The Wankel rotary engine, made famous by Mazda, has a rich history of innovation and controversy. Ralph Sarich, an Australian inventor and engineer, played a significant role in the development of this iconic engine. His Orbital engine design, which rotated the rotor around the crankshaft, aimed to improve upon the Wankel's design, achieving better power, fuel efficiency, and reduced wear. The Orbital engine's design was a result of Sarich's fascination with the Wankel's potential. He claimed that his design would result in a lighter, more compact engine while maintaining the desirable power and high-revving characteristics of the Wankel. However, the engine faced significant challenges, including cooling and lubrication issues. Despite these problems, Sarich continued to refine his design, eventually developing an air-assisted direct fuel injection system called OFIS (Orbital Fuel Injection System). This system allowed the engine to run with an A/F ratio as lean as 31.5:1, significantly improving fuel ...
The Wankel rotary engine, made famous by Mazda, has a rich history of innovation and controversy. Ralph Sarich, an Australian inventor and engineer, played a significant role in the development of this iconic engine. His Orbital engine design, which rotated the rotor around the crankshaft, aimed to improve upon the Wankel’s design, achieving better power, fuel efficiency, and reduced wear.
The Orbital engine’s design was a result of Sarich’s fascination with the Wankel’s potential. He claimed that his design would result in a lighter, more compact engine while maintaining the desirable power and high-revving characteristics of the Wankel. However, the engine faced significant challenges, including cooling and lubrication issues. Despite these problems, Sarich continued to refine his design, eventually developing an air-assisted direct fuel injection system called OFIS (Orbital Fuel Injection System).
This system allowed the engine to run with an A/F ratio as lean as 31.5:1, significantly improving fuel efficiency. The OFIS system was first prototyped in the early 1980s using three-cylinder two-stroke Suzuki-sourced engines. Sarich’s innovative approach to engine design, although never commercially viable, showcases his determination to push the boundaries of what was thought possible in engine technology.
The Orbital engine, although never mass-produced, remains an intriguing footnote in the history of automotive innovation. Sarich’s perseverance in the face of challenges and his commitment to his vision serve as a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of never giving up on one’s ideas.
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