Overview of the potential and limitations of cylinder deactivation

Abstract

Emission reduction has become an important subject of discussion in recent years, mostly due to CO2 emission limits set by the European Union to protect the environment. One of the most affected areas is the automotive industry for its usage of internal combustion engines. Even though it is still not possible to eliminate the use of fossil fuels completely, it can be decreased by increasing the efficiency of internal combustion engines. One of the ways to do so is using cylinder deactivation technology. This paper summarises the history of cylinder deactivation and describes various approaches to the implementation of this technology, including its potential and constraints. The synergy of cylinder deactivation with other technologies is presented and future possibilities are predicted.Emission reduction has become an important subject of discussion in recent years, mostly due to CO2 emission limits set by the European Union to protect the environment. One of the most affected areas is the automotive industry for its usage of internal combustion engines. Even though it is still not possible to eliminate the use of fossil fuels completely, it can be decreased by increasing the efficiency of internal combustion engines. One of the ways to do so is using cylinder deactivation technology. This paper summarises the history of cylinder deactivation and describes various approaches to the implementation of this technology, including its potential and constraints. The synergy of cylinder deactivation with other technologies is presented and future possibilities are predicted.