RVI loses weight,
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THE RANKINE cycle engine, currently being developed by Renault Vehicules lndustriels, is likely to be around 400 kg (880 lb) heavier than the conventional engine.
M. Gerard Marion, head of engine development at RVI, told CM this week that although the Rankine engine is in the current research programme it is not yet in the metal and so this weight figure is theoretical.
M. Marion said that the engine was likely to be more bulky because of the volume taken up by the steam generator but, on the other hand, a silencer would not be necessary as this same steam generator could fulfil the same function.
There are no estimates available of likely production costs for a Rankine engine because as M. Marion put it "If you speak of production costs at the first stage, then you will never start any project."
In line with most of the other manufacturers, RVI is likely to make increasing use of chargecooled engines in future according to M. Marion.