Over the past few years, the automotive industry has undergone a radical shift driven by the need to reduce emissions. While electric and hybrid engines are gaining ground, new innovations tied to traditional internal combustion engines continue to emerge. One of the most surprising developments comes from the United States, where a group of researchers is working on an engine capable of running on both gasoline and diesel simultaneously. This system is known as RCCI, short for “reactivity controlled compression ignition.”
A More Efficient Engine
According to the researchers, combining both fuels allows the engine to achieve a fuel-to-power conversion rate of up to 60%. This figure far surpasses that of traditional gasoline engines and even many current diesel engines. The goal of this system is to offer a cleaner and more efficient alternative while still relying on internal combustion technology.
How the RCCI System Works
The engine initially operates like a conventional gasoline engine, mixing air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Then, at a specific moment in the process, diesel is added to create a more efficient mixture. As reported by SlashGear, the diesel is injected shortly before ignition, triggering the combustion of the rest of the mixture and thereby improving engine performance.
An Experimental Project
In addition to boosting efficiency, this system also promises to reduce pollutant emissions. However, for now, this technology exists only in the laboratory. One of its potential drawbacks is the need to refuel with two different types of fuel, though researchers believe the advantages could outweigh this issue in the future.
