4 Ways Engines Could Improve in the Future: A Preview for Students in Mechanic Training
When it comes to car tech, innovation is the name of the game. To stay ahead of the competition and stay relevant, carmakers need to constantly improve and adapt their models. And in today’s eco-conscious world, that means lowering fuel consumption and reducing emissions. That’s why many manufacturers are looking at ways of streamlining their engines, so that they can continue to produce high performance figures with fewer emissions.
The engine is a complex component, and many different types of potential efficiencies are being explored. Here’s a look at just a few ideas that car experts are excited about.
1. Compression Ignition Combines the Best of Gas & Diesel Engines
Experts have been experimenting with the differences between gas and diesel engines in order to develop the next great engine. Diesel engines are more efficient but create an increased amount of toxic fumes. Students at auto mechanic college may know that with these engines, a mixture of heat and pressure is sufficient to ignite the fuel without the need for the spark plugs contained in a normal gas engine. By investigating ways to make gas work in a setup similar to that of traditional diesel engines, experts are hoping to gain the benefits of both technologies. This has the potential to increase fuel efficiency, and drivers could be very pleased with the potential savings.
2. Students in Automotive Courses Are Excited by New Advances in Valve Technology
The valves are another potential source for engine efficiency, since they are crucial to the combustion process that gets the vehicle moving. Experts believe that a lot of fuel and power is being wasted when valve technology doesn’t adapt to how hard the engine is working. Variable valve timing would allow these components to adapt and work at different speeds, paving the way for reduced emissions. Different engineering projects are also investigating the potential to deactivate cylinders when a vehicle is coasting, thus producing additional fuel savings.
3. Revolutionary Turbochargers Can Boost Engine Performance
Engines need access to air to function properly, so experts are looking at innovative turbocharger technology. Graduates of an automotive course know that these components use exhaust gases to power an air compressor which forces more oxygen into the engine cylinders. This boosts performance by allowing for more efficient combustion. Revolutionary new changes to turbocharger technology could therefore make a big difference to engine efficiency into the future.
4. 48-Volt Generators Ease the Demand Placed on Engines
The modern engine is asked to power a lot more than the demands placed by vehicles of the past. Heated seats, entertainment systems, and sophisticated air conditioning equipment all need to be powered by electricity, usually generated by the engine. This process creates fuel inefficiency and new engine technology is aiming to turn things around. The 12-volt electrical system commonly found in cars is slowly being replaced by 48-volt versions. This eases the load on engines, and is likely to lead to fuel savings.
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