Diesel Goes Digital to Save Energy, Lower Emissions

About this technology

Overview

While at Bell Aerospace in the 1960s, Eddie Sturman developed a very efficient valve control actuator that consumed little energy. Sturman's work resulted in multiple patents and systems that were extensively used by NASA, including a valve that helped power the Apollo spacecraft. Sturman's digital valve" consists of a specially designed spool with a magnetic holding and releasing mechanism on its side and two opposing electromagnetic coils. The magnetic holding and releasing is commanded by sophisticated electronic processors causing the spool to pass back and forth at tremendous speeds with remarkable precision to ensure accurate control of the pressurized hydraulic fluid that is pumped through the valve's opening. This allows the digital valve to open and shut extremely fast. Additionally the valve can remain in the desired open/closed position due to magnetism from the component's electromagnetic coils. In effect it saves energy provides far greater fuel economy and generates much less pollution than comparative valves. Sturman formed his own company Sturman Industries in 1989 to commercialize the digital valve for non-aerospace use. From the digital valve Sturman created a Hydraulic Valve Actuation system that provides the flexibility and precision required for clean practical and safe "camless" engine technology."