The automotive industry has been working tirelessly to reduce emissions from combustion engine cars. The objective is not only to have a more efficient engine, with lower consumption, but also to reduce emissions of polluting gases into the atmosphere.
Although cars with internal combustion engines already have a date set for their disappearance in favor of electric vehicles or vehicles based on other driving technologies, zero emissions, internal combustion engines still have life, and will continue to be present in vehicles such as trucks, agricultural machinery, etc., as well as in ships, where at the moment the alternatives are not enough. But how to make these engines considered "dirty" a bet for the future? Here we are going to see some of the technologies to continue improving these engines…
Innovations in the transmission system
The transmission system improvements can have a significant impact on fuel efficiency and therefore emissions. Today's automatic transmissions can have up to 10 speeds, allowing for greater efficiency by allowing the engine to run in its optimal efficiency range for longer. Additionally, dual-clutch transmissions offer faster, smoother gear changes, which can also improve fuel efficiency.
Catalysts that capture CO2
The catalysts that capture CO2 are an emerging technology that could have a major impact on reducing emissions from combustion engine cars. These catalysts work by capturing CO2 directly from the exhaust gases and converting it into a useful product, such as synthetic fuel or plastic. They are generally liquid catalysts, different from the current solid ones.
Software improvements
El Engine management software plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency and emissions. Improvements in this software can enable more efficient combustion, better timing of fuel injection and ignition, and more effective management of exhaust aftertreatment systems. Electronics have greatly improved consumption, and it can still be further optimized.
Injection and variable valve timing
La direct fuel injection, where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, allows for greater combustion efficiency. Besides, the variable valve timing It allows engine valves to open and close at the optimal time to maximize efficiency and minimize emissions, versus rigid overhead camshaft systems where they always occur at the same time.
Alternative fuels
The Alternative fuels, such as natural gas, ethanol and biodiesel, can significantly reduce emissions from combustion engine cars. Additionally, some cars can run on hydrogen, which emits only water when combined with oxygen in the air during combustion.
Exhaust gas aftertreatment systems
Like the catalyst I mentioned above, there are also other exhaust gas aftertreatment systems, such as diesel particulate filters and three-way catalysts, can significantly reduce emissions from combustion engine cars. These systems work by capturing and neutralizing contaminants in the exhaust gases before they exit the tailpipe.
Hybridization
La hybridization, where a car uses both a combustion engine and an electric motor, can significantly reduce emissions. Hybrid cars can operate in electric mode at low speeds and over short distances, reducing the use of the combustion engine. And, this technology could continue to improve a lot, with the improvements of the combustion engine and also with the electrical part...
Cylinder deactivation
La Cylinder deactivation allows some cylinders of an engine to be shut down during certain driving conditions, such as driving at constant speed on the highway, to save fuel. This is something very interesting, and it is electronically controlled to always adapt to the demands at all times, reducing consumption and improving efficiency and emissions.
Variable compression ratio
La variable compression ratio allows an engine's compression ratio to be adjusted on the fly to maximize fuel efficiency. This is an even more sophisticated technology than the previous one, and can vary this critical relationship in the behavior of the engine, although it adds extra complexity.
Stratified cargo
La stratified load, where a rich air-fuel mixture is ignited first and then ignited a leaner mixture, can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Turbocharging improvements
The turbocharging improvements, such as twin-scroll turbochargers and variable geometry turbochargers, can increase engine efficiency and reduce emissions. There is still an interesting field to explore in this regard, taking advantage of the energy of the exhaust gases to improve power and performance, while reducing the size, weight and consumption of the engine.
Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H)
What is known in Formula 1 as Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H) It is a technology that is used in some high-performance cars. It is a type of electrical generator that is connected to the engine's turbocharger. When the engine is running, the turbocharger rotates and the MGU-H can convert some of this mechanical energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy can be used to power other systems in the car, such as the electric motors or to charge the battery. Additionally, the MGU-H can use electrical energy to accelerate the turbocharger, which can help reduce turbo lag and improve engine efficiency.
Regenerative brake or KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System)
El regenerative braking, also known as KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), is a technology that is used in many hybrid and electric cars, although it is an old technology used in electric trains, and also in motorsport categories such as F1 (now called MGU-K). KERS makes it possible to recover part of the kinetic energy that is normally lost during braking and convert it into electrical energy. When the driver presses the brake, the regenerative braking system uses the car's electric motor as a generator. This generator converts the kinetic energy of the moving car into electrical energy, which is stored in the car's battery. This stored energy can then be used to help propel the car, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
New magnesium alloys and exotic materials
The magnesium alloys They are an attractive alternative to current structural metals in the automotive industry due to their low density and high strength. These alloys can contribute to the weight reduction of future vehicles, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Let us remember that one of the most important limitations of current combustion engines is precisely metallurgy, since there are no better metals or alloys than the current ones to continue improving these systems.
However, one of the main challenges with the use of magnesium is its corrosion tendency. To overcome this problem, researchers are designing new magnesium alloys modified with lanthanide elements to improve their corrosion resistance.
Coating for metals (films)
In addition to alloys, coatings for metals They are also being studied to improve efficiency and reduce engine wear. An example of this is a new coating developed by researchers that interacts with engine oil to create a carbon film that reduces friction better than oil alone, resulting in less heating, greater efficiency, lower consumption, improvements in performance… This coating, which is applied to engine parts before they leave the factory, is an “active” surface that is permanently bonded to the car parts.