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KGYAT have developed the RVCR, the world’s first commercially viable Rotary Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) engine.

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - RVCR (KGYAT have developed the RVCR, the world’s first commercially viable Rotary Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) engine.)

Reporting period: 2016-06-01 to 2016-09-30

The efficiency of Internal Combustion engines (which is present in 95% of the transport sector's liquid hydrocarbon fuel applications) however it delivers poor efficiencies of 30% with gasoline and 40% with diesel. In addition to energy losses, inefficiencies drive up the fuel costs for drivers. Other prime mover/ drive power pack alternatives to the IC engine are not yet seen as workable solutions for the end user and have therefore yet to fully saturate the market. Our technology increases efficiency by up to 30% for any fuel. The engine also has a multi-fuel compatibility meaning that car owners can save money by being able to choose from the cheapest available fuel. The higher efficiency is also safer for the environment since less fuel is consumed.
During the Feasibility Assessment, KGYAT created a detailed plan to support the development and commercialisation of the RVCR engine.

Through many discussions with other organisations such as virtual engineering firm CADFEM, and machine testing firm, A&M EDM, KGYAT now have a comprehensive work plan to guide the development of the engine. The Company assessed how the Phase 2 SME Instrument grant would support the project plans.

KGYAT also engaged with car makers and engine producers to better understand their target audience and confirmed that small luxury car makers are the segment to be most quickly and easily served due to their requirements to offer car buyers something unique and innovative. KGYAT received positive and highly enthusiastic feedback from this segment. A business model and financial projections were also developed. To ensure ease of market entry, KGYAT comprehensively evaluated the regulations with respect to both emissions and manufacturing and they also formulated a strategic IP management plan.

Also during the investigation, KGYAT participated in 2016 CTI PFAN Asia Forum for Clean Energy Financing and was awarded business coaching.
The RVCR is a significant improvement when compared to other rotary engines being developed. It is the first commercial viable rotary variable compression ratio engine, combining into one high-tech powertrain, the specific output and performance advantages of rotary motors and the thermal efficiency gains from VCRs.

The adoption of the RVCR engine by manufacturers will have a very positive impact on a European and global scale. The project addresses many important worldwide challenges related to environmental sustainability and reducing emissions to targets set, in particular the 2020 targets set by the EU stating a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels. The EU’s goal is juxtaposed by the growing demand for oil. In 2013 global demand was 90.79 millions of barrels per day (mb/d), and this has grown to 97.03 mb/d in 2016. A gain of 1.2mb/d is expected in 2017. This increased demand for oil means that the Earth’s known oil reserves will be exhausted in approximately 50 years. The RVCR engine is more efficiency and can consume green sources of fuel as well as petrol/diesel, thus ensuring sustainaibility and environmental friendliness, minising dependence on oil. The European Environment Agency estimates that road transport contributes 21% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions and passenger cars are responsible for 14%. Transport CO2 emissions in the EU grew by 23% between 1990 and 2010 whereas other sectors reduced their emissions by 14% on average over the same period making it the worst performing sector under the Kyoto Treaty. This has given rise to urgent and increasing pressure globally to drastically reduce the fuel consumption and pollution created by road transport. Currently in the EU, the average passenger car produces about 2.6 tonnes of CO2 per year. The RVCR is up to 30% more efficient meaning that the average CO2 produced by a car could be reduced to about 1.8 tonnes of CO2.
RVCR prototype
RVCR prototype