Low NO_x Means It Can Run Leaner and Gain Efficiency

The reduction in NO_x emissions is significant both in terms of its impact on the environment as well as the efficiency of the engine. It is a well known fact that efficiencies can be improved on spark-ignition engines by running lean (significantly above 14.5 to 1 air/fuel ratio).

However, current engines suffer from a dependence on three-way catalytic converters (TWC) in order to control emission levels. These catalytic converters require a stoichiometric exhaust stream in order to reach required emissions levels which, in turn precludes the engine from running as lean as possible for greatest efficiency. (Stoichiometric air/fuel ratio is about 14.5 for gasoline fuel.)

The lower NO_x emissions of the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine should allow the split-cycle to run lean and achieve additional efficiency gains on the order of one point (i.e., approximately 3%) over a conventional engine with a conventional TWC.

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