Technical Innovations
Industrial engines from Robin Subaru
 Engineers incorporated technology from world rally champion car engines in the design of the EX Series engines from Robin Subaru.  |
Robin Subaru's new EX Series air-cooled gasoline engine is based on the Subaru WRX world rally champion car's boxer engine. Principal features and benefits of the EX Series are claimed to be easy starting, low noise, high power performance, long engine life, and ease of installation and interchange with existing slant-cylinder engines in the field. Four models offer a power range of 3.4 to 6.7 kW (4.5 to 9 hp). Robin Subaru has targeted the new series to power a range of applications that include general construction equipment, portable generators, pumps, and compressors.
An overhead cam (OHC) system, driven by a steel chain, was chosen for improved durability and longer engine life. A benefit of the chain-driven OHC system is reduced recoil pulling force required to start the engine, with a reduction of as much as 30 to 40% over similarly sized engines, claims Robin. To further improve starting, a newly designed ignition system gives a hotter spark at a lower speed to allow easier turnover. Robin also claims a reduction in noise by a full 2 dB(A) compared to competitive engines.
The combustion chamber features a new pent-roof design for improved efficiency. Also incorporated is an optimized intake and exhaust system, which intensifies air intake and fuel-air mixing, reduces dead volume, and eliminates flow losses. The result is said to significantly improve engine breathing and volumetric efficiency that, in turn, increases power density per displacement and reduces both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption.
As lower oil temperatures translate to longer engine life, special heat dissipation fins appear on the inner and outer crankcase surfaces. Cooling passages and fins are designed into the mounting base, with slant fins on the cylinder. Related to cooling, a splash lubrication system with an oil scraper on the connecting rod supplies oil to the cam chain. A breather system meters the oil, whether the engine is operated on a level or inclined surface.
The four EX Series models are said to be the same size or smaller than comparable engines, which facilitates easy interchange and installation in the field, with 54% of the parts common between the four models, helping to lower costs. The Robin Subaru EX Series engines are manufactured by Robin Subaru parent, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Group, at its Saitama, Japan, facilities, and marketed by Robin America.
- Jean L. Broge
Cat's fuel-cell power-gen agenda
Caterpillar Inc. and FuelCell Energy, Inc. are jointly developing ultra-low emissions Direct FuelCell (DFC) power-generation products for industrial and commercial use. Under the 10-year alliance agreement, customers will be able to buy these Cat-branded 250-kW to 3-MW power plants that incorporate FuelCell Energy's fuel-cell module from Cat dealers in selected regions in North America. An average home is powered by 1 kW, claim the companies.
The companies are also exploring the development of a hybrid power system that uses Cat's technical expertise in systems packaging, electronics, power conditioning, and gas turbine engines and FuelCell Energy's fuel-cell module. The agreement with FuelCell Energy introduces reliable, highly efficient, ultra-low emissions base load power plant applications to Caterpillar's portfolio of distributed generation power products. Caterpillar anticipates marketing fuel-cell power plants both as separate units, and as parts of more comprehensive base load, peaking, and backup power generation systems.
The market drivers for distributed power generation are strong and growing. FuelCell Energy's DFCs generate electricity with no combustion. Fuel cells are similar to large, continuously running batteries, using natural gas or other fuel to generate electricity through electrochemical reactions. As part of the agreement, Caterpillar will receive warrants to purchase 1.5 million shares of FuelCell Energy common stock. The agreement calls for the warrants to be issued on a graduated scale as order commitments are received up to a maximum of 45 MW of fuel-cell power plants.
- Jean L. Broge
