Alternative automobile engines

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Sci. Am.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0778-39· OSTI ID:6673036

Wilson, D G

A technology assessment of various heat engines for automobile propulsion is presented covering: the spark ignition (Otto) engine; the compression ignition (diesel) engine; the vapor cycle (Rankine) engine; the Stirling engine; and the open and closed Brayton cycle (gas turbines) engines. Comparative data given include temperature ratio, thermal efficiency, power to mass ratio, exhaust emissions, and manufacturing cost. The defects of alternative engines to the spark ignition engine are clearer than their virtues, and the choice of a single best alternative is complex. Government policies with respect to the automotive industry are discussed. (PMA)

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
• OSTI ID: 6673036
• Journal Information: Sci. Am.; (United States), Journal Name: Sci. Am.; (United States) Vol. 239:1; ISSN SCAMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
298000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Consumption & Utilization
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330100* -- Internal Combustion Engines
330200 -- External Combustion Engines
AUTOMOBILES
COST
DIESEL ENGINES
EFFICIENCY
ENGINES
EXHAUST GASES
GAS TURBINES
GASEOUS WASTES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
POWER
RANKINE CYCLE ENGINES
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
STIRLING ENGINES
STRATIFIED CHARGE ENGINES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THERMAL EFFICIENCY
THERMODYNAMICS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
VEHICLES
WASTES