Variable Valve Control

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VVC (Variable Valve Control) is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Rover and applied to some high performance variants of the company's K Series 1800cc engine.

Variable valve timing process of altering the timing of a valve lift event

In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing (VVT) is the process of altering the timing of a valve lift event, and is often used to improve performance, fuel economy or emissions. It is increasingly being used in combination with variable valve lift systems. There are many ways in which this can be achieved, ranging from mechanical devices to electro-hydraulic and camless systems. Increasingly strict emissions regulations are causing many automotive manufacturers to use VVT systems.

MG Rover Group former British car manufacturer

MG Rover Group was the last domestically owned mass-production car manufacturer in the British motor industry. The company was formed when BMW sold the car-making and engine manufacturing assets of the original Rover Group to the Phoenix Consortium in 2000.

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In order to improve the optimisation of the valve timing for differing engine speeds and loads, the system is able to vary the timing and duration of the inlet valve opening. It achieves this by using a complex and finely machined mechanism to drive the inlet camshafts. This mechanism can accelerate and decelerate the rotational speed of the camshaft during different parts of its cycle. e.g. to produce longer opening duration, it slows the rotation during the valve open part of the cycle and speeds it up during the valve closed period.

The system has the advantage that it is continuously variable rather than switching in at a set speed. Its disadvantage lies in its complexity. Other systems achieve similar results with less expense and better reliability.

For a more detailed description, see the sandsmuseum link below.

Applications

MG Rover cars

Non MG/Rover cars

See also

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