Howard wrote:

The Erikson engine is an interesting concept in getting the maximum
efficiency from an engine.    check this URL out:
http://www.ericksonmotors.com/index.htm

    I don't credit claims of average BSFC of average gas engines as being
under .5       They just don't do it.     Perhaps in a lab but not in real
life.    Some high tech stuff may break the .5 barrier, but most automobiles
achieve their efficiency by reduced weight and rolling resistance and
lowered air resistance.     The only way to claim an average engine
approaches .4 lbs per hp hr is to rate in DIN which shows 20% higher
horsepower than ordinary SAE BHP.     I call this RHP  (Rotax Horse Power).
    The first step in achieving dramatic results is to move the markers...
;-)

Has anybody achieved great results with the "Miller cycle" ......  I've been
hearing about it for years, and have yet to see an engine running on it.

                 H.W.

The Mazda V6 super charged Millennium uses the Miller cycle. You can buy 
one at your friendly Mazda dealer.

I think you hold that .5 BSFC opinion based on the inefficient 30 HP most auto
engines
are forced to operate at. When they are at wide open throttle they are much 
better. The entire thrust of the auto engine developments in the past few
years has been directed at improving the low power/low RPM fuel consumption and
emissions of auto engines and that includes the Mazda Wankel rotary.

A hybrid car is a direct assault on this characteristics of the internal
combustion engine. A small engine running near full power with an electric
motor for acceleration.

BTW These rotary developments, in particular the three piece apex seal, are 
not what we want for aircraft use.

Paul Lamar
 
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