Petronas Patented Water Injection Engine?

Toyota last month openly said that it will buck the engine downsizing trend (and turbocharged) and instead will focus on developing an efficient large capacity gasoline via the optimization of Atkinson cycle, a knowledge it has honed to perfection in developing the pairing to its hybrid series. It was also mentioned in the source that Toyota will venture in the innovation of water/steam injection to enhance engine efficiency. Now this is breakthrough as engine typically breathes air and fuel, mixed for combustion.

Wow people said. It is indeed a novel concept with curiosity, as for the layman understanding, how can you ignite a fire and then spray water to it? Contradicting it may sound, but if you go to the SAE paper database, a place where all automotive engineers breath, eat and drink car, you'll found plenty of invention of water being injected into the cylinder. There's even a six-stroke concept.

What strike my eyes is the technology has also been patented by our local hero. Do you know Petronas has patented such technology years ago? Check it out here in Google Patent, Espacenet and SAE technical paper. While we don't know what Toyota technology is all about apart from injecting water/steam into combustion chamber, according to patent W02010036093 A1, Petronas novel internal combustion aim to maximise the heat generated by fuel combustion to expand water into steam which in turns utilized the heat that is otherwise wasted. The water expansion into steam exert the force in the power stroke instead of purely forced by the ignition of compressed air and fuel mixture. The low combustion efficiency currently occurring in our current engine results in un-burn hydrocarbon which goes to the exhaust line. There is an attempt to increase the combustion efficiency, but the high heat release in doing so could result in Nitrogen  Oxide (NOx) formation which started to happen at around 2000K combustion temperature.

In the normal internal combustion engine, of all the fuel combusted, two-third comes out as heat, which is then absorbed by the cooling system recirculating around the water jacket.  In a typical engine system, the jacket is located inside the cylinder block and cylinder head and it goes around collecting heat and dissipate it in the radiator system. Figure below shows the cooling jacket residing in your engine block, photos courtesy of RGBSI. In terms of energy, this is energy wasted.

In Petronas patent, water is injection post the fuel combustion and to capitalize on the heat via clever, patented system. In doing so, not only less heat is emitted as, well heat, it also will reduce the engine temperature when the excess heat is converted into energy. Energy conservation remember? So the cooling system potentially can be reduce, resulting in smaller radiator. The exhaust gas too is cooler and this in turn reduce the thermal loading applied to the exhaust manifold (also cylinder block and head) which means overall engine is subject to a reduced thermal stress. Of course there is an additional combustion load which would negate the structural savings due to thermal, but this can be optimized further, at least this my interpretation of all these things. The schematic shown on this patent of Espacenet is as below, you can go through the claim to understand the concept. It is far too long for me to read!

With the engine technology resides under Petronas umbrella has been sold to DRB HICOM, could this be one of it? Whatever it is, which ever way Toyota might be doing what it said in the news, you've got to know our locals has been there as far as innovation is concern. 

Disclaimer: All the items written are based on the information available in public domain i.e patent and open, paid automotive literature. 

Proton officially acquires Petronas engine technologies

It has been so long and after so many false start, and finally it happens. According to Business Times Proton Holdings has acquired all seven engine technologies and 117 engine technology patent owned by Petronas. The acquisition was performed from Petronas Technology Ventures Sdn Bhd, a technology commercialization arm of Petronas for a sum of RM63 million. The acquisition was completed today, witnessed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

According to Datuk Seri Khamil Jamil, Proton will have immediate access to the Petronas engine family including the 2.0L and 2.2L in-line 4 engine, which is design-protected for both naturally aspirated and turbocharged application. It is unclear whether the patent and technology acquired  covers the other engine as well, as Petronas engine ranges from the small capacity for bike and snowmobile application right up to the 2.2L turbocharged unit which is the flagship unit.

Petronas engine journey started way back in 1996 with its technology partner Sauber Petronas Engineering AG. In 1998, the giant oil and gas company revealed its E01 engine, a high spesific output 2.0L engine with racing technology. Little the public knew that the engine has evolved into several variant, and grown into the fuel efficient commercial engine with reasonable power output.The 4 cylinder mill, codenamed NE01, was designed to have several engine displacement and can support both high pressure boost as well as naturally aspirated cylinder pressure option. It has variable valve timing and all-aluminium in its construction. By holding to all Petronas IP's too, Proton will now have direct access to the derivatives spawned from NE01 including the diesel version as well as the gasoline direct injection (source).

The engine is already well under testing under the hood of Proton Exora and Preve and set to be mass produced from 3rd quarter of 2013 onwards. The engine will find its way into Proton and Lotus cars, as well as other car as Proton is open for collaboration with other OEM as Petronas has previously has some agreement with the manufacturing parties in China to manufacture NE01 (source).

The journey that started in 1996, and grew to cover many engine type and sizes was halted in 2010. That was when Petronas called it a day as far as non-core bussiness is concern. Now that the engine is out in the public, and no longer shroud in secrecy, I am glad that engine now can see the day light and will start powering cars on our road. My stint there as a simulation engineer performing structural and CFD for intake manifold, exhaust manifold, cylinder block, cylinder head, water jacket, conrod and crankshaft will remain as one of those nice memories in life, a chapter which I have nicely close but vividly remembered.

For those technical geeks, and which to read more about Petronas engine technologies and know-how, you can view some on SAE pages linked here : http://www.sae.org/search?searchfield=petronas&typ=paper. You can also look around at simulation software conference proceeding, just so you know that these project was massively beneficial in developing the national engineering talents, and their fruitful knowledge is there for the whole world to see, and appreciated.

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PETRONAS launch new Auto Transmission Fluid- ATF XP4 Tutela

PETRONAS today launched the PETRONAS Tutela Transmission ATF-XP4 (PETRONAS Tutela), a technologically advanced premium automatic transmission fluid (ATF) formulated for vehicles with SP-IV specification especially for six speed transmission and other vehicles that require low viscosity ATF. It is specifically developed in collaboration with one of PDB’s long-standing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners, Malaysia’s leading automotive distributor Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

The new transmission fluid, which is an innovative offering of PETRONAS’ Fluid Technology Solutions™ (FTS™), is designed and developed to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency and excellent gear shift performance. Formulated with premium quality synthetic base fluids and high performance additives technology, the PETRONAS Tutela also provides superior results in anti-shudder performance and enhanced friction durability, oxidation stability and effectively stays in grades, low temperature fluidity and protection against wear, corrosion, sludge or other harmful deposits.

Independent third party laboratory tests have confirmed that the PETRONAS Tutela has enhanced friction durability as compared to other fluids, which translates to excellent gear shift performance. In addition, an on-site testing with Naza Kia Malaysia in an actual driving condition within Malaysia has received positive feedback in terms of the overall performance and gear shift.

Speaking at the launch, Mohd Shobri Abu Bakar, General Manager of Lubricants Business Division said, “As the leading retailer and marketer of downstream petroleum products, PDB is committed to deliver only the best in the industry for our partners.”

“Through our relationship with OEM partners, we are constantly a step ahead of the automotive trend – understand what the industry requires and deliver on this need. With this understanding, PDB has actively worked with our partners by introducing products that meet the demands of our partners and customers,” he added.

Mohd Shobri explained, “Our Fluid Technology Solutions™, which encapsulates the involvement of PETRONAS’ technical experts at the laboratory, right through the F1™ race track and well on to the road, allows us to design, develop and deliver high performing fluids to meet stringent quality demands.”

“With PETRONAS’ FTS™ capability, PDB has successfully developed a fluid of world-class quality that delivers excellence in gear shift performance and enhances fuel efficiency,” he added.

PDB is the first oil company in Malaysia to introduce this type of transmission fluid solution. The PETRONAS Tutela that comes in a pack of 1 Litre and 18 Litres, is now available at all Naza Kia outlets.

 

PROTON to use PETRONAS engine?

PETRONAS E01 installed in Proton Waja

Fresh from the press, Berita Harian today said PROTON is exploring the use of PETRONAS engine in its revise line-up of cars. It is mentioned that the deal includes the purchase of the Intellectual Property Right of the engine as well, giving the DRB-HICOM-owned company a full ownership of the engine. The models to be fitted with this engine is claimed to be forthcoming Preve hatchback, Exora facelift and Perdana replacement.

There is some doubt about the news, as Berita Harian did not revealed any source, nor there is any interview excerpt to prove it. The engine in question also is the E01, which was revealed way back in 1998 and, although a class-act in terms of power output rivalling modern 2.0L engine, it is way behind in emission rating. 

What do you think about this, based on this limited information? Malaysia Motoring News is not at liberty to reveal more. However you can dig more in the internet to find out the whole range of PETRONAS engine, which extend all the way from the bike engine to the automotive engine. There's also news in China website mentioning something about the engine exhibited sometimes in 2009 which I could not find.

PETRONAS Coffee Break returns with free refreshment and safety check

PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) is all geared up to usher in the Hari Raya balik kampung exodus with the PETRONAS Coffee Break Campaign, which aims to educate, equip and encourage drivers to practise safety measures on the road. The nationwide Campaign will kick-start for the 13^th consecutive year, with the first phase between 15 and 18 August while the second phase resumes between 23 and 26 August.

During the Campaign, PDB will offer practical road safety tips in addition to complimentary snacks and beverages at its 32 participating PETRONAS stations located along the highways and major trunk roads across Malaysia. In addition, PDB will also be fuelling 50 St John Ambulance Malaysia’s vehicles for their 24-hour highway emergency service during this festive season. This initiative is already in its 18^th consecutive year.    

Speaking about the initiative, Amir Hamzah Azizan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PDB said, “As a company that practises ‘Safety First’ in all aspects of its operation, PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad continues to champion the Coffee Break Campaign to help ensure that all drivers and their families travel safe to reach their destination safely.”

“The PETRONAS Coffee Break Campaign is in line with the Ministry of Transport’s aim to minimise the number of road accidents during the balik kampung rush. We encourage drivers to stop, rest and refresh themselves at participating stations before continuing on their journey,” he added.

During the Campaign, coffee enthusiasts can enjoy aromatic Old Town Coffee while those looking for something refreshing can opt for Tropicana Twister fruit beverages. Julie’s tasty biscuits and Oriental Food’s Super O-Ring snacks will also be offered.

In addition, PDB will also be partnering with Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn. Bhd and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd to provide a free 22-point inspection for PROTON vehicles and 20-point inspection for PERODUA vehicles at selected stations. PDB has also roped in PETROSAINS to deploy its PETRONAS StreetSmart team to share road safety tips through a series of fun-filled interactive games that will involve motorists and their families as well. 

“During the balik kampung rush, we tend to see higher traffic on the roads leading to increased chances of accidents. We are pleased that the Campaign has managed to reach out to close to a million road users last year to minimise such untoward incidents,” Amir said.

“Moving forward, we will continue to enrich our customers’ experience with more differentiated services as we go All The Way to make their journey on the road a pleasant one,” he added.

To enjoy the string of benefits offered during the Campaign, iPhone & Android phone users can conveniently locate participating PETRONAS stations at their fingertips with the PETRONAS Pitstop application. This application was launched earlier this year and is downloadable free of charge. It also enables users to monitor fuelling expenses, check Mesra membership points, receive updates on on going promotions and connect to PDB’s Mesralink customer service.

Earlier this year, PDB also rolled out the Coffee Break Campaign during the Chinese New Year. For further information about the upcoming PETRONAS Coffee Break campaign and other promotions, please visit www.mymesra.com.my.

PETRONAS Dagangan & Perodua signed RM225 million deal

The new contract dubbed the Perodua Genuine Oil agreement will see Perodua using PETRONAS’ SL/SM grade oil at all its service outlets nationwide worth RM45 million per annum for 5 years with immediate effect.

“This deal is indeed very special for us as it strengthens the already good relationship that we are enjoying with PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad and I believe that this agreement will usher in a new chapter of cooperation between both parties,” Perodua managing Director, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said in his speech at the ceremony today.

The agreement was signed by Aminar and PDB’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Aminar added that the deal emphasizes Perodua’s confidence in the quality and reliability of PDB’s products and services.

PDB, the principal domestic marketing arm of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) for downstream products has vast experience and expertise in the area of fuel and lubricants development. With PETRONAS’ seven state-of-the-art blending facilities worldwide including Italy and two world-class research and development centres, PDB is committed to develop products of international quality for its customers.

At the signing ceremony, Amir said, “Over the past 30 years, PDB has successfully grown to become Malaysia’s second largest lubricant company in a very competitive market. We aim to be the number one in Malaysia by 2015 through effective marketing initiatives, backed by our technological expertise and strong support from our strategic global partnerships.”

“Today’s signing ceremony between PDB and Perodua is certainly a step forward to reinforce PDB’s position as the Brand of 1st Choice,” he added.

Both Perodua and PDB have a long standing business partnership since 2003.

Video : UTP intern at Mercedes GP PETRONAS

Paultan has put up a video on Michael Schumacher and Jazeman Jaafar paid a visit to a bunch of UTP students who are currently doing their internship at the F1 team Mercedes GP. Quite an interesting watch, however, there's a lot of bugger who brought up the issue of Bumi VS Non-Bumi as early as the 7th comment!!!! How stupid, and how really silly act is this when we are supposed to stand proud of witnessing our fellow Malaysian in the global spotlight, there is group of bugger to keep thinking about being racist all day long. Anyway, to those UTP students, seize your moments while you can. Opportunity like this does not come everyday!

Again I would like to stress out, please, and please support Malaysian as a whole as in the eyes of the world, they don't give a damn about your race, but more on your nationality. In this 55 years of independence, its time to be Malaysian rather than shouting Bumi and non-Bumi!

PETRONAS discontinued its partnership with Yamaha

The three-year relationship between Yamaha and PETRONAS has been brought to the end, as Yamaha MotoGP squad move into the 2012 season. The Malaysia's giant oil and gas company  joined force with the MotoGP team back in 2009, when they enjoy immediate success when Valentino Rossi took his seventh title with the team that year, and due to excellent rides of team mate Jorge Lorenzo, the team was crowned constructor champion too.

PETRONAS became the prominent sponsor in 2011 after FIAT left at the end of 2010 from its position as title sponsor. In 2010, Yamaha once again triumphed the rider championship courtesy of its rider Jorge Lorenzo.

The partnership on MotoGP front started in 2009 when both parties signed a 3-year deal. The strategic partnership was a continuation from their 8 years collaboration in Asia-Pasific motorcyle championship. The new partnership at that time aimed, among others to enable the development of Yamahalube engine oil into South-East Asean region. For PETRONAS, the collaboration will enable it to continue building the position of its international lubrication business with globally successful manufacturer.

Read after the jump for comments from both Yamaha and PETRONAS.