Design and Demonstration of an Electrification-Enabled Full-Featured Opposed Piston 4-Stroke Engine for Use in Hybrid and Range-Extender Applications

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Program:
OPEN 2018
Award:
$7,999,954
Location:
San Carlos, California
Status:
CANCELLED
Project Term:
06/21/2019 - 02/28/2022
Website:

Technology Description:

Pinnacle Engines will develop a highly efficient hybrid electric engine that, if successful, will significantly reduce petroleum consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. Adding a unique electric powertrain to Pinnacle’s four-stroke, spark-ignited, opposed-piston sleeve-valve engine technology enables a fundamental leap forward in fuel efficiency. Electric motor-generators on each crankshaft will improve engine efficiency by modifying and optimizing the piston motion and resulting combustion process. Pinnacle will also evaluate direct fuel injection, high rates of exhaust gas recirculation, and a low-temperature combustion strategy, which will improve knock tolerance and reduce heat loss, pumping work, and nitrogen oxide emissions. Pinnacle’s proposed engine technology will reduce fuel consumption and produce lower net greenhouse gases in a cost-effective manner when compared with current generation internal combustion engines and full-hybrid electric vehicles.

Potential Impact:

Pinnacle Engines will develop an energy efficient technology that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Security:

The new engine will have better fuel economy, which could reduce the demand for imported oil.

Environment:

The technology has the potential to reduce CO2, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter emissions from vehicles, helping to improve air quality.

Economy:

The engine has the potential for greater vehicle fuel efficiency at a competitive cost.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. David Tew
Project Contact:
Clayton Naber
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
clayton@pinnacle-engines.com

Partners

Argonne National Laboratory

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Release Date:
12/13/2017