Emissions and Fuel Economy of a Vehicle Equipped with the Eaton Valve Selector

摘要

The deactivation of one or more engine cylinders is a method that has been proposed as offering potential for vehicle fuel economy improvements. At low power outputs the throttle is nearly closed. This introduces a 'throttling loss', which is the energy that the engine must expend to draw the fuel/air mixture through the carburetor throtte opening. By operating an engine on a reduced number of cylinders, and operating these cylinders at higher power levels, the throttling losses are appreciably reduced. A cylinder deactivation system is being considered for use in several 1981 Cadillac models. Other cylinder deactivation systems are currently under development in the United States. Since EPA had not recently tested a cylinder deactivation system designed for current vehicles, EPA contacted the Eaton Corporation and requested the loan of a vehicle with the Eaton Valve Selector System installed. Eaton made available a system installed in a development vehicle.