Ideal Thermodynamic Cycle Analysis for the Meletis-Georgiou Vane Rotary Engine Concept

Abstract

The Meletis-Georgiou is a patented Vane Rotary Engine concept that incorporates separate compression-expansion chambers and a modified Otto (or Miller) cycle, characterized by (Exhaust) Gas Recirculation at elevated pressures. This is implemented by transferring part of the expansion chamber volume into the compression one through the coordinated action of two vane diaphragms. This results into a very high gas temperature at the end of the compression, something that permits autoignition under all conditions for a Homogeneous Compression Ignition (HCCI) version of the engine. The relevant parametric analysis of the ideal cycle shows that the new cycle gives ideal thermal efficiencies of the order of 60% to 70% under conditions corresponding to homogeneous compression engines but at reduced pressures when compared against the corresponding Miller cycle.