Rotorimoottori

Rotorimoottori, also known as a rotary engine or Wankel engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design to convert pressure into rotational motion. Unlike a traditional piston engine, which uses reciprocating pistons, a rotorimoottori employs a rotor that spins within a trochoidal housing. The rotor has three faces, and as it rotates, it creates three separate chambers within the housing. These chambers go through the four strokes of an internal combustion engine: intake, compression, power, and exhaust, but in a continuous, overlapping cycle.

The key component is the rotor, which is typically triangular in shape with convex sides. As the rotor spins, its apexes maintain contact with the housing, creating a seal and dividing the housing into the working chambers. The crankshaft is eccentrically mounted to the rotor, so as the rotor rotates, it drives the crankshaft in a circular motion. This direct conversion of the rotor's rotational movement to the crankshaft's rotational movement eliminates the need for connecting rods and other components found in piston engines.

Rotorimoottorit are known for their compact size, relatively few moving parts, and smooth operation due to the absence of reciprocating masses. They also tend to rev higher and produce more power for their displacement compared to piston engines. However, they can be less fuel-efficient and may have higher oil consumption and emissions challenges compared to their piston-driven counterparts, particularly regarding unburned hydrocarbons and NOx. Despite these challenges, the unique design has found applications in various vehicles and other machinery where its advantages outweigh its drawbacks.