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CAMLESS ENGINES

Introduction
CAMS
Control the breathing channels (valves) of an IC
engine
Connected to camshaft which is operated by
crankshaft
Cams push open valves at proper time & guide
their closure
But they are inflexible except VTEC & VVT-I
Engineers could not vary timing, lift & duration of
valve opening infinitely
CAMLESS ENGINES
Eliminated mechanical linkages
Could provide infinite variation of valve
parameters
It can make engines clean, efficient &
responsive
Working of
conventional engines
The crankshaft turns camshaft which
operates valves by mechanism as in figure
Spring brings back valve to initial position
Timing of engine valves depends on shape
of cams
Conventional engine
valves
Engineers must design cams in the
development stages
This design compromises b/n engine power
& fuel efficiency
Considering this compromise automobile
companies brought variable valve timing
mechanisms
But is effects were limited
Camless engines
overview

Main sensors -
Engine load sensor Exhaust gas sensor
Valve position sensor Engine speed sensor

ELECTRONIC
SENSORS CONTROL
ACTUATORS
UNIT
Sensors sense parameters & send signals to
ECU
ECU contains microprocessors with
associated software
This ECU controls the actuators to work
according to requirements
Actuators
It is a electro-hydraulic camless valve train
(ECV)
Uses elastic property of compressed
hydraulic fluid which acts like a liquid
spring, accelerates & decelerates the valves
Hydraulic pendulum
Involves conversion of PE to KE and back
to PE with minimum energy loss
During acceleration of valves PE is
converted to KE
During deceleration of valve energy of
moving valve is returned to fluid
Detailed view of
Hydraulic Pendulum
Operation of hydraulic
pendulum
Lift, timing & duration of valve opening is
varied by controlling solenoid valves
This is done by ECU when signals are sent
from the sensors
Modifier Rod
Used to impart
Unequal lift to the
paired valves
Zero motion to any
valve
Modifier Rod Operation
Advantages
Offers continuously variable & independent
control of all aspects of valve motion - lift,
operation duration, event of opening
ECV system can control valve velocity,
valve acceleration and deceleration
Resultant Advantages
Better fuel economy- 7 to 10 % increase
Higher torque & power- 10 to 15 %
increase
Lower exhaust emissions- EGR system is
eliminated since EGR effect occurs on its
own & thus reduces NOx emissions
Reduction in size & weight
Disadvantages
Opening & closing of valves requires some power-
Electromechanical- alternator
Electrohydraulic- accumulator

Sophisticated electronic control required for


gentle seating of valves
Current solenoids cannot run at high rpms;
Hidden cost of microprocessor & software
controls
Conclusion
Even though some disadvantages are
present, we can expect electrohydraulic &
electromechanical valves to replace the
conventional camshaft technology.
Thanks

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