New valve technology promises cheaper, greener engines

Hybrid electric vehicles are regarded as one of the most effective and feasible solutions to the global environmental concerns currently being faced by the auto sector. However, their manufacturing costs, complexity, and battery life remain significant barriers to their widespread adoption.

The new technology developed by University of Waterloo researchers provides for a new air hybrid engine technology capable of capturing vehicle kinetic energy in the form of high-pressure compressed air during regenerative braking. Through a novel compression process, the pressure levels achieved are much higher than existing air hybrid engines.

In addition, utilization of a new electro hydraulic valve system provides optimal energy capture and seamless switching between different modes of air hybrid engine operation. This new variable valve system is fail-safe and can be used both in air hybrid engines and conventional internal combustion engines to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

Read more at University of Waterloo

Image Credit: University of Waterloo

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