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Nissan's third generation e-POWER powertrain

170 points · 462 comments · mroche

  1. bob1029 · · focus · HN ↗
    > To further improve fuel efficiency and output, ZR15DDTe engine uses Nissan's unique STARC*2 concept paired with a large turbocharger.

    If we are able to consider fixed RPM operation and are willing to endure turbomachinery, I don't know why we wouldn't just go all in on a gas turbine. You can reduce the number of moving parts dramatically and accept a much wider range of fuels.

    Being able to engineer everything around a one fixed operating speed makes a huge engineering difference. Reciprocating engines are responsive to load and speed changes, but there are trade offs in many other categories.

    You can also make a gas turbine power module quite small relative to the alternatives. Replacing the it at major service intervals could be made economically viable.

    1. Neil44 · · focus · HN ↗
      That would be very cool. I wonder if you could get it through legislation though. I think all the legislation is based around reciprocating IC engines.
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