I thought I would start a new thread on this topic in case anyone wants to discuss.. I originally posted this in the CJV/S-Car-Go thread but didn't want to hijack it, so I am moving it here...

I have a friend/tuner/Engineer who developed a technology for Forced Induction engines which requires no external cooling system. The engine is self-cooled. He has re-written the book on Thermodynamics and you will start to see more and more on this in the coming months.

His Canadian tuning shop (where he was based from) is located in Scarborough, Ontario and is called Solaroli Motorsports. He is now basing his operation out of Jacksonville, Florida so he travels back and forth quite a bit.

His 3.2L race car (which was his prototype/development car for this technology) is currently making just over 1200HP (at the crank).

Here is a link to a recent business article published in Florida:

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonvi...12/story7.html

This is some interesting reading.... Here is a link to the patent documents explaining the technology:

Adiabatic Engine Patent Documents

 

Thermo was my hardest class in engineering school LOL...i probably wontget half of this stuff

 

Victor...thanks for continuing the conversation about this fascinating tech. I hope some of our engineering types will jump on and help us normal folk understand it better.

 

My car will probably be do for a complete engine over haul in the next year or two, this could be an interesting option.

 

His personal 993TT is still not completely adiabatic because it was his showcase car for current selling parts/performance. He was using his race car to promote the adiabatic technology.

Saying all of that.... I will let you know that the 993TT motor is making 858RWHP @ 1.6BAR boost w/ a 3.8L motor in it's current configuration. Wait until it gets converted...

The only problem is you'll have to find a drivetrain strong enough to handle... oh... say... 1,500hp.

 

Is that on race gas? Has the engine been cracked open for stronger rods?

 

Nope. Sunoco 94 octane is what he runs and he puts a can of 104octane boost in it on hot days just to be safe. The feeling of acceleration cannot be described.. When he gets a prospective customer, he just says, "I'll take you for a ride in the red car.".. Guaranteed, when they return from the ride, they buy something.

The motor is completely built: Mahle 3.8L P&C, twin plug, carillo rods, the works...

 

That would be a fun projetc!! I wonder what PorschePhd will think of this?

 

He hasn't really built out a 996TT to the extent he has the 993TT.. I think he told me they had a 750hp (crank) kit for the 996TT..

If you are interested in doing something, I can put you in touch with him.

 

An adiabatic process is one in which no heat is gained or lost by the system.
As I understand it the theory is that the compressed inlet mixture is cooled when it undergoes a pressure drop just prior to the intake valve. This cooler mixture allows higher compression and increased efficiency and power.
I think the logic is flawed. The intake air is heated by the turbocharger's compression of the air AND additionally by the inefficiency of the turbocharger. Even if the boosted air is dropped back to atmospheric pressure, it will be hotter than it started. In other words the compression and expansion of the intake air is not adiabatic because a turbocharger is not 100% efficient. The patent papers stated an intercooler was not necessary.
Maybe I'm missing something. Physics class was a long time ago.

 

I'm a chemical engineer and thermodynamics was probably a strong suit. What the guy is saying is to boost the intake very high, and then let it expand shortly before the intake cycle. This expansion cools the gas (like cool air from an aerosol spray can) and should allow higher engine efficiencies (higher boost) without the risk of knock.

Technically the idea is sound, but when you pressurize the gas, you heat it. So, you have to cool it more than the pressurizing (and resultant heating) induced. You would have to do some fairly complex equations to see if it would work. I am highly skeptical from a simply first impression. I will explain why.

1. The internal combustion engine is one of the most studied (engineered) machines in the history of mankind. Significant improvements are EXCEEDINGLY unlikely (but not impossible).
2. The patent office never checks to see if the idea works, simply that it hasn’t been done before. So, don’t think a patent is a technical endorsement: it’s not.
3. The patent issued in 2001. If this was a legitimate breakthrough, the companies that have billions at stake would have bought the patent rights.

The idea might work, but I am quite skeptical.

 

I know it all sounds impossible, but, the proof is in the pudding..

I am not very knowledgeable in the area of Thermodynamics so I can't substantiate the technical information in the patent.. I am, however, someone who has witnessed this first hand.

The fact is the race car is running with this engine in it. It is developing something in the neighbourhood of 1200hp. While it runs, it drips water from the crankcase which shows that condensation is forming from the quick cooling of the heated air.

If I could get Al on here he could answer all the questions, but, that will probably be tough.

If you guys ever have the chance to come up to Toronto, let me know and I'll make sure to take you over and see it. Alternatively, anyone that is interested could call his shop when he is back in town and speak to him about it.. He would love to discuss it with you.

 

Spoke with Al a few days ago and he is headed back to Toronto on Nov. 14. He is in Europe right now.

I will see if I can get him to come online and post some info for you guys.. Alternatively, if you are interested you can call the shop and talk to him personally after Nov. 14.