Analysis of Light-Load Performance in Rotary Engines

In rotary engines, misfires or partial burns often tend to occur under light load. By investigating gas composition in the combustion chamber, it was confirmed that these problems were mainly caused by the excess of internal EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) in this range. A study of the processes by which internal EGR develops showed that a rather large proportion of the internal EGR was due to the unique intake-exhaust mechanism of the rotary engine. Favorable combustion was achieved by the use of air injection at the exhaust port, thereby reducing the EGR only in the light load range, and also through the use of glow plugs for improved ignition capacity.