Constant-horsepower Petrol Engine?
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ASPARK-IGNITION engine operating on open throttle throughout the load-speed range is posed as an interesting possibility by Mr. S. G. Timoney, of University College, Dublin (mechanical engineering department) in a paper " A New Concept in Traction Power Plants" presented at a meeting of the automobile division of The Institution of Mechanical Engineers last week. The charge density of the unit would be varied from atmosphere to higher values by two compressors,, one operated mechanically by a variable-speed drive and the other by a free-running turbocharger.
It is claimed by Mr. Timoney that the thermal loadings of such a unit would he considerably lower than those of a conventional petrol engine because of the reduced charge temperatures and combustion pressures. Moreover, the weight of the engine could also be reduced and the rotational speed• increased with a consequent improvement in the working speed range.
B.m.e.p. values in excess of 400 p.s.i.
should, it is considered, lie within the thermal capacity of such an engine and this would enable a constant horsepower unit to be produced having an output in excess of 1 b.h.p. per cu. in. of capacity from 1,000 r.p.m. to 3,500 r.p.m. Peak cycle pressures would be controlled to a maximum of about 1,200 p.s.i. by automatic variation of the compression ratio.
The main tonic of Mr. Timoney's paper relates to the performance and potential of a constant-horsepower type of diesel engine based on a Commer TS3 unit. As mentioned in the February 12, 1965, issue of The Commercial Motor,
the compression ratio of the engine is controlled by varying the axis of the rocker-arm pivot shaft and the charge blower is operated by a variable-speed belt drive. An experimental 198 cu. in. three-cylinder unit has a constant output of about 130 b.h.p. between 1,200 r.p.m. and 2,200 r.p.m., whilst its minimum fuel consumption is approximately 0.38 lb. b.h,p./hr. at 1,600 r.p.m.
Brentwood By-pass Opened: The £4m. Brentwood by-pass, on Al2 in Essex, was due to be opened today (Friday) by the Minister of Transport. Rootes Centre Extended: Rootes Ltd., Birmingham, have been appointed dealers for Birmingham by Dodge Bros. (Great Britain) Ltd., coinciding with the completion of a substantial extension to the Rootes premises at Coventry Road. The £180,000 extension was recently opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. A special feature of the centre is "rolling roads ", on which vehicles can be tested in the workshops at speeds of up to 120 m.p.h.
New Silentbloe Sales Office: Silentbloc Ltd. and Andre Rubber Co. Ltd have opened a new sales office in Birmingham. This covers the Midlands and South Wales and is managed by Mr. F. S. Bryant. The office is located at Silhill House, 2241-3 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham 26 (tel.: Sheldon 3339).