Lower NO_x Emissions

In addition to higher thermal efficiencies, the computer models also predicted one other surprising advantage of firing after top dead center (ATC) in the Scuderi Engine. That is, the Scuderi Engine produced up to 80% less NO_x emissions.

Even though the average temperature in the power cylinder of the Scuderi Engine was generally higher than that of a standard engine, the peak temperatures, which occur at the tip of the flame front, were significantly lower.

It is at these peak temperatures that most of the NO_x emissions are produced, therefore the lower the peak temperatures the lower the NO_x emissions.

Simply put, when you fire before top dead center (BTC) in a standard engine, the piston races into the hottest part of the flame, increasing peak temperatures. By contrast, when you fire ATC in the Scuderi Engine, the power piston is continuously racing away from the flame front, producing a cooling effect that results in lower peak temperatures and lower NO_x emissions.

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