Could ‘intelligent’ exhaust valves cut emissions?

Brunel University London is the first university in the UK to research how single-cylinder intelligent valve technology could slash emissions for the cars of the future.

According to researchers at Brunel’s Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels (CAPF), the electronic system could ‘supercharge’ engine development, helping car companies meet new emissions regulations and cut costs.

Camcon Auto’s Single Cylinder Intelligent Valve Technology replaces the traditional camshaft on a petrol engine with digitally controlled electric valve mechanisms. This both cuts emissions dramatically gives flexibility to the gas exchange process.

It’s compatible with most single cylinder combustion development engines and works on both inlet and exhaust valves so that researchers can focus on reducing emissions and improving fuel consumption.

The system features an intelligent actuator or ‘mover’ for each valve. Each is under full-time, fast-feedback control, allowing any valve timing, period or lift at the touch of a button, explained Gostick.

Mark Gostick, commercial director for Camcon Auto said: ‘Intelligent valve technology completely eliminates the conventional camshaft and for researchers, significantly reduces time needed to do a series of experiments — and improves the consistency of the results,

‘Any valve event profile can be achieved, and valve position can be monitored throughout the event using a bespoke sensor.

‘It can mimic any valvetrain, enable on-the-fly cam changes and innovative combustion strategies. We will continue working closely with Professor Zhao and the CAPF team, eagerly anticipating the results of their research projects.’

‘It represents a huge step change for research and development departments, rapidly speeding up combustion development and slashing costs.’

Photo Credit – Brunel University