Camless

Engines
 Introduction
The new emerging technology for automotive technology are the
Camless engine which the engine does not have camshaft to lift the both
intake and exhaust valve.
 CAMS
• Control the breathing channels (valves) of an IC engine

• Connected to camshaft which is operated by crankshaft

• Cams push open valves at proper time & guide their closure

• But they are inflexible except VTEC & VVT-I

• Engineers could not vary timing, lift & duration of valve opening infinitely
 CAMLESS ENGINES

• Eliminated mechanical linkages

• Could provide infinite variation of valve parameters

• It can make engines clean, efficient & responsive

 Working Of Conventional Engines
• The crankshaft turns camshaft which operates valves by mechanism

• Spring brings back valve to initial position

• Timing of engine valves depends on shape of cams

Conventional Engine Valves
• Engineers must design cams in the development stages
• This design compromises b/n engine power & fuel efficiency
• Considering this compromise automobile companies brought variable
valve timing mechanisms
• But is effects were limited
 Camless engines overview

• Main sensors -
Engine load sensor Exhaust gas sensor
Valve position sensor Engine speed sensor

SENSORS ELECTRONIC ACTUATORS

CONTROL UNIT
• Sensors sense parameters & send signals to ECU

• ECU contains microprocessors with associated software

• This ECU controls the actuators to work according to requirements

 Actuators
• It is a electro-hydraulic camless valve train (ECV)

Uses elastic property of compressed hydraulic fluid which acts like a

liquid spring, accelerates & decelerates the valves
 Hydraulic pendulum

• Involves conversion of PE to KE and back to PE with minimum

energy loss

• During acceleration of valves PE is converted to KE

• During deceleration of valve energy of moving valve is returned to

fluid
Detailed view of Hydraulic Pendulum
Operation of hydraulic pendulum
• Lift, timing & duration of valve opening is varied by controlling
solenoid valves

• This is done by ECU when signals are sent from the sensors
 Modifier Rod
• Used to impart
 Unequal lift to the paired valves
 Zero motion to any valve
Modifier Rod Operation
 Advantages
• Enables the development of higher torque throughout the entire rev range
which in turn improves fuel economy

• Cylinder Deactivation can be achieved during the idling phase

• Exhaust gas recirculation is improved

• Reduces friction losses

• Reduces the inertia of moving parts

 Resultant Advantages
• Better fuel economy- 7 to 10 % increase

• Higher torque & power- 10 to 15 % increase

• Lower exhaust emissions- EGR system is eliminated since EGR effect

occurs on its own & thus reduces NOx emissions

• Reduction in size & weight

 Disadvantages
• High Cost

• Increased power consumption

• Air gap between the solenoids may demand a higher magnitude of

current during certain periods

• The control strategy for valve seating velocity needs to be modified

 Conclusion
Even though some disadvantages are present, we can expect
electrohydraulic & electromechanical valves to replace the
conventional camshaft technology.
 References
• http://www.cvel.clemson.edu/auto/AuE835_Projects_2011/Shroff_pr
oject.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camless
• http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=0910
Thanks