Alternative engines for road vehicles

Abstract

Spark-ignition engines and compression-ignition diesel engines have been almost unchallenged as power units for road vehicles for the last century. However, the air pollution problems which they cause, and their poor efficiency in today's typical operating conditions, make it essential that alternatives to these engines are fully explored. Many have been proposed, but few have been exploited commercially. This book discusses the technologies that presently exist for alternative engines. For each alternative engine that is considered, the operating principle is discussed, together with the primary advantages and disadvantages of the particular technology. The development of each alternative is noted and current manufacturer research and experimental testing is described, together with results where available. The alternative engines and prospects for further development of conventional engines are discussed and compared with reference to fuel economy and exhaust emissions. Cost issues are made generally, with definitive data provided where it exists. This book forms part of a programme of study on the contribution of road transport to global warming and air pollution, and investigating ways of reducing it.