The figure below shows the efficiency map for a 90 hp version of this engine. Four engine speeds are shown and the power range for each speed is obtained by adjusting the throttle. The solid circles indicate the maximum power at each speed. Also shown is the normal range of engine operation when driving on public roads, as opposed to a racetrack. Finally, the efficiencies for my engine at 50% of maximum rpm are compared to other engines such as the automotive gas turbine, the conventional gas engine, and a typical diesel engine.

What is clear from this figure is that, at normal driving ranges, my engine exceeds the conventional gas engine in efficiency by 30-80%. It far exceeds the gas turbine, which could deliver inherently low emissions. And it comes close in efficiency to diesel engines, especially at part load. Below I present how this efficiency map translates into vehicle performance.

The basic engine weight for this 90 hp engine is only 160 lb. With a 3-speed transmission, I calculate that it will accelerate a 2300 lb Volkswagon Rabbit from zero to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds. It can start off in top gear without stalling, although acceleration will be less. It can climb an 8 percent grade at 70 mph and has a top speed of 120 mph. At a steady 45 mph, I calculate that it gets 85 mpg with diesel fuel. At a steady 60 mph, it gets 62 mpg. Integrated over SAE driving cycles, which include acceleration, idling at a light, and starts/stops, it should get an amazing 77 mpg in the city (15 mph ave.), 74 mpg in the country (40 mph ave.), and 50 mpg on the highway (70 mph ave.).

I have also sized up a 140 hp engine for a 3550 lb mid-size station wagon (actually, my beloved 1965 Chevy Nova, for which, like the other vehicles, I obtained its power curve from coast-down runs).

This engine weighs 260 lb and accelerates the car from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds. Top speed is 115 mph and, over the SAE driving cycles, I calculate the following miles per gallon: Urban - 45 mpg, Suburban/Country - 46 mpg, Interstate 70 mph - 33 mpg. These are easily double what I got with my 283 V8 but with the same performance.

Lastly, I sized up in my computer code a 400 hp engine for a 80000 lb truck. This engine weighs about 1150 lbs, less than half that of a comparable diesel engine. With a 6-speed transmission, it accelerates that big truck to 50 mph in 20 seconds. It is calculated to get 5.3 mpg at 65 mph. My engine can clearly eliminate the obvious problems with diesel engines (pollution, noise, high weight) while retaining the high efficiency. Putting my engine in large trucks may be the first valuable application.

HOW DOES MY ENGINE ACHIEVE THESE AMAZING RESULTS?

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