|
Since the beginning of emissions controls going back 50 years, I ahve always felt that the solution was to perfect the delivery of the fuel-air mixture to an engine optimized for creating the highest amount of power per unit of fuel.
In 1976 the Datsun 280Z, with a fuel injection system considerd archaic by todays standards passed federal emissions without a catalytic converter, or any exhaust gas recirculation. Honda managed that without a catalyst.
Few people remember how poor driveability was in that era and power levels suffered, but Honda and Nissan managed to maintain driveability while passing then current emissions requirements.
It was sad to see lean burn die due to NOX regulations while producing CO2 levels that matched current hydrids.
I still believe there is a lot of room for improvements in IC engines, approaching the 60% energy conversion theoretical maximum. I think that level may even be passed with the elimination of the reciprocating limitation or current IC designs.
regards
mech
|