Production Electro-Hydraulic Variable Valve-Train for a New Generation of I.C. Engines 2002-01-1109
Recently [SAE 2001-01-0251], we reported for the first time on using a fully variable valve train (FVVT) to facilitate controlled auto-ignition (CAI) in 4-stroke gasoline engines, with a 23% reduction in fuel consumption and a reduction of up to 95% in emission levels. In this paper we look at the industry trends towards increased control over combustion related processes occurring in modern engines, which signaled the direction towards the CAI work, and review a range of valve train technologies available to meet these trends. Previous key work conducted by industry and academic researchers is also reviewed to establish a minimum specification requirement for the new fully variable valve train systems. The paper then describes two electro-hydraulic valve actuation systems capable of meeting these specifications, the first a research grade system used on single cylinder engines and the second a new production viable system that is aimed at bringing FVVT's to high volume production. System design features and layouts are discussed with results from test stand development and traces of some of the unique valve timing events taken from a running engine fitted with FVVT demonstrating true unthrottled engine operation.
Citation: Allen, J. and Law, D., "Production Electro-Hydraulic Variable Valve-Train for a New Generation of I.C. Engines," SAE Technical Paper 2002-01-1109, 2002, https://doi.org/10.4271/2002-01-1109. Download Citation
Author(s):
Jeff Allen, Don Law
Affiliated:
Lotus Engineering
Pages: 11
Event:
SAE 2002 World Congress & Exhibition
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Also in:
Variable Valvetrain System Technology-PT-122, Variable Valve Actuation 2002-SP-1692, SAE 2002 Transactions Journal of Engines-V111-3
Related Topics:
Single cylinder engines
Valve trains
Fuel consumption
Combustion and combustion processes
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