Why is rotary engines better

That may sound a little strange but think about it; this shift to electric vehicles requires an interim technology to enable broader adoption by reducing perceived range anxiety due to the restricted capacity of existing battery technology. Lightweight, small, high power rotary engines are a fantastic proposition for installation into already heavy, and space-constrained electric vehicles.

AIE is focusing considerable effort on developing its Wankel engine technology specifically for range extenders and hybrid power applications through an Advanced Propulsion Centre grant project. This article is part of a question and answer series which can be found at: Ten inaccurate preconceptions about Wankel rotary engines discussed. Although the buyer may not necessarily view this as a negative point, without passing emissions there is no car to buy.

Please confirm you agree to the use of tracking cookies as outlined in the Cookies Policy. Sign in or register. Engineering Explained 6 years ago. Remind me later. Share Tweet Email Whatsapp. This leads us to several questions: How does the rotary engine work?

What advantages does this engine have? Why was it made? What disadvantages does the engine have? Why did it die? Intake As the rotor moves within the housing, a small pocket of air expands into a larger pocket, thus creating a vacuum.

Exhaust Similar to the intake stroke, the rotor moves until exhaust ports are accessible, and the exhaust gases at a high pressure are then forced out as the rotor closes off the housing.

What advantages does the Wankel engine have? Weight-to-Power One of the biggest advantages of the rotary engine was its size. Fewer Moving Parts Often in engineering, the simplest solution tends to be one of the best solutions. Smooth and High Revving The rotary engine has no reciprocating mass, like valves or pistons in a traditional engine.

What disadvantages are there to the rotary design? Just three major moving parts in a two-rotor Wankel engine. Low Thermal Efficiency Due to the long and uniquely-shaped combustion chamber, thermal efficiency of the engine was relatively lower compared to piston-cylinder counterparts.

Burn Baby Burn By design, the rotary engine burns oil. Since the engine consists of only a few parts, a Wankel engine is cheaper to manufacture and mass-produce. The range of speed is wider. Wider octane-rated fuels can be used in a Wankel engine.

Sump oil contamination does not happen on some Wankel engines, which means no oil change is required.