Comment by Szpadel
4 days ago
I'm assuming that right now all valves as computer controlled so why we cannot have best of both worlds? cannot we dynamically switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by just changing valve profiles?
computer could use Otto cycle in case more power is needed in rare situations
> cannot we dynamically switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by just changing valve profiles?
Toyota introduced this exact behaviour with their "Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric" (VVT-iE) system:
https://toyota-club.net/files/faq/16-01-01_faq_vvt_ie_eng.ht...
It uses an electric motor to control intake valve timing.
AFAIK all values are controlled by a camshaft. The computer doesn't get enough control. Solenoids seems like that are a possible replacement for CAMs, but they apparently have too many downsides.
Koenigsegg has an engine design that has a camless valve system based on their "Freevalve" technology. Its pretty cool.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koenigsegg_TFG