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Argonne Labs is currently working on IC engine development with a goal of 60% efficiency.
To get to that level operational parameters will be very limited. The present control technique of controlling air intake to control engine output is going the way of the Passenger Pigeon.
Operational tactics with high energy density short term power storage, are an essential component of future advances in engine efficiency.
Mechanical directly coupled power trains are also on the way out.
Complexity will be reserved for the electronics controls and feedback systems that will dramatically reduce emissions to levels considered impossible today.
Throttle controls will disappear as engines become power conversion units and power trains assume the prime energy transmission and recovery responsibilities.
Cooling systems will become integral with lubrication systems as wasted heat energy becomes a thing of the past. Additional heat conversion units will utilize any residual heat energy for driving accessories and passenger comfort.
The design pictured in my prior post takes all of these parameters into consideration. The engine of the future will be unrecognizable. Competition with battery electric systems will advance considerably and hopefully funding will not proceed with any bias toward a certain technology. If we continue to make that mistake we will be rendered obsolete by other nations with a better perspective of the real objective.
The future repair tech will be in clean clothes with a hand held analyzer for diagnosing the many electrical systems, primarily for accessory operation. This transformation is already taking place to a certain degree, but in the future power train repairs will become a very small percentage of total shop repair business.
regards
Mech
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