Air-hybrid and fully variable valve timing systems: improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines

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The primary objective of the present proposal is to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines (ICEs) through development of commercially feasible air-hybrid and fully variable valve timing system technologies. Although full electric and electric-hybrid concepts have received significant attention in the past decade, they require the addition of heavy, expensive batteries and electric motors to the ICE powertrain in order to store and convert kinetic energy generated during braking into mechanical power to propel the vehicle. Air-hybrid engines use the same concept as electric-hybrid vehicles; however, rely solely on compressed air directly available from the engine cylinders to store energy and therefore potentially offer significant weight and cost savings with equal efficiency.