In the test, the BMW 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with innovative auxiliary system reduced fuel consumption by 15%, output power by 10 kW, and torque increased by nearly 20 Newton meters.
The research project of the BMW Group was named "Turbosteamer". The working principle is based on a steam engine: in two circulation systems, the liquid is heated into steam to drive the engine. The energy supply is mainly derived from the high temperature cycle, and the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine passes through the heat exchanger as an energy source. This technology allows more than 80% of the heat in the exhaust to be recycled. After the steam is generated, it is directly introduced into an expansion unit connected to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. Most of the remaining heat is absorbed by the engine cooling cycle and becomes the second source of energy for the turbo steam engine. Experiments have shown that the engine efficiency can be increased by 15% after combining this innovative auxiliary drive system.
BMW engine innovation technology test success efficiency increased by 15%
The BMW Group Research and Engineering Center has recently succeeded in finding a way to improve engine performance and reduce fuel consumption through a large and undeveloped energy source in the car, thermal energy.