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An innovation
from Moller International, of Davis, California, will make engines
cleaner and more efficient. Through Small Business Innovation
Research (SBIR) funding from NASA's Glenn Research Center,
the company created a new coating for rotary engines used for
industrial applications, watercraft, and other performance-demanding
machines. These coatings significantly improve the fuel consumption
of a vehicle while reducing emissions. The new coatings are offered
in the new Rotapower® engine, which is produced and distributed
by Moller subsidiary, Freedom Motors, Inc. It is this innovative
coating that allows the Rotapower engine to function smoother
than other models, reducing wear and protecting the engine.
The PS200 plasma-applied
engine coating was developed at Glenn Research Center. The engine
uses a unique piston-free design that incorporates this advanced
rotor coating, which is applied to the housings of the engine
and serves to reduce cooling requirements and improve thermal
efficiency.
The Rotapower
engine has the ability to operate on a variety of fuels, including
gasoline, natural gas, diesel, alcohol, and kerosene. Typically,
most engines are piston-driven and operate on unleaded gasoline,
but the new engine can be easily adapted to run successfully
on certain alternative fuels with only minor adjustments.
A small and
lightweight engine, it is projected to replace many of today's
bulkier versions. Installing a smaller and lighter engine means
less energy to move a vehicle or to operate machinery, resulting
in saved fuel. To demonstrate size, the 10 horsepower model fits
in the palm of one's hand, while the 160 horsepower model fits
into a 5-gallon bucket.
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Incorporating
NASA technology into the Rotapower® engine gives it the
ability to run cleanly and efficiently on a variety of fuels. |
Also unique
to the Rotapower engine is its low number of two moving parts,
which are on roller bearings and move in one circular direction.
This elegant simplicity reduces vibration and supports engine
efficiency. The optional module has only one moving part so that
horsepower can be added without increasing the complexity associated
with typical modification kits. Another unique feature of the
engine is its charge cooling capability, which reduces the need
for cooling components such as pumps, regulators, radiators,
and more. These original and effective elements ensure smooth
engine operation, leading to a long engine life span.
The clean running
Rotapower engine is environmentally appealing, because it eliminates
over 98 percent of the total emissions given off by traditional
piston engines. Fewer pollutants are spewed into the air, making
it especially attractive in areas where air pollution is a major
problem. Due to the clean-burning nature of the engine, it meets
the stringent standards set by the California Air Resources Board.
The engine also
has numerous commercial benefits in several types of recreational,
industrial, and transportation applications, including personal
watercraft, snowmobiles, portable generators, and pumps. Through
the efforts of Moller International and Glenn Research Center,
the Rotapower engine will continue to change the face of engine-powered
products--making them cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient.
Rotapower® is a registered
trademark of Freedom Motors, Inc.
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