Hello again all,
Thank-you for all your replies and help!! I posted this topic in the private and tech log forums but didn't get as good a response - I should have come here first!
I thought I'd let you all know of my progress so far:
-I have managed to collate data on 7 aero-diesel engine manufacturers all in competition to deliver their product to the GA market:
-Wilksch Airmotive, Deltahawk, Zoche Aero-Diesels, SMA Morane-Renault, Teledyne Continental, Textron Lycoming and Diesel Air.
-It appears very promising that GA will run on diesels in the near future as a/c are currently being run on 1930's technology!
-There are many advantages of using a diesel:
-engine burns fewer Ib/hphr & jet fuel has more Ib/gallon,
-easy to operate - one power lever only, no alternate air, aux fuel pump, magneto switches, mandatory temp, boost or power restrictions
-no electromagnetic interference due to absence of ignition system
-higher efficiency due to higher compression ratio
-fire hazard reduced as fuel less flamable than avgas
-V-4-design is stout and compact - advanced materials means it is at least 60Ibs lighter than equivalent piston engine
-longer TBO than any piston engine due to simplicity and reduced number of parts
-smoothness (greatly reduced vibration) due to the 2-stroke-cycle having 4 power pulses per revolution
-Durability since Jet A provides more lubricity and no electric system required
-Longer life and in the long term money will be saved on a diesel
I am currently looking at the disadvantages.
Getting all the data from each engine manufacturer is proving challenging but since Wilksch Airmotive has successfully test flown their diesel on a Europa SN-1 I will probably use this as a case study for a basis.
I will then have to carry out a design study of installation of the most suitable diesel unit into the most suitable MAF piston a/c considering its impact on weight, CG, physical installation, payload range, cockpit viz and look at the a/c changes required in order to accommodate the alternative fuels proposed.
Once again thanks for your help and enthusiasm - I will keep you all posted if interested!
BRGDS
Lady Heath
