I am all for simplicity. Apparently the automotive industry has been
forced into complexity by political forces. Who would have thunk 30 years
ago that almost all engines would be four valves per cylinder with dual
overhead cams. The electronic engine controls would have happened regardless
as they are rather cheap IMHO. Now we have had electric cars that have
come and gone in the short space of five years as I predicted they would.
Currently very expensive and complicated hybrid cars are being tried
and if they are forced on us by tax breaks or other political means
they might survive. IMHO if you take a current tiny (almost all are TINY)
hybrid car and strip out all the heavy and costly electrical stuff
and replace it with a small recip the performance would be better,
the interior volume for passengers and luggage would be superior and
the mileage and emission would be 90% to just as good.
This is the ins
ane environment we now find ourselves where cost and
complexity appear to be less important than political considerations.
I think it is a perfect time to bring back the turbo compound as it
is much less costly and way more simple than a hybrid car. Some sort of
variable turbine gear box might be necessary to derive the full fuel
consumption and emissions benefits but that can be cheaply controlled
with electronics. We discussed all this at length several years ago
and here are some sketches.
Paul Lamar

"Michael D. Lilja" wrote:

Just goes to show, great minds think alike.  Your concept looks quite intriguing.  Thanks for the
insight and the sketches.

Mike Lilja

The trouble with ducted fans is the efficiency sucks in our speed ranges :)

Paul Lamar
 
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