Advantages of Wankel Rotary Engine Over Reciprocating Engine
- Wankel rotary engine is smaller in size, lighter in weight, and more compact than reciprocating engines.
- It is cheaper and simpler in construction for mass production due to the absence of many working parts like connecting rods, crankshafts, valve mechanisms, etc.
- Its balancing is easier because it does not contain any reciprocating parts. Road tests have proved that this engine is practically free of vibrations.
- Wankel engine volumetric efficiency is very high, often exceeding 100%.
- Its power output per kg of the engine is considerably higher.
- The Wankel engine requires a lower running cost than the reciprocating engine.
- It does not require overdrive because its speed is very high.
Disadvantages of Wankel Engine
- Higher fuel consumption at low-speed ranges and higher oil consumption per B.H.P.
- Lower torque speeds.
- The braking effect of the engine is far less.
- Reduction of speed in the transmission is necessary due to the very high engine speed.
- Due to the ignition troubles experienced with ordinary ignition system. Spark plugs need to be changed periodically. However, this has been removed by using transistorized ignition.
- The main obstacle in the development of the Wankel rotary engine was the sealing problem, which has largely been solved.
- Cylinder distortion may occur due to the close proximity of the inlet and exhaust ports.
- Very high exhaust gas temperatures, nearly 1600°F, creates problem in the exhaust manifold and silencer designs.
