Efficiencies Resulting From Separate Compression and Power Cylinders

By splitting the cycle over a pair of compression and power cylinders, the geometric parameters (e.g., bore, stroke, connecting rod length, offset, compression ratio, etc.) of each cylinder can be independently designed to optimize each task. This independence enables the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine to implement features impossible to achieve in a conventional engine.

For example, in the conventional engine, an offset cylinder that reduces friction on the power stroke results in increased friction on the compression stroke. In the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine, the independent cylinders may be offset in opposite directions without penalizing each other, reducing friction in both cylinders. Though reduction in friction was not fully investigated in the computer studies, it has been theorized that its impact on brake thermal efficiency (BTE) could be significant. Increased engine life is another possible result of decreased friction and also has not been investigated in the current computer studies.

Also, in the conventional engine, the same piston executes the compression and power strokes, making it difficult for one stroke to be longer than the other. The two-cylinder design of the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine can accomplish this, enabling the engine to extract more energy from the burning fuel during the power stroke, by over expanding the gas (i.e., the Miller Effect).

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