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-   -   The Future of the Internal Combustion Engine - Inside Koenigsegg (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/technical-stuff/138028-future-internal-combustion-engine-inside-koenigsegg.html)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bch5B23_pu0

A very interesting innovation in IC engine design using a free valve concept from Cargine.

The Free Valve concept, also known as continuous variable valve timing, offers the unique ability to have independent control of the intake and exhaust valves in an ICE. For any engine load criteria, the timing of intake and exhaust can be independently programmed. The system can then “decide” based on driving conditions which one to use to maximize performance. This allows a greater degree of control over the engine which in turn provides significant performance benefits.

Actually something like this already exists. FIAT's Multi-Air techonology allows complete control over all valve operational parameters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK3CLMr8qwg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y-SVMgB6AQ

The FIAT system does not eliminate the cam, but cam now becomes more of a pure timing device which no longer has direct control over the valve actuation. Just like Koenigsegg there are quite a few other companies working on completely cam-less systems too, but I think the major challenge will be creating a perfect timing device for the engine which can keep rotating at different speeds in a pretty wide rev range.

The main advantage of a camless system compared to FIAT's cam-driven electronic valve control system is that in a cam less system you lose the weight of the cam-shaft, as well as the engine no longer needs to lose some energy towards rotating camshafts.

But as of now FIAT's system will be more reliable and safe in nature. In FIAT's cam-driven electronic control system, if the valve control electronics have an issue the engine can return to a default mode as the camshaft is still there to keep opening and closing the valves and let the engine keep running like a simple old non-VVT engine. But in a cam-less system if the electronics controlling the valves fail for some reason, it can lead to complete engine destruction with valves colliding with each other or with the piston.

Controlling a series of seperate explosions means emissions will always dog the internal combustion engine. Some engineering academics (and more practical types) believe the steam engine has yet to have its day. But controlling the valves to work independently of engine rotation is a step forwards.