2-stroke scavenging in conventional and minimally-modified 4-stroke engines for heavy duty applications at low to medium speeds

Abstract

The transformation of a standard 4-stroke cylinder head into a torque-improved and gradually more efficient 2-stroke design is discussed. The concept with an effective loop scavenging via an extended inlet valve holds promise for engines at low- to medium-rotational speeds for typical designs of conventional 4-stroke cylinder heads. Calculations, flow simulations, and visualizations of experimental flows in relevant geometries and time scales indicate feasibility, followed by a small engine demonstration. Based on presumably long-forgotten and outdated patents, and the central topic of this contribution, an additional jockey rides on the inlet valve’s disk (facing away from the combustion chamber) and reshapes the in-cylinder flow into a reverted tumble. A quick gas exchange with a well-suppressed shortcut into the open exhaust is approached. For overall mechanical efficiency, the required charge pressure for scavenging is of paramount importance due to the short scavenging time and the intake’s reduced cross-section. Herein, still acceptable charging pressures are reported for scavenging periods equivalent to low or medium rotational speeds, as characteristic for heavy-duty applications. Using widely available components (charger, direct injection, variable camshaft angles) an increased engine efficiency is suggested due to the 2-stroke’s downsizing effect (relatively less internal friction as well as the promise of more torque and a decreased size).