<VV> Re: 6 strokeNO CORVAIR

[sheridanma at adelphia.net]

The current issue of Car and Driver has a little blurb about a hybrid system that BMW is working on. It uses heat exchangers on the exhaust to create steam to run a steam engine connected to the back of  the gas engine. The advantage over the the current electric/gas hybrids is that the secondary power system works even on the freeway, without having to rely on braking to generate electricity. Plus it is a closed system, so there is no need for a water tank.

Marc Sheridan

---- "Kinzelman wrote: 
> >The latest Autoweek has a story about a new 6 stroke engine - designed & 
> >developed by Crower (Cams) - it functions like a normal 4 stroke for the 
> >first four strokes, on the fifth stroke the intake does not open - near 
> >TDC water is injected into the hot cylinder to form a steam stroke, and 
> >the sixth stroke exhausts the steam.  Apparently the steam stroke also 
> >removes enough heat that the engine requires no additional cooling.
> 
> *But the cam would need to turn at 1/3 instead of 1/2 engine speed. 
> *Theoretically possible but now need a water tank. No cooling fins ? Sounds 
> *like would also have 1/3 less peak power for a given displacement unless 
> *the steam stroke adds some. Now on a 4-6-8 engine...
> 
> *Padgett
> 
> Actually, I should have written the steam stroke is an additional power stroke.  The story did mention that the cam had to turn at 1/3 crank speed.
> The water tank is obviously a necessity - but may be worthwhile given the additional (free) power & the elimination of the cooling system.
> 
> I would be concerned about thermal shock - but the CC should stay clean.  All in all, it seems worthwhile for additional experimentation.
> 
> Andy K.
>  _______________________________________________