Tactical and operational missions require equipment powered by lightweight, high output 50 to 1500+ BHP engines. Engine powered equipment in this size is predominantly 2-cycle diesel. Department of Defense (DoD) has mandated the use of heavy fuels: jet and diesel. Next generation fuel efficient, lightweight, high power density (1.5 HP/in3 disp), heavy fuel engines (HFE) are needed. TARDEC will research opposed-piston 2-cycle diesel engines incorporating advanced 2- and 4-cycle diesel technologies. Design concepts will be evaluated by building a single cylinder research engine. AED Corp.'s proposed design combines its extensive hardware developed HFE direct-injected controlled combustion engine technology with electronically controlled common rail fuel injection, variable nozzle turbocharger, cooled articulated pistons, and high turbulent combustion chamber. Using Detroit Diesel Corp's (DDC) production 2-cycle components, the engine's design will facilitate hardware changes needed to evaluate critical design variables (i.e. crankshaft phasing). Operating on a controlled dual combustion thermodynamic cycle limiting maximum cylinder pressure, exceptionally high power density, low fuel consumption, and low emissions are predicted. Phase I base: Advanced diesel engine systems and components will be evaluated as applied to the critical design features of the opposed-piston 2-cycle engine. Design layouts will be made using DDC's 2-cycle components as a base. Detailing will follow a design review. Phase I Option, a concept engine built using a maximum of DDC components will be dyno tested to evaluate design concepts and advanced technologies. Knowledge gained will advance the design of the phase II demonstrator.
Benefits: A high power, lightweight, fuel efficient, low emissions, easy starting compression ignition opposed-piston 2-cycle engine with controlled maximum firing pressures will have commercial applications in marine, power generators, buses, andindustrial/commercial off-highway vehicles.
Keywords: Electronic Diesel Brake Specific Fuel Consumption Opposed-Piston Power-Density Two-Cycle Demonstration
