Potentials of Future Fuel Consumption Technologies

Authors

Dipl.-Ing. K. Fröhlich, Dipl.-Ing. K. Borgmann, Dipl.-Ing. J. Liebl, BMW Group, Munich

Year

2003

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Reihe 12, Nr. 539

Summary

The requirements for the reduction of CO2-emissions in Europe and Japan are becoming a major challenge for future engine technologies. The current level of petrol engine technology – minimised friction by roller rocker arms, reduced engine warm up and catalyst heating, and also at BMW minimised pumping losses by VALVETRONIC – almost achieves the full potential of the stoichiometric SI engine. The application of lean stratified combustion by current DI systems (wall- or air guided) has not extended that potential significantly. This paper investigates the issues of that DI systems and develops the approach of a BMW specific combustion system (spray guided). It describes its fuel consumption potentials and the challenges to utilize this technology in a vehicle application. A performance potential exceeding 60 kW/dm3 and a fuel economy improvement of more than 20% in comparison with a standard 4 valve engine are demonstrated. High system costs and the need for further development steps on its components might restrict the application of this technology to the premium segment with earliest volume dates in 2006.

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