Wankel Engines operate in 4 main phases of a cycle: Intake, Compression, Power, and Exhaust. This is very similar to how a normal internal combustion engine works, but with fewer moving parts. During the Intake phase, a gas/air mixture is injected into the engine; in the Compression phase, the rotor continues its turning, compressing the mixture between the rotor and the housing. In the Power phase, a spark is triggered, igniting the mixture, forcing its expansion which then forces the rotation of the rotor. Finally, in the Exhaust phase, the spent mixture is released through a check valve. This cycle occurs 3 times per rotation of the rotor due to the rotor's shape. During Phase 3: Power, the ignition of the mixture and subsequent rotation of the rotor turns the eccentric gear (red gear outline) which is part of the driveshaft. This can be seen in the pictures below.
Phase 1: Intake Phase 2: Compression
Phase 3: Power Phase 4: Exhaust
Why:
We wanted to create a Wankel Engine for several reasons. Firstly, this is a test of our skills in CAD, manufacturing, organization, and our understanding of how the engineering design process is supposed to function. Secondly, three of our members are part of Drexel's Formula Society of Automotive Engineers club (FSAE), helping to design and build a Formula racing car. This project is somewhat related to the club and enables us to understand more of the research, design process, and inevitable problems required to take on a project of that scope. Thirdly, we wanted to be sure whatever we designed and built had a definite function. Our plan with this engine is to design and build the engine, then modify how it is used to act as an air compressor. Finally, we wanted to build something we considered 'cool'. There are few things cooler than being able to say "Freshman year of college my buddies and I designed and built a rotary engine, then modified it to do something else."
Who:
Rotary engines and air compressors are used by many people and industries. Mazda and Toyota have confirmed the development of a rotary engine (Wankel engine) for the purpose of being a range-extender in electric or hybrid self-driving cars for an unknown release date. This is part of Toyota's self-driving e-Palette project for self-driving, battery-electric cars.
Air compressors are a large part of our lives and are involved in running refrigerators, HVAC systems, pumping up tires. Air compressors are important power sources for numerous power tools and are used in industries such as manufacturing and oil.
Sources:
How: Seminar on Wankel Engine Full PDF Report
How: Wankel Engine
Who: Mazda rotary engine may find new life in self-driving Toyota e-Palette project
Who: Applications of Air Compressors for Personal and Professional Use
For a more comprehensive account of the history of Wankel Engines click here.
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