Wankel Engine

Its the type of rotary engine which was Designed in 1958 by a German scientist named Felix Wankel. Wankel engines do not use pistons rather it uses a triangular shaped rotor housed in an oval shaped cylinder. As the rotor is rotated it moves around the cylinder producing the four basic functions to produce a power stroke.

Working of wankel engine

Intake Stroke

The production of power begins with the rotor at point A.The intake port is uncovered allowing a new air/fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber.

Compression Stroke

As the rotor rotates the combustion chamber is reduced in size compressing the mixture.

Power Stroke

At the highest point of compression the air/fuel is ignited.The hot expanding gases push on the rotor causing it to rotate.

Exhaust Stroke

The continued rotation of the rotor uncovers the exhaust port allowing the exhaust gas to escape.The cycle then repeats when a new air/fuel mixture is permitted to enter the combustion chamber.

Advantages

1. Less vibration than piston driven engines.
2. A two rotary engine is as powerful as a six cylinder piston engine.
3. Power output can be increased by adding additional rotors to the engine.

Disadvantages

1. Sealing the rotor in the odd shaped cylinder is very difficult requiring costly maintenance.
2. Construction cost are high for this engine.
3. Shortages of trained mechanics to service this engine type.

For more understand watch the animation