Tech Tuesday: On the road to a greener world with EcoMotors
Tech Tuesday is an ongoing series profiling the Forum’s Technology Pioneers. The Tech Pioneers are companies that have been recognized by the Forum for groundbreaking and innovative approaches in tackling some of the world’s most wicked problems. Each week we will showcase one of the 2012 Tech Pioneers. You can learn more about the Technology Pioneer Programme on the Forum’s website.
EcoMotors introduces a revolutionary concept for diesel motors that promises to halve carbon emissions
EcoMotors’ new “opoc” (opposed piston, opposed cylinder) architecture deftly combines the power of a four-stroke engine with the simplicity of a two-stroke design. The motor, which can run on diesel fuel, gasoline or ethanol, employs modules, each of which is composed of two opposed cylinders, each containing two pistons that operate in opposing directions and are connected to a central crankshaft. The design eliminates the conventional engine’s cylinder head and valve trains, which means that the motor can be significantly lighter than conventional models; since the pistons work against each other, they only need to travel one-half the distance of a standard piston. In short, they produce twice the power with one-half the effort. Opoc motors can have multiple modules, and depending on power requirements, modules that are not needed can be shut down. In addition, the engines employ an electric motor that acts as a supercharger which enhances the exhaust turbocharger and thus dramatically increases the motor’s compression. The result is a lighter motor that is nearly twice as efficient as conventional motors, while producing just as much power. While electric car motors are still trying to deal with the high price and unreliability of the batteries needed to provide power,
Ecomotor’s opoc design promises an ingenious interim solution until a viable alternative to fossil fuels can be found.
Peter Hofbauer, Chief Technical Officer
Location: MI, USA
Number of Employees: 28
Year Founded: 2008
EcoMotors International
17000 Federal Dr., Suite 200
Allen Park, MI 48101
USA
Telephone: +1 313 294 5701
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