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Wave Disk Generator

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vfx

Well-Known Member
Aug 18, 2006
14,790
52
CA CA
Wave Disk Generator

http://news.discovery.com/autos/new-car-engine-sends-shockwaves-through-auto-industry-110405.html

6a00d8341bf67c53ef014e874784bb970d-800wi.jpg

[video]http://blogs.discovery.com/.a/6a00d8341bf67c53ef014e874784bb970d-800wi[/video]
 
Interesting, I'm guessing it's got a narrow torque/efficiency range, and from the article

Michigan State's team of engineers hope to have a car-sized 25-kilowatt version of the prototype ready by the end of the year.

I'm guessing it's targeted only as a range extender. If it pans out. Ah, and there it is, in the picture, Wave disk electric generator.
It will be interesting to see as they get closer to manufacturability whether they can best a free piston engine.

My takeaway is: the drivetrain will still need to transition to electric, good batteries still needed.
 
looks like compressor and turbine wheels sharing the same fan blades & housing. If this works out, great! People can have a range-extended hybrid like GM Volt, with a great pure electric driving experience, and say good bye to piston engines.