Scuderi Group kicks off V-shape split-cycle engine

Up to this point, Scuderi has been working with an in-line design to mainly develop the combustion process. It was not long ago, though, when they announced success in firing after top dead center, and was well on their way in the process of mapping the engine. However, the in-line design was not the configuration the group intended when it showed its concept of an air-hybrid at SAE World Congress in Detroit last spring. Now enter the Scuderi V.

Applying a V design to the split-cycle engine is an industry first. Scuderi reports it improves thermodynamic efficiencies for turbo charging and provides automotive engineers more design flexibility.

This new V-shape will also bring the air hybrid to fruition, by allowing Scuderi Group to be more flexible in its own development. The air hybrid, for example, requires access to the air passages, that, in the in-line, were buried inside the head. Think of the V6 or V8 configuration of a standard ICE and you get the picture, especially the manifold area where their air management development will be taking place.

The December 14th news release had the following quote:

“This new engine design enables us to demonstrate the real benefits of having a Scuderi Engine in a vehicle – an engine that can achieve better power, lower emissions and higher fuel-efficiency, all at a competitive cost to produce gasoline-powered vehicles today. The V-shape expands the design possibilities for our engine. We continue to share updates with the OEMs and are confident as additional data is released, the advantages of the Scuderi engine will be fully realized.”

Also check out the latest podcast with Stephen Scuderi that was availed to me via email: Scuderi Podcast 2010-12/14

As you read and hear, the patents support Scuderi’s technology advancements in many areas: engine cylinder configuration, modular crossover passages, crossover passage manifolds and associated air reservoir valve assemblies, and thermal regulations systems. Designing the cylinders in a V-shape, for example, allows for air intake to flow more naturally, which improves volumetric pressures.

There are additional benefits achieved by enhancing thermal controls in the crossover passages (Xovr), such as the ability to over boost and maintain consistent thermal efficiencies. For the record, initial tests on the Scuderi V engine are expected to be completed within a year, following the engine map which is anticipated to be finalized in the second quarter of 2011.

Bottom line

Due to the inherent design flexibility of a Scuderi split-cycle engine configured in a V-shape, the engine can be more easily modified as a Scuderi Air-Hybrid. In this configuration, recovered braking energy can then be stored as compressed air to support a range of driving modes and optimize vehicle efficiency.

Finally, Scuderi is in talks with 14 of the top 20 automakers worldwide. So, I say watch this technology in 2011.

Past TN Ref Articles: http://www.torquenews.com/119/scuderi-engine-returning-2011-sae-world-congress-detroit