Rotationsmotoren

Rotationsmotoren, often referred to as rotary engines or Wankel engines, are a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotating design to convert pressure into torque. Unlike conventional piston engines that utilize reciprocating pistons moving up and down in cylinders, a rotary engine employs a rotor that spins within a housing. This rotor is typically triangular in shape, with three convex sides. As it rotates, the spaces between the rotor's sides and the housing form three distinct chambers.

The engine cycle in a rotary engine, similar to a four-stroke piston engine, involves intake, compression, combustion (power), and exhaust. As the rotor turns, each chamber undergoes these four stages sequentially. Fuel and air are drawn into a chamber during the intake phase. The chamber then shrinks as the rotor continues to spin, compressing the mixture. Ignition occurs, causing the combustion and expansion of gases, which drives the rotor and generates torque. Finally, the exhaust gases are expelled from the chamber.

Rotary engines are known for their compact size, fewer moving parts compared to piston engines, and smooth operation due to the absence of reciprocating motion. This often leads to a higher power-to-weight ratio. However, they can be less fuel-efficient and may have higher emissions of certain pollutants, particularly unburned hydrocarbons, compared to their piston counterparts. Historically, they have been used in various applications, including automobiles, motorcycles, and aircraft, with notable examples being the Mazda RX series cars.