The system under test by researchers at the University of Wisconsin has two versions, one to replace heavy duty diesel engines, the other to improve petrol engines.
The heavy-duty system mixes carefully measured amounts of petrol and diesel, the ratio changing with the load on the powerplant. The researchers reckon it produces an engine that is 55 percent efficient, compared to the 40-45 percent efficiency of conventional diesels. The petrol engine mixes in an additive in a similar way, offering a 45 percent efficiency against the normal 30 percent efficiency of a standard petrol engine.
In both cases, temperatures and pressures in the engine are lowered, and emissions cut to a level where after-treatment systems are not required.
The full story is carried on Technology Review.
