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Advances in Combustion Energy Efficiency

Advances in internal combustion engine technology have improved efficiency, which both saves money on fuel and reduces the impact on the environment. Here are some of the key advancements:

  1. Direct Fuel Injection: In a direct injection system, the fuel is directly delivered into the combustion chamber of each cylinder, rather than to the intake manifold. This results in a more complete and efficient burn of the fuel, which improves fuel economy and reduces emissions.
  2. Turbocharging and Supercharging: Turbochargers and superchargers compress the air entering the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle, improving the efficiency of the engine.
  3. Variable Valve Timing and Lift (VVT and VVL): These technologies allow the timing and lift of the engine valves to be varied based on driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency, engine performance, and emissions.
  4. Cylinder Deactivation: This feature allows some of an engine's cylinders to be turned off during certain driving conditions, such as highway cruising, when full power is not needed. This can significantly improve fuel economy.
  5. Stop-Start Technology: This feature automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill and restarts it when the driver releases the brake. This can save fuel and reduce emissions in stop-and-go traffic.
  6. Advanced Transmissions: More gears in a transmission, or continuously variable transmissions (CVT), can keep the engine running closer to its most efficient speed more of the time.
  7. Hybridization: Incorporating an electric motor and battery with an internal combustion engine can greatly improve efficiency, particularly in city driving.
  8. Advanced Materials and Design: The use of advanced materials (like lightweight metals or composites) and design techniques can reduce the weight of the vehicle and reduce internal friction within the engine, both of which can significantly improve fuel economy.
  9. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): This technology recirculates a portion of the engine’s exhaust gas back to the engine cylinders, reducing NOx emissions and improving engine efficiency.
  10. Advanced Fuel Technologies: Biofuels, synthetic fuels, and improvements to traditional gasoline and diesel fuels can improve engine efficiency and reduce emissions.