MSNBC: Despite shifting into higher gear within the consumer’s green conscience, hybrid vehicles are still tethered to the gas pump via a fuel-thirsty 100-year-old invention: the internal combustion engine.
However, researchers at Michigan State University have built a prototype gasoline engine that requires no transmission, crankshaft, pistons, valves, fuel compression, cooling systems or fluids. Their so-called Wave Disk Generator could greatly improve the efficiency of gas-electric hybrid automobiles and potentially decrease auto emissions up to 90 percent when compared with conventional combustion engines.
The engine has a rotor that’s equipped with wave-like channels that trap and mix oxygen and fuel as the rotor spins. These central inlets are blocked off, building pressure within the chamber, causing a shock wave that ignites the compressed air and fuel to transmit energy.
Full Story at MSNBC
"
Is this the same wave engine idea that was “borrowed” from Tony Cuthbert? Apparently he has an even better prototype in the pipeline; a complete engine with one moving part…
Have been saying for well over a decade that pistons and crankshafts are inefficient, old hat left overs from the steam era, turbines are the way to go. Maybe this is it.
Also check out the MYT Engine. An engine of similar design that according to the designer, during testing within a Ford Focus was running on atmospheric air alone.
well, fine, but…what do they mean, no transmission? how does the power get to the wheels?
@Roz: The engine could go into a wheel, creating a second boot under your bonnet, but that is just a very wild guess.
If we can generate electricity from natural sources. The opportunity to store and use it as hydrogen in electric fuel cells, or via compressed air reservoirs and air engines, are all practical possibilities.
We, as a nation, need to give this invention a wide berth, while at the same time be looking into how to marry it up with an on-board hydrogen gas generator.