The current generation of cylinder deactivation technology — used in GM's V-6 and V-8 small block engines — uses electrically controlled valve lifters to turn off half the cylinders in the V-8 and two cylinders in the V-6 engine. It offers up to a 5 percent fuel economy gain. DSF can run an engine on various combinations of even and odd cylinders as needed, adding about 10 percent more fuel economy, or as much 15 percent greater fuel economy than engines without cylinder cut-off technology.
DSF is being developed by Tula Technology Inc. In 2012 the company received funding for the system from GM Ventures L.L.C., which is run by Jon Lauckner, GM vice president of global R&D.
The company, formed by GM in June 2010, works with private companies to develop new technologies. GM has investments with about 20 start-up companies.
“This technology holds the potential to improve fuel economy on select GM vehicles without degrading power capability when it's required,” Mr. Lauckner said in a statement. “This joint effort combines software expertise from Silicon Valley with powertrain expertise from General Motors.”
GM is not giving much in the way of technical details on DSF. It isn't clear if the new system would replace the electrically controlled valve lifters or work in conjunction with them.
Product applications
If DSF makes production, it would likely appear on the next generation small block V-6 and V-8 vehicles due around 2017. GM would use the system in its trucks and SUVs and rear-wheel drive vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro.
The auto maker plans to meet stringent fuel economy standards with a combination of advanced powertrain technologies and lightweight aluminum body panels on select vehicles.
For a demonstration on how Tula Technology's system works, click here.
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This report appeared on the website of Automotive News, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.
