online] Stroke of genius [[The Engineer (UK magazine)]]</ref><ref name="mit">[http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/20494/ Nonelectric Hybrid Engines [[Technology Review]]/[[MIT]]] A novel hybrid engine could slash fuel consumption</ref>

Since the shaft of the four stroke piston in the M4+2 engine always rotates twice as fast as the shaft of the two stroke piston, meaning the two stroke part always runs at half speed, both parts work in optimal conditions regarding fuel consumption at all times. The same principles are involved as with having distinct engines, but the design of the M4+2 is much simpler.