So, if I deactivated the center rotor in a 3 rotor engine while at

cruise will that be a cruise fuel efficency benefit? Disabling the
injectors for the center housing could do that.

I doubt so. One of the advantage of "disabling" the rotor or piston
comes through eliminating the pumping loss. On a reciprocating engine,
this can be done by holding the valves open, leaving just frictional
losses, which are generally much smaller than pumping losses. If fuel is
merely shut off, then the remaining working chambers or cylinders must
accommodate the pumping loss of both working and non-working
cylinders/pistons. For example, consider a 4-cylinder engine with the
pumping losses of a V-8.

An easy way to eliminate the pumping loss on a rotary engine is not
readily apparent to me. I come up with quick disconnect spark plugs or
an auxiliary valve on the compression side. Not super-feasible.

Paul's idea may require a clutch or other power disconnect device
between the two engine portions. That way, the 2 rotor portion can be
literally turned off.

Regards,

Rob

The RX8 throttle body is fly by wire. In other words the computer controls
the butterfly. No mechanical linkage. In my scheme you would have at least 
two butterflies.

Paul Lamar
 
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