This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Rotary Engine Performance Limits Predicted by a Zero-Dimensional Model
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
A parametric study was performed to determine the performance limits of a rotary combustion engine. This study shows how well increasing the combustion rate, insulating and turbocharging increase brake power and decrease fuel consumption. Several generalizations can be made from the findings. First, it was shown that the fastest combustion rate is not necessarily the best combustion rate. Second, several engine insulation schemes were employed for a turbocharged engine. Performance improved only for a highly insulated engine. Finally, the viability of turbocompounding and the influence of exhaust port shape were calculated.
Rotary engine performance was predicted by an improved zero-dimensional computer model based on a model developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1980s. Independent variables in the study included combustion heat release rate, manifold pressures, wall thermal properties, leakage area and exhaust port geometry. Additions to the computer program since its results were last published include turbocharging, manifold modeling and improved friction power loss calculation. The baseline engine for this study is a single rotor 650 cc direct-injection stratified-charge engine with aluminum housings and a stainless steel rotor. Engine maps are provided for the baseline and turbocharged versions of the engine.
Recommended Content
Authors
Topic
Citation
Bertrand, T. and Willis, E., "Rotary Engine Performance Limits Predicted by a Zero-Dimensional Model," SAE Technical Paper 920301, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/920301.Also In
References
- Norbye, J.P. The Wankel Engine 108 Chilton Book Co. Philadelphia, PA 1972
- Mount, R.E. LeBouff, G.A. “Advanced Stratified Charge Rotary Engine Design,” SAE paper 890324 Warrendale, PA 1989
- “Automotive Engineering,” 99 11 68 69 Warrendale, PA Nov. 1991
- Abraham, J. Bracco, F.V. “Fuel-Air Mixing and Distribution in a Direct-Injection Stratified-Charge Rotary Engine,” SAE paper 890329 Warrendale, PA 1989
- Abraham, J. Bracco, F.V. “3-D Computations to Improve Combustion in a Stratified-Charge Rotary - Part II: a Better Spray Pattern for the Pilot Injector” SAE paper 892057 Warrendale, PA 1989
- Raju, M.S. “Heat-Release and Performance Characteristics of a Dual Ignitor Wankel Engine,” SAE paper 920303 Warrendale, PA 1992
- Badgley, P.R. Doup, D. Kamo, R. “Analysis and Test of Insulated Components for Rotary Engine,” SAE paper 890326 Warrendale, PA 1989
- Irion, E.C. Mount, R.E. “Stratified Charge Rotary Engine Critical Technology Enablement Program - Phase III,” NASA CR-189106 1992
- Bartrand, T.A. Willis, E.A. “Performance of a Supercharged Direct-Injection Stratified-Charge Rotary Combustion Engine,” NASA TM 103105 NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH 1990
- Norman, T.J. “A Performance Model of a Spark Ignition Wankel Engine,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology June 1983
- Roberts, J.A. Norman, T.A. Ekchian, J.A. Heywood, J.B. “Computer Models for Evaluating Premixed and DISC Wankel Engine Performance,” SAE paper 860613 Warrendale, PA 1986
- Nguyen, H.L. Addy, H.E. Bond, T.H. Chun, K.S. “Performance and Efficiency Evaluation and Heat Release of a Direct-Injection Stratified-Charge Rotary Engine,” SAE paper 870445 Warrendale, PA 1987
- Gatowski, J.A. Balles, E.N. Chun, K.M. Nelson, F.E. Ekchian, J.A. Heywood, J.B. “Heat Release Analysis of Engine Pressure Data,” SAE paper 841359 Warrendale, PA 1984
- Woschni, G. “A Universally Applicable Equation for the Instantaneous Heat Transfer Coefficient in the Internal Combustion Engine,” SAE paper 670931 SAE Warrendale, PA 1967
- Stanten, R.A. “Heat Transfer and Performance Calculations in a Rotary Engine,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology August 1987
- Dimplefeld, P. personal correspondence, ca 1989
- Willis, E.A. McFadden, J.J. “NASA's Rotary Engine Technology Enablement Program - 1984 through 1991,” SAE paper 920311 Warrendale, PA 1992