Eaton, power management company, has introduced their next-generation sodium-filled hollow-head valves. The valves feature a unique design that lowers the cylinder chamber temperature while mitigating engine knock, and improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and increase performance in gas-powered engines.
Unlike traditional hollow valves, the head portion of the new valve is composed of two separate sections welded together during the production process. This enables higher flexibility in the sodium cavity design, increasing volume and assuring optimal sodium flow. The welding design and its tested technology ensure that the valves comply with the most demanding industry validation targets.
The new valves can cool down the combustion face and, therefore, the chamber temperature, which increases the spark advance and air-to-fuel ratio because the engine is less inclined to knock. As a result, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) can be increased and emissions reduced.
Eaton’s next-generation sodium-filled hollow-head valves are currently being evaluated by several global automakers, with start of production scheduled for 2023.
Image credit: Eaton