Cool engine
http://www.nova-racing.com/nova_gb/index.htm

Technical Details
Specification: Single rotor, Wankel design
Power: 46hp at 7800 rpm
Weight: ~ 17 kg
Torque: 47 Nm at 4500 rpm
Chamber volume: 294cc
Max. engine speed: 10500 rpm
Clutch: 2-disc centrifugal
Drive: 428 pitch
Ignition: Magnetic ignition with adjustable timing
Housing: Water cooled, partially Nicasil coated

 

That is freakin BADASS!!!!

 

I think the needle style rotor bearing is interesting.

Ray

 

Damn thing costs more than a full TII rebuild, but in a cart, who cares.

 

Never mind in a cart--- what about in an advanced ultralight airplane? The weight and hp are in the right range.

The only thing that bothers me is the charge cooling--- running the intake charge through the engine to provide cooling and lubrication (it's 50: 1 premix) before directing it into the intake port not only costs hp (heated intake charge = less density = less hp) but has in the past caused cooling issues. Also, the design and displacement of 294 c.c. suggests that this may be an updated and liquid-cooled knock-off of the old air-cooled Sachs snowmobile engines from the early '70's. (I have one of these engines in the garage).

I wonder what this company does to address these issues, and how does the water cooling on this design work? Then there's the issue of the re-drive required for aircraft use.

Still, the fact that it's a rotary rather than a 2-stroke Rotax means that engine siezures would be a thing of the past, and it would have a longer TBO. The price is less than a Rotax 503 as well.

I was just talking to an aeronautical engineer and homebuilt aircraft guru just yesterday on the subject of light-weight rotary engines for small aircraft. I guess I'll have to send him this link.

 

That is amazing. Simply amazing.

 

Watch it 'fly' here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_lis...539DAAC7C2E175

And a detailed test report here: http://www.karting1.co.uk/wankel-kart-test.htm

 

I wonder if it can be ported out and be used on a Jr. Dragster from my son? Something to look into.

 

hmm... only one is under 300cc... so for a FSAE car, if rotaries were allowed, i could use two :-D

 

I put yesterday one on a test bench..

50hp without air filter and good flowing exhaust @ 50° watertemp and 160jet
40.3hp without air filter and biland exhaust but a bit more torque in de mid rpm range
43.7hp with the good exhaust and a new k&n air filter, bit more torque than the 50hp run
47hp without air filter, good exhaust and 150 jet, but way better response and torque in the mid range!

This was all done with a badass restrictor in the periphal inlet port to get a bit more torque in de mid range because the flapper volva with controls the periphal port open a bit to early..

conclusion: is has Alot of potential this is with a stock engine and a bad carb..

With open and lenthned exhaust and good carb/tuning/variable ignition 60hp is reachable..

When you want more, you can use ceramic needles bearing and apex seals.. Then more the 65hp is possible..

And at least, there is also alot of power thrown away because the mixture is heated by the rotor.. when we have fixen the exhuast and carb wil will try to run it on methanol..

 

Rub20B keep us updated on your motor, if you try to up the power any more!

 

Is there anyway you can measure the fuel consumption at a fixed RPM. Producing say 20 or 30 HP?

 

don't think so..

A the trakc it uses a little over 10liter per hour.. AFR's are around 12-13