- TORNADO engine type -
- TORNADO engine type -

 

 

"Tornado" is a rotative internal combustion engine, 4 strokes, equipped with 2 co-axed rotors that turn like "cat and mouse".

Principle

Each rotor disposes of 4 pistons, delimitting 8 volumes in the circular work chamber. The kinematic mechanism of twin rotors synchronization is simple and audacious. Arranged in the center, with the main shaft, it makes the engine compactful. The two rotors don't turn at a constant speed, but they flap, to create fix areas of removal and rapprochement of adjacent pistons. With well-disposed ports, it gives the 4 strokes : IntAke, Compression, Explosion then expansion(D) and Exhaust.


"Zero" Vibration
Symmetrical, there is no vibration (except for revolution axis = main shaft torque).

Technological standardization
This kind of engine may be adapted for each classical or modern technology :
· Diesel-fuel, gas, petrol…
· Catalyst, particle filter…
· Carburretor ou injection (direct, high pressure)
· Turbocharging, supercharging…

High performances (Power = torque * rpm)
Doubled torqued at same cubic capacity :
· 8 explosions (=1 capicity) per shaft turn for the "Tornado", against
· 2 explosions (= ½ capacity) per shaft turn for a classical 4 strokes piston engine.
Rpm max hightly pushed-up :
· No valves - no engine racing
· Ventilation - third better than a 4 valves classical cylinder (same capacity)

Mass / displacement ratio divided by 2,5 !
Compactness is naturally doubled because the effective displacement is imbricated.
The 4 pistons, directly embedded to the rotor (without rod), are working to develop a medium torque, with a peak acceleration quite similar to a conventional piston engine. So the structure is lighter
(The absence of valve compensates the mass of the synchronizing mechanism)

Efficiency increased
· No valves
· Better ventilation of work chambers (less load loss)
· Rotation guidance of pistons realized by bearings, (thanks to symmetrical efforts), decreases the friction

Pollution levels structurally equal to classical engine
Chamber and components of combustion have the same shape (no shearing) and disposition and can be improved.

Cooling
Easy for the peripheral chamber side. Difficult for pistons and rotors, calories must be evacuated by the lubricant or the bearings. The mechanism paddles in the lubricant.

Airtightness delicate but no problematic
Piston / chamber contact zone is a surface. As for piston engine, several rings are juxtaposed. It's more simple than the Wankel where contact is linear.

Applying
Wherever torque, massic power are necessary without vibrations and in a small volume :
· Motorcyles and scooters
· Light vehicules
· Private and unmanned aircrafts : torque and speed are well adapted to helix propelling

Prototype (virtual)

· Diameter (without cooling gills) 240 mm
· Effective displacement 530 cm3
· Volumetric compression ratio 10:1
· Maxi torque 108 Nm at 2700 r.p.m.
· Maxi power 84 ch (62 kW) at 5800 r.p.m. (atmospherical)
· Engine mass (only casing, rotors and mechanism) 12 kg

Animation (tornade.avi to download - 364 ko - and to read on loop)

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