Engineering group Mayflower has unveiled the prototype of a revolutionary new reciprocating engine that alters its capacity depending on load, thereby achieving higher thermal efficiency and lower emissions. The e3 variable motion engine is the brainchild of Joe Ehrlich, a German engineer who has spent his working life designing engines.
Mayflower say the e3 should be ready for production in five years, and will be able to replace any ICE, a market that amounts to 160 million engines annually. It is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent and emissions by 50 per cent. It achieves its performance by solving an inherent problem of fixed capacity engines – that they are inefficient at low loads – by varying its stroke and compression ratio in response to load. In effect, it becomes a smaller engine at low load. This is achieved by the introduction of a pivotal lever arm between the connecting rods and pistons that can be altered horizontally and vertically. It also produces better power development by slowing down the the power stroke in the phase immediately after top dead centre.
Mayflower has structured its venture to minimise the cost of failure, an occupational hazard in the revolutionary engine business. It has formed a joint venture company with Joe Ehrlich, former F1 world champion Jack Brabham and private investors. It has paid £6 million for a 33 per cent stake with a commitment to a further £33 million for a 51 per cent interest if there is widespread take up by the motor industry. PHL, the joint venture, expects to gain most of its revenue from license fees rather than from manufacturing on its own account.
