Alfa Romeo Modular Taxi: Demonstration Project. Final Report

摘要

The aim of the project was to demonstrate the effective fuel savings possible in urban traffic (at low power) using a 'modular' engine for a fleet of taxis. The modular engine consists of a traditional Otto-engine equipped with electronic fuel injection and ignition, monitored by a micro-processor supporting a specific algorithm allowing the use of only two cylinders, when the power required is below a given value. When this occurs the injection of fuel into two cylinders is interrupted. The inactive cylinders are not always the same, being chosen in order to maintain the engine at a steady temperature. The results of the project also showed that the modular engine used in urban traffic allowed a reduction in fuel consumption amounting to 12% compared with a car already equipped with electronic fuel injection and ignition. Such a saving is in addition to a similar reduction in consumption by cars equipped with an electronically controlled engine compared with similar cars equipped with a carburettor. The reduction in consumption of a 'modular' car compared with a corresponding car with a carburettor can thus be estimated at around 24%. It must be emphasized that this reduction can be obtained without reducing the maximum power output of the car's engine. (ERA citation 12:037162)