Innovation
Technical Details
The genesis of RVCR is the invention in Machine (Kinematic) Mechanism by Er. Ajee Kamath, which details a new configuration of components of novel geometry, into an assembly of ‘Moving elements’ (ME) and ‘Stationary Elements’ (SE). For nearly 100 years now only 2 types of mechanisms are used in Primemovers, wherein the most prevalent is the ‘Slider-Crank’ in Transport Primemovers and rotary mechanism in wind/ gas turbines. RVCR is a new addition in root mechanisms that simplifies conversion of energy within fluids into mechanical work (and Vice Versa) whilst enhancing efficiency and miniaturization. Energy in fluids – forces the ME to actuate motion of connected links – eventually leading to rotation of power generators or wheels. Improving efficacy of converting fluid forces to torque, is key to RVCR Primemovers.
RVCR Design, Configuration & Assembly: –
RVCR uses a bent cylinder, the shape of a torus (hollow doughnut) with a bent Piston (Fig 1) called Vane Piston (VP), that fits rigidly at one end of a hollow sleeve (Fig2). This fitting is called ‘Vane-sleeve’ set (VS). Two VS (VS1 & VS2) are placed facing each other, (angularly displaced) (Fig3a) and mounted on a central shaft and cased inside a hollow toroidal liner (Fig3b). Twisting the sleeve part extruding outward along shaft axis, turns the ‘vanes’ inside the torus. Each VS can individually couple and decouple with the shaft. Fig 4 shows manufactured subassembly of VS on Shaft.
Fig.1. Bent Piston
Fig.2. Bent Piston & Sleeve
Fig.3(a). Piston & Sleeve Pair
Fig.3(b). VS encased in toroid
Fig.4. Manufactured VS assembled on central shaft
Variable Displacement (Compression Ratio) Methodology: –
The Point where the rotating VP reaches near of stationary VP, before both rotate synchronously, defines the Compression Ratio. The closer the Point to stationary VP, higher the Compression ratio and vice versa. The volume between the two ‘VS’ remains constant during synchronous rotation that facilitates ‘Constant Volume Heat Addition/Removal’ (CVHE) Process. RVCR overcomes the main flaws of Wankel/ MYT rotary systems discussed below.
sealing issues, Unlike Wankel, RVCR uses piston rings rather than straight line edge seals and side-sealing face is not large flat surface, rather employs tangential spring force sealing.
Stop/Start of rotors. The clutching in/out of rotor with the shaft/brake is smoothened by gas forces, low rotational inertia due lower RPMs, short clutching stroke & RANS Positive clutching design.
RVCR 2-Vane configuration is described herein and the 2nd Gen RVCR extrapolates the concept into Multi Vanes wherein fluid process are completed in angular segments of 3600/ number of vane-pairs, allowing as many power strokes simultaneously, as many times, as the number of vane pairings, in one revolution.
Fig.5. RVCR Engine Assembly - CAD Model
Fig.6. RVCR Prototype Physical Assembly
Fig.7. Graphic Depiction RVCR Gas Process
Comparison with Competing VCR Engine technologies
VCR technologies have been pursued by almost all industry majors for over a century now (1st attempted by Sir Harry Ricardo, Founder Ricardo UK, 1920). SAAB, Volvo, Nissan, PSA Peugeot-Citroën, Renault, and Global Power train technology leaders like AVL, FEV and MCE-5 of France, Lotus from UK. are invested in VCR methods like Extending Con-Rod/ Crankshaft or entablature Raising/ Tilting Cylinder head/ Bleeding Excessive Compression (See Table2).
Though test models have empirically proven VCR’s ability to deliver ‘Maximum efficiency’ under all load conditions (today engines perform max efficiency only during highway drive on top gear and not in city drives) along with Multi-fuel flexibility, they remain unviable because of complexities of Slider crank Mechanism.
Combustion system involves extreme complexities. RVCR enables single unified chamber design for all possible differing fuels by its easy external control gear for attaining wide range VCR. CVHE combined by the near spherical combustion chamber and High expansion Rates at slow speeds allows highly efficient Otto-, Duel and Diesel Cycles. This opens the way for 1st feasible and viable method for fuel agnostic capability in one single unified Primemover.
RVCR eliminates the need of dedicated grounded link in mechanism by dynamic reorienting of a part of Rotating links intermittently. This is a new dimension in Machine Methodology. It further combines efficiency advantages of ‘Positive Displacement Mechanism’; ‘VCR’ with ‘Direct Torque Transfer’, into one.