Scuderi Group, Inc.

Ford Allen Phillips

Stephen P Scuderi

David Pratt Branyon

Thomas E Briggs, Jr

Douglas Arthur McKee

In some embodiments, split-cycle engines are disclosed that are capable of operating in a normal firing mode in which a firing stroke is performed in the expansion cylinder only on every other rotation of the crankshaft. Fuel can be injected directly into the expansion cylinder during the non-firing rotation of the crankshaft over a period of time greater than what is possible with traditional split-cycle engines. A number of other advantages are associated with such engines. In some embodiments, two expansion cylinders can be provided such that a firing stroke is performed on every rotation of the crankshaft, even though each individual expansion cylinder only performs a firing stroke on every other rotation of the crankshaft. Air hybridized and/or Millerized variations of these engines, as well as various cylinder arrangements, are also disclosed herein.

Split-cycle engines with direct injection

In split-cycle engines and air hybrid split-cycle engines, the sizing of the crossover passage is critical to engine efficiency. Efficiency can be improved by sizing the crossover passage volume to be small relative to the volume of the cylinders, and in particular relative to the volume of the compression cylinder. This allows for a higher pressure in the crossover passage, which extends the duration of sonic flow from the crossover passage into the expansion cylinder and increases combustion pressure. The methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein generally involve sizing the crossover passages, cylinders, or other components of a split-cycle engine or air hybrid split-cycle engine to improve efficiency.

Crossover passage sizing for split-cycle engine

A split-cycle air hybrid engine with improved efficiency is disclosed in which the centerline of a compression cylinder is positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the centerline of an expansion cylinder such that the engine has a V-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the centerlines of the respective cylinders intersect an axis parallel to, but offset from, the axis of rotation of the crankshaft. Modular crossover passages, crossover passage manifolds, and associated air reservoir valve assemblies and thermal regulation systems are also disclosed.

Split-cycle air hybrid V-engine

An engine has a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. An expansion piston is received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the expansion piston reciprocates through an expansion stroke and an exhaust stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression valve and a crossover expansion valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. A fuel injector is disposed in the pressure chamber of the crossover passage. Fuel injection from the fuel injector into the crossover passage is timed to occur entirely during the compression stroke of the compression piston.

Knock resistant split-cycle engine and method

The present invention generally relates to a recess in the top of a piston. More particularly, the present invention relates to a crescent-shaped recess in the top of an expansion piston of a split-cycle engine.

Crescent-shaped recess in piston of a split-cycle engine

A split-cycle engine includes a crankshaft. A compression piston is received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. An expansion piston is received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the expansion piston reciprocates through an expansion stroke and an exhaust stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. The crossover compression valve is timed to open when the pressure in the compression cylinder is less than the upstream pressure in the crossover passage at the crossover compression valve.

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San Antonio, TX, United States of America

Ford Allen Phillips