Australian green engine technology on show in China
An Australian engine with the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 20 per cent was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show recently.
Perth-based Orbital Corporation developed the 2-litre Intelligent Compound Combustion System ICCS engine for China?s fourth-largest vehicle manufacturer ? Changan Automobile.
The two-year project ? partially funded by a $440,413 grant from the Australian Government?s Green Car Innovation Fund ? is in its third stage, which involves independent testing of the technology implemented in a vehicle.
China will introduce legislation next year which requires new cars to reduce fuel consumption by 20 per cent on 2009 levels. China is the world?s biggest emerging car market, and Changan aims to sell 2.2 million cars this year.
Orbital?s project manager for the Changan project, Nick Coplin, says Orbital?s engine is fuelled by small drops of vapourised fuel which burn much more efficiently and cleanly than conventional systems. As well, fuel is injected directly into the car?s cylinders, so only as much fuel is used as needed.
?Orbital has specialised for the past decade in engines for the marine and recreational markets, such as outboards, jet-boats and motorscooters, but through the Changan project we have had a crack at automobile engines for the rapidly developing Chinese automotive market,? Nick said.
?The project had its challenges technologically, and we have broken new ground on how to do things.?
The ICCS engine with Orbital?s FlexDI fuel and engine management systems is designed for petrol with higher sulphur levels, typically found in developing countries.
Changan has yet to decide whether to take the ICCS engine on board, but Nick is optimistic given the high profile given to the engine at the Shanghai Motor Show.
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