The Wankel Rotary Engine is a type of internal combustion engine that was invented by German engineer Felix Wankel in the 1950s. It is often referred to as the Wankel engine or simply the rotary engine. This engine is unique in its design and operation compared to traditional piston engines.
The Wankel Rotary Engine operates on a principle of rotation, hence the term "rotary." It features a rotor that rotates in a single housing rather than the reciprocating motion of pistons in a cylinder. This rotor has an epitrochoid shape, which allows for the combustion process to occur in separate chambers within the housing.
The engine's design provides several advantages over traditional piston engines. Firstly, it has a higher power-to-weight ratio, meaning it delivers more power per unit of weight. This makes it suitable for applications where weight and space are limited, such as in vehicles and aircraft. Additionally, the Wankel engine's compact size and simplicity reduce the number of moving parts, resulting in reduced maintenance requirements and improved reliability.
However, the Wankel Rotary Engine also has some disadvantages. It tends to consume more fuel compared to piston engines, leading to lower fuel efficiency. It is also known to produce higher emissions, particularly in relation to unburned hydrocarbon emissions. These factors have limited its widespread adoption as a mainstream engine technology.
Despite its limitations, the Wankel Rotary Engine continues to find use in various applications, such as high-performance sports cars, motorcycles, and certain aviation and marine applications. Researchers and engineers are also exploring ways to improve its fuel efficiency and address environmental concerns, making it a subject of ongoing development and interest in the field of automotive engineering.
