Rotary engine maker looks for clean-tech traction

Wow that's a lot of friction. And along with lots of friction, those cam followers will take horribly dynamic, paroxsysmal side loads. There's a new rotary engine design every day, and this one must be the worst. The Quasiturbine (http://quasiturbine.promci.qc.ca/) looks a whole lot more interesting.

The RandCam is certainly NOT "the worst," though there are some heat and material issues they must overcome just as any high power density engine...it is actually one of the better designs that are near-term production and even with problems, MUCH more efficient than ICE tech.

Basically, as you produce more power, from the 'same' quantity of fuel, with an engine of less mass, it heats up faster and needs more advanced materials, coatings, and/or cooling systems to compensate...or a heat-recovery system to turn that otherwise-wasted heat back into productive work, as in all those earlier ICE 50mpg pre-heat-the-fuel-mix carb ideas.

I agree the quasiturbine looks promising, if they can ever solve all of the remaining issues and get the silly thing running on gas or ethanol and keep some dependable kind of detonation happening, even if it's kerosene or diesel.

The RandCam does have the advantage of actually having working prototypes under something like 3rd generation designs, flying UAV's right now for the military...though it looks like we'll see them in weed-wackers and leaf-blowers before they power cars. That may make them a potential source for multi-fuel power to the small generators in hybrid cars (hmmm). May be worth investing in the company since they are much closer to market than competing designs like the toroid and quasi - if you don't mind owning shares alongside Jehova's Witnesses, who own most of the company.

Although, I wouldn't bet against the StarRotor design for a near-term production agreement with someone now that they are actually making them as compressors commercially (custom orders), especially after all the attention they got from Popular Science; and it combines several of the best rotary cycle attributes without most of the seal problems.

thank you all for beginning this thread, Does any body have any idea on the type of lubrication this RandCam Radmax rotary cam engine utilizes
http://www.regtech.com/

I have a lubricant in the nano scale size molecule that I would love for them to try.

On my last test on a Volvo the rpm went up by about 200 in about 1 minute after application which is a good analogue feed back of its efficiency,

If anyone of you engineers have a pesty lubrication problem let me know and I could dispatch some sample at no charge, the anti friction fluid has already proved itself in a number of challenging metal to metal friction problems.

I hope this thread stays alive and brings more engine designs specially the one ready for first phase commercialization.

so far the RandCam Radmax has the best details and videos of its functions

perhaps a list of all engine concepts contenders out there could be posted here

you all have a nice weekend

I just want to say, I like your signature line at the bottom. Great thoughts on the topic, too. Thanks!

I agree there looks to be horrible friction potential and huge side loads on the cam following plates, but you've got to love the creativity! Maybe cool ideas like this are all over if you follow engine tech, but for a guy who still plays with Chevy 350s in his garage, this is a really inspiring idea which can only help people think outside the box to even more radical designs that depart from convention.

These are great comments. Do you think you could also place comments on our Rotary Valve products. Your feedback will help us create better product designs.

http://www.pneuvay.com.au/feature/rotary-valves/

What recommendations would you suggest?

Thanks in advance.