Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

GUIDED BY :- S. B. LOKHANDE

SUBJECT :- APPLIED THERMODYNAMICS

BRANCH :- MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MADE BY :-

SR. NAME OF STUDENT ROLL NO

NO.
1. CHANDALIYA LOKESH SANDEEP 23058
2. KOLTE GAURAV RAJU 23066
INTRODUCTION :-
• What is Variable Valve Timing (VVT)?
• VVT is a technology that adjusts the timing of engine valves to optimize performance under
various conditions.
• Importance in Modern IC Engines:
• VVT improves fuel efficiency, power output, and reduces emissions, making it essential in
modern engine designs.
• Relation to Thermodynamic Efficiency:
• VVT enhances combustion efficiency, reducing energy losses and improving the engine's
overall thermal efficiency.
OBJECTIVES :-
• The Working of VVT Systems
• This presentation aims to explain how Variable Valve Timing works, including the different types of mechanisms
(cam phasing, cam switching, camless systems), and how they adjust valve timing during engine operation.
Understanding the internal components and control strategies is key to appreciating how VVT functions
dynamically in real-world conditions.
• Impact on Engine Performance
• VVT has a significant effect on engine output characteristics such as torque, horsepower, fuel economy, and throttle
response. By optimizing valve timing for different RPM ranges and load conditions, VVT enhances overall
drivability and engine responsiveness across the full operating range.
• Thermodynamic Relevance
• From a thermodynamics perspective, VVT plays a vital role in influencing the efficiency of combustion cycles. It
affects volumetric efficiency, pumping work, combustion stability, and heat loss. Understanding these effects
provides deeper insight into how engine efficiency and emissions can be improved through valve timing control.
Basics of Valve Timing :-
• What is Valve Timing?
• It refers to the specific moments when intake and exhaust valves open and close during the
four-stroke engine cycle
• Traditional Fixed Camshafts vs Variable Systems
• Fixed camshafts operate with constant timing, while variable systems adjust valve timing
dynamically for better performance and efficiency.
• Importance for Air-Fuel Mixing and Combustion
• Correct valve timing ensures proper air-fuel intake and exhaust removal, leading to
efficient combustion and improved engine output.
Types of Valve Timing :-

• 1. Fixed Valve Timing

• Valve timing remains constant; optimized for limited engine conditions.
• 2. Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
• Adjusts timing using mechanical, hydraulic, or electronic systems to improve
performance at different speeds.
• 3. Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
• Offers smooth, continuous timing adjustments for maximum efficiency and power
across all RPM ranges.
Thermodynamic Relevance :-
• Valve Timing Affects Thermodynamic Processes in the Engine
• The timing of valve opening and closing plays a crucial role in how efficiently the engine breathes and
converts fuel into power. VVT directly influences several key thermodynamic parameters:
• Valve timing directly influences engine thermodynamics by:
. • Volumetric Efficiency: Improves air-fuel intake for better combustion.
• Compression Ratio: Delayed intake valve closing affects effective compression, improving
efficiency.
• Scavenging Losses: Optimized valve overlap helps remove exhaust gases more effectively.
• Thermal Efficiency & Power: Enhances combustion quality, boosting overall efficiency and power
output.
Working Principle of VVT :-
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) adjusts the opening and closing times of the intake and/or exhaust valves
based on engine speed and load. This ensures optimal airflow and combustion under different driving
conditions.
• The system can be controlled using:
• Oil pressure (hydraulic actuation)
• Solenoids (electromechanical control)
• Electric motors (precise electronic control)

• By changing valve timing dynamically, VVT improves power, fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions.
VVT Mechanisms :-
• Cam Phasing (e.g., Advancing/Retarding Camshaft Angle):
• Adjusts the position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft, changing the timing of valve
opening and closing for different engine speeds.
• Cam Changing (Switching Between Different Cam Profiles):
• Switches between multiple camshaft profiles for optimal valve timing at various RPMs,
allowing better power and efficiency at different loads.
• Camless Systems (Electromagnetically Controlled Valves):
• Uses electromagnetic actuators to control valve timing without traditional camshafts, offering
continuous and precise adjustments for maximum efficiency.
Common VVT Systems :-
• VTEC (Honda) – Variable Valve Lift and Timing:
• Combines variable valve timing with different camshaft profiles for optimal performance at different engine speeds,
enhancing both fuel efficiency and power.

• VANOS (BMW) – Camshaft Phasing System:

• Uses a hydraulic system to adjust the camshaft's timing, improving engine performance by optimizing intake and
exhaust valve timing across different RPM ranges.

• VVT-i (Toyota) – Intelligent Variable Timing:

• Adjusts the timing of the intake valves for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, based on engine speed and load.

• MIVEC (Mitsubishi) – Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing:

• Uses a combination of camshaft phasing and valve lift control to improve engine performance and fuel economy by
adapting to various driving conditions.
Thermodynamic Cycle Impact :-

• Effect on Otto Cycle and Miller/Atkinson Cycle Operations:

• VVT influences the Otto cycle (standard combustion cycle) and Miller/Atkinson cycles by
adjusting valve timing, improving efficiency, and enabling lower compression ratios for
better fuel economy.

• Delayed/Advanced Intake/Exhaust Impacts Efficiency and Emissions:

• Advancing or delaying the intake/exhaust valve timing optimizes combustion, reducing
fuel consumption and lowering emissions, improving overall engine efficiency.
Benefits of VVT :-
• Improved Fuel Efficiency:
• VVT optimizes combustion, reducing fuel consumption by adjusting valve timing based on driving conditions.

• Increased Power Output:

• By optimizing valve timing for different engine speeds, VVT enhances engine performance, providing more power
when needed.

• Reduced Emissions:
• VVT improves combustion efficiency, reducing unburned fuel and harmful emissions, helping engines meet stricter
environmental standards.

• Better Torque Across RPM Range:

• VVT ensures smooth delivery of torque throughout the entire RPM range, providing consistent power and better
throttle response.
Limitations and Challenges :-
• Complexity of Design:
• VVT systems add complexity to engine design, requiring advanced components and control systems to function
properly.

• Higher Maintenance:
• The intricate nature of VVT systems can lead to higher maintenance requirements over time, with potential for
increased wear.

• Additional Cost:
• The cost of manufacturing and implementing VVT technology can raise the overall cost of the engine or vehicle.

• Sensitivity to Oil Quality (Hydraulic Systems):

• Hydraulic VVT systems rely on oil pressure for valve timing adjustments, making them sensitive to oil quality and
requiring regular maintenance to avoid issues.
Real-World Applications :-

• Used in Passenger Cars, Sports Cars, and Motorcycles:

• VVT technology is common across all types of vehicles to enhance
performance, efficiency, and driving experience.

• Key for Meeting Emission Norms and Performance Goals:

• VVT helps manufacturers meet strict emission standards while maintaining or
improving engine power and fuel economy.
Future Scope :-

• Integration with Hybrid Systems:

• VVT will continue to evolve alongside hybrid engines to maximize fuel efficiency and performance in varying drive
modes.

• AI-Based Engine Tuning:

• Future engines may use AI to dynamically optimize valve timing in real-time for better performance and reduced
emissions.

• Full Camless Engine Designs:

• Advancements in actuator technology could lead to camless engines, offering complete control over valve operation
for peak efficiency and flexibility.
Conclusion :-

• VVT is a Crucial Innovation in IC Engine Design:

• It allows engines to adapt to different driving conditions, improving overall performance.

• Helps Balance Performance, Efficiency, and Emissions:

• VVT optimizes combustion, providing better power, fuel economy, and lower emissions.

• Essential Topic in Thermodynamics and Automotive Tech:

• VVT demonstrates practical application of thermodynamic principles in modern engine
systems.
THANK YOU