The Unused Wenkel Engine: Exploring its Practicality

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In summary: Some automakers reject Wankel engines because they believe that the technology is not yet mature, and that there are some engineering issues that need to be addressed.
  • #1
banerjeerupak
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Why do we not use Wenkel Engines? THey are easy to build and use. Why do we not use them in the practical world. Or is there any component in which the wenkel engine is used and I'm not aware of?
 
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  • #2
They're not as easy to build and use as you might have us believe, but we do use Wankel engines. In automotive applications, Mazda favour them for sports cars due to their high power to weight ratio, torque curves, and high revving nature.

The main reasons not to use them are their high fuel consumption, high oil consumption, and the more difficult engineering required in their manufacture (namely problems with sealing dissimilar metals at elevated temperatures, which partially causes the high oil consumption). The thermal problems are excarbated by the fact that the combustion chamber is not cooled by the incoming charge as would be with a reciprocating engine. Very high HC emissions are also a large problem, presumably due to the combustion chamber geometry intrinsically preventing complete combustion. Obviously the HC problem can be overcome by richening the mixture, allowing complete combustion to occur in the exhaust manifold following expansion, but with today's fuel costs this is just daft. Another major problem is that with some designs, carbon deposits can accumulate between the rotor seal and the crankcase, causing the engine to sieze if it's not allowed to fully warm through.

It should be noted that Mazda have managed to successfully address many of these issues, however, fuel consumption is still pretty hairy.

I'm still waiting to see the design for your non-reciprocating piston engine!
 
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  • #3
A source for the wankel engine

http://www.millville.org/Workshops_f/kess_mech/Kess_Wankel/wankel.html
 
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  • #4
Mmm. 11mpg on the autobahn.
 
  • #5
Mazda also has a series of patents on the latest improvements that deter competitors from gaining ground

If you are interested look into some newer typers of engines being developed like the nutating engine and the quasi-turbine
 
  • #6
quinn said:
Mazda also has a series of patents on the latest improvements that deter competitors from gaining ground

If you are interested look into some newer typers of engines being developed like the nutating engine and the quasi-turbine

It is the same old same old, if any of these engines were any better than the convetional ic engine why would the major manufactuers reject them?
give me a break, who rejects being the market leader?
 

FAQ: The Unused Wenkel Engine: Exploring its Practicality

What is the Wenkel engine and how is it different from a traditional combustion engine?

The Wenkel engine, also known as the rotary engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotating triangular rotor to convert fuel into energy. Unlike traditional engines, which use pistons for this process, the Wenkel engine has a more compact design and fewer moving parts.

Why is the Wenkel engine not commonly used in vehicles?

There are a few reasons why the Wenkel engine is not widely used in vehicles. One of the main reasons is that it has a lower fuel efficiency compared to traditional engines. It also has higher emissions and can be more challenging to maintain and repair.

Is there potential for the Wenkel engine to be used in the future?

There are ongoing research and development efforts to improve the practicality of the Wenkel engine. Some companies have even developed prototypes that use alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, in an attempt to make the engine more environmentally friendly. However, it is still uncertain if the Wenkel engine will become a mainstream option for vehicle engines in the future.

What are the advantages of using the Wenkel engine?

One of the main advantages of the Wenkel engine is its compact design, which allows for a smaller and lighter engine compared to traditional ones. It also has a smoother operation and produces less vibration and noise. Additionally, the Wenkel engine can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels.

Are there any current practical applications of the Wenkel engine?

While the Wenkel engine may not be commonly used in vehicles, it does have practical applications in other industries. It is often used in small aircraft, generators, and some motorcycles. Some companies have also explored its use in hybrid vehicles, where it can be used as a range extender for electric vehicles.

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