Split Cycle Revolution

Tour Engine

Posted November 22 2011 05:23 PM by jason.thompson
Filed under: Diesel Engines, Diesel Observations

Dr. Alan Taub is the Vice President for Global Research and Development for GM. He wants to push split cycle engine's into production. There are many companies pursuing this technology one of them is Tour Engine. It has a fascinating concept.

• Get a Free Quote

• Find a Local Dealer

GreenProphet.com has a write up about the inventor Hugo Tour.

Basically one cylinder is cold and is for the intake and compression strokes. The hot cylinder is for the combustion and exhaust cycles. The air is transferred through a direct coupling. I talked with Oded Tour who is CEO of Tour Engine Inc. as is Hugo's son. Here is the first prototype running.

Reader Comments:

1. Scuderi and HCPC engines to be discussed next.

jason.thompson - Posted November 22 2011 05:21 PM

2. Yeah, I was wondering like "what about the Scuderi engine?" This is a cool design, but the Scuderi engine just does it better.

kingtoid - Posted November 22 2011 07:12 PM

3. But I do give mad props to a man who can come up with an engine design AND make it from junk parts for a reasonable bluecollar budget. Kudos.

kingtoid - Posted November 22 2011 07:14 PM

4. We're going to feature 10 possible Diesel Engines of the Future. You can review them all and then pick your favorite. There are a half dozen or more companies/groups working on split cycle engines. Zajac, Sturman, and others.

Reasons why split cycle engines are more efficient than engines that do all cycles in one cylinder..intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust.

1. Reduced cooling losses: Cold cylinder (intake and compression) no cooling needed-------Hot cylinder cooled by over expansion since power piston is bigger than compresor piston.

2. Reduced exhaust loss (lower EGT and more heat to piston since its bigger).Over expansion puts exhaust energy into piston.

3. Smaller compressor piston takes less work to pump compared to big power stroke.

4. Able to control air and combustion event with a direct and single cross over valve. This prevents heat escape found with cross over passages.

5. Compression ratio is changed by modifying the piston overlap.

jason.thompson - Posted November 23 2011 10:31 PM

Add a Comment: (Must Be Registered)

User Name

Not Registered?
Signup today

Password

Comment