What are the disadvantages of a rotary engine?
1 Answers
The disadvantages of a rotary engine include high fuel consumption and heavy pollution. The components have a short lifespan because the three apexes of the rotor are responsible for sealing (there are sealing components similar to piston rings on the apexes), and they operate under conditions of poor lubrication for extended periods, leading to premature wear. Below is relevant information about rotary engines: 1. The advantages of a rotary engine compared to traditional four-stroke engines at the time were obvious: simpler structure, smaller size and weight, lower center of gravity, smoother operation, less vibration, and, more importantly, the ability to achieve greater power with a smaller displacement. Taking the RX-8's engine as an example, with a 1.3L displacement, it can output power close to that of a 2.5L naturally aspirated or 1.8T engine. 2. The disadvantages of a rotary engine are also evident. The rotor completes three power strokes per revolution, and the higher RPM and stronger power result in higher fuel consumption, lower combustion efficiency, and incomplete combustion, leading to severely excessive exhaust emissions. Due to its different structure, taxation in various countries is calculated at double the rate, resulting in higher taxes. 3. The biggest drawback of a rotary engine is the severe oil burning and wear during operation due to its different sealing method, leading to a much shorter lifespan compared to four-stroke engines.
