Motortyps

Motortyps is a conceptual framework used in automotive engineering to classify and describe different kinds of engines and electric motors. The term combines motor and typology to denote a structured taxonomy that can cover internal combustion engines, electric motors, and hybrid units. In practice, Motortyps organizes propulsion systems by several key characteristics: energy source, operating cycle or principle, cooling method, ignition or control strategy, and physical layout.

In energy terms, Motortyps distinguishes among combustion-based engines, electric motors, and hybrid arrangements, with subcategories for individual fuels (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hydrogen) and battery or fuel-cell power. For cycle or principle, it notes Otto, Diesel, Atkinson, Miller, Brayton, Wankel, and other cycles, as well as configurations appropriate to gas turbines. Layout categories include inline, V, flat or opposed, and radial arrangements, as well as the number of cylinders and displacement ranges. Additional axes cover cooling (air vs liquid), aspiration (naturally aspirated vs turbocharged or supercharged), fueling (spark-ignited vs compression-ignited), and control (mechanical, hydraulic, electronic). The framework is designed to aid comparative analysis, design optimization, and educational discussions.

Usage and status: Motortyps is not a universally standardized taxonomy; rather, it is a descriptive tool used in some engineering texts, teaching materials, and design conversations. It helps students and designers compare propulsion systems and reason about tradeoffs without claiming a single official standard.