Low Emission High Power Rotary Revs Up Interest at Engine Expo 2016

Lichfield, Staffordshire: The renowned hub of automotive manufacturing, Stuttgart Germany, was the setting for a must-attend powertrain event, Engine Expo 2016 on 31 May – 2 June. As pioneers in rotary engine technologies AIE (UK) Ltd joined the many engine development specialists and procurement professionals at the event which showcases the world’s most innovative powertrain technologies.

Attending as part of the UK Pavilion stand that enables visitors to access the very best UK powertrain innovations, AIE (UK) Ltd exhibited their latest revolutionary new rotary engine technology that can be used as primary power units for high performance vehicles or range extenders for hybrid-electric vehicles.

Visitors to the UK Pavilion Advanced Propulsion Centre Stand were especially interested in the progress of a collaborative project involving a radical new low carbon, high performance sports car featuring AIE’s latest SPARCS liquid cooled 650S rotary engine. Mounted within a Westfield sports car prototype, AIE’s 650S rotary engine demonstrated its small form factor which is capable of delivering high performance with low emissions and reduced fuel consumption thanks to revolutionary patented technology.

Explaining the benefits and efficiencies of AIE rotary engines as power units, AIE’s Alexander Vaughn delivered an intriguing presentation on 31 May at the Engine Expo event, entitled “SPARCS of Innovation in the Wankel Rotary Engine.”

Starting with an introduction into AIE’s heritage that stretches back to Norton and BSA, Vaughn pointed out that developments like AIE’s world-class 650S rotary engine are the result of over 80 years in engine research and development that have produced game-changing technologies such as:

• Patented liquid cooled SPARCS technology that eliminates drawbacks of past rotary engines by utilising blow-by gases as a cooling medium to remove heat from the engine core, whilst ensuring zero oil loss to the atmosphere with a completely sealed unit.

• Patented liquid cooled Compact SPARCS delivering an even more compact cooling system using an intercooler that efficiently rejects heat whilst improving overall thermal balance.

• Patented Exhaust Expander CREEV technology that provides all the benefits of a high power, low weight rotary engine for increased battery life but with the additional advantage of reduced exhaust emissions, noise and heat generation.

Concluding the presentation on the massive incentives that low vibration, low weight rotary engines provide for hybrid range extenders, Vaughn highlighted how advanced technologies are transforming the future of rotary powertrain capabilities. With their extremely small form factor and new economical solutions, AIE rotary engines make an ideal option for hybrid low carbon vehicles or primary power units for high performance sports cars.

Occupying less than 50% of the engine area volume and boasting a 50% reduction in overall weight from a standard four-cylinder engine, the 650S lends itself perfectly to the weight reduction and low emission requirements of the automotive industry whilst still delivering an impressive 120bhp performance using less fuel.

For further information and a detailed specification of AIE’s 650S rotary engine that was displayed at Engine Expo 2016, visit www.aieuk.com/products.

About Advanced Propulsion Centre:

The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK Limited (APC) is an industry wide collaboration of innovators and producers of low carbon propulsion systems with the objective of providing profitable growth and sustainable opportunities for all partners; ultimately positioning the UK as a centre of excellence for low carbon propulsion development.

http://www.apcuk.co.uk

About Westfield Sports Cars:

Westfield has sold over 12000 cars worldwide since 1983 and currently produce over 400 cars a year for driving enthusiasts the world over. In an age of manufacturing imports Westfield are proud to boast high quality British craftsmanship in every aspect of production, and they build them in the heart of the United Kingdom.

http://westfield-sportscars.co.uk

About Advanced Innovative Engineering (UK) Ltd:

AIE is a UK-based engineering company specialising in the development of innovative Wankel rotary engines. The AIE team boasts a combined experience of over 80 years in rotary engine design, R&D, and manufacturing; delivering products and services that have exceptional reliability, versatility and low total cost of ownership (TCO) for the global Aerospace, Automotive and Marine markets.