Rudolph Seethaler, an associate professor of mechanical engineering and PhD candidate Brad Reinholz, have completed a simulation study that demonstrates engines can be built to be more efficient while at the same time cutting harmful emissions.

Seethaler害羞草研究所檚 research introduced a unique cogging-torque-assisted motor drive (CTAMD) to replace conventional camshaft valve trains. During analytic simulation in a lab at UBC害羞草研究所檚 Okanagan campus, the pair determined the CTAMD could revolutionize the way internal combustion engines are manufactured.

害羞草研究所淭ypically, valve systems are controlled by camshafts and we tried to control them with electromechanical valve actuation (EVA),害羞草研究所� explains Seethaler. 害羞草研究所淭his technology has several advantages as it reduces emissions, and improves fuel economy.害羞草研究所�

An EVA is a system for opening and closing valves that combines electrical and mechanical processes as opposed to the conventional fixed camshaft engine.

Seethaler notes, most engines are lot more powerful than needed, so the engine power is automatically throttled back, providing only the energy required. This throttling-back creates an inefficient engine design.

害羞草研究所淲e hardly ever use the power of our engine and this is quite inefficient,害羞草研究所� he says. 害羞草研究所淭here is 10 to 15 per cent efficiency loss because there is a throttle in your air intake system. Basically you are throttling back the power your engine can provide.害羞草研究所�

A typical camshaft has a fixed geometry and can only optimize valve timing for one torque-speed combination. Because of this, any other torque-speed combination creates less efficiency and performance. Using the EVA, instead of the fixed camshaft, solves that problem.

By replacing camshafts with EVA systems, Seethaler was able to remove the throttle and provide optimal valve timing for all torque-speed combinations. In addition, he says, EVA allows for more efficient cylinder deactivation, and permits new combustion strategies.

To demonstrate real engine efficiency improvements or measure emissions, the CTAMD needs to be paired and tested with an actual engine in an engine test facility and he害羞草研究所檚 hoping to get that done in the near future.

While these efficiency improvements have been tested with other EVA systems, he notes these previous EVA systems are not in commercial use because they have proven to be either too expensive or not reliable enough. The novelty in Seethaler害羞草研究所檚 CTAMD lies in the fact that it is cost effective and reliable.

While Seethaler, who worked as a senior controls engineer for BMW in Germany before coming to UBC, is pleased with the results in the lab, he says the next step is to get this properly tested and get engine manufacturers on board.

害羞草研究所淲e have shown in the lab that there is a way of creating an electromechanical valve actuation,害羞草研究所� he explains. 害羞草研究所淲e have invented something I think is cool, but it now needs to be tested on an engine.害羞草研究所�