Title: Instantaneous engine torque analysis of compact low mass two-cylinder engines for automotive hybrid or range-extender applications

Authors: Peter R. Hooper

Addresses: School of Engineering, Auckland University of Technology, St Paul Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

Abstract: This paper compares the characteristics of three fundamental engine design formats suitable for consideration as automotive hybrid or electric vehicle range-extender power-plants. The engines considered are two cylinder designs offering potential compact low mass solutions for future low CO₂ objectives. Application of direct fuel injection to these units could offer low emission on-board power generation for automotive use. The engines are parallel in-line twin cylinder and horizontally opposed flat twin cylinder configurations. Comparisons are made in terms of expected instantaneous output torque in consideration of potential reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) for in vehicle applications. All designs operate on the two-stroke cycle using conventional crankcase scavenging or novel segregated pump charging methods.

Keywords: engine design; engine modelling; internal combustion engines; hybrid electric vehicles; HEVs; hybrid vehicles; range extender; stepped piston engines; two-stroke cycle engines; instantaneous engine torque; cyclic engine torque; torsional vibration; NVH reduction; powertrain; low CO2; low carbon; carbon dioxide; segregated scavenging; low mass two-cylinder engines; vehicle noise; vehicle vibration; carbon emissions; direct fuel injection; harshness; crankcase scavenging; segregated pump charging.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPT.2015.073798

International Journal of Powertrains, 2015 Vol.4 No.4, pp.371 - 387

Received: 27 Nov 2014
Accepted: 14 May 2015
Published online: 22 Dec 2015 *

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