Intake and Compression
The Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine (Scuderi Engine) was originally conceived by Mr. Carmelo J. Scuderi. Computer studies on the Scuderi Engine were performed by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas, the results of which are summarized in Summary of Predicted Gains. Southwest Research is a world-renowned independent test laboratory and recognized expert in engine design.
The basic concept of the Scuderi Engine is to divide the four strokes of a standard engine over a paired combination of one compression cylinder and one power (or expansion) cylinder. These two cylinders perform their respective functions once per crankshaft revolution. The concept is illustrated in Figures 1 through 8 in the Theory of Operation section of this site.
A common misconception is that twice as many cylinders are required. This is simply not accurate. Because this engine fires every revolution instead of every other revolution, the number of power strokes produced is equal to the power strokes produced by two of the conventional piston/cylinder designs.
A four cylinder engine would still have four cylinders. There would simply be two sets of paired cylinders instead of four individual cylinders.
In the configuration shown, an intake charge (Fig. 1) is drawn into the compression cylinder through typical poppet-style valves.
Figure 1 - Intake Stroke
The compression cylinder then pressurizes (Fig. 2) the charge and drives the charge through the crossover passage, which acts as the intake port for the power cylinder. In this illustration, a check valve (best seen in Figures 6, 7 and 8) is used to prevent reverse flow from the crossover passage to the compression cylinder, and likewise a poppet-style valve (crossover valve) prevents reverse flow from the power cylinder to the crossover passage. The check valve and crossover valve are timed to maintain pressure in the crossover passage at or above firing conditions during an entire four stroke cycle.
Figure 2 - Compression Stroke
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