Surprisingly, there are in the automotive industry, the volume of which can be less than 1 liter of a bottle of Coca-Cola. If you now think that such motors are rare in our time, you will be surprised, in fact, small displacement engines are widely used today by many automotive manufacturers. With the constant tightening of environmental regulations in the world, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, most automakers are forced, but at the same time they are trying to maintain a certain level of adequate car power. Thus, if someone tells you that reducing the size of the engine necessarily leads to a loss of its power, then they are mistaken. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the Top 10, which, by modern standards, have a rather small engine size, but they just prove and refute those unconfirmed rumors that the trend to reduce cylinders in the engine is harmful to the car.
Smart 0.9L turbocharged three-cylinder engine
Presented by us here, which is currently available for purchase at the car market. The parameters of this machine are as follows: Length - 2.69 m, Width - 1.56 meters. Accordingly, it turns out that there is no need to install a large and powerful motor on such a mini-car. Under the hood of the microcar is a turbocharged gasoline engine with a volume of 0.9 liters and a power of 84 hp. (maximum torque 120 Nm). This is quite enough for the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.7 seconds. It is clear to everyone that the Smart Fortwo car will lose any race on the road, but its main advantage is fuel economy, in the combined cycle the car consumes only 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
Three-cylinder Ford 1.0L EcoBoost engine
It has been several years since Ford introduced its first . Even today, in our time, this power unit can be seen on many cars of the American brand. The power of such a motor is 100 hp. (depending on the model of the car), the torque of its turbo engine is 170 Nm. Thanks to its small volume three-cylinder engine and the start-stop system, the car's engine in the combined cycle consumes only 4.6 liters per 100 km.
Mitsubishi 1.2L three-cylinder engine
This 1.2 liter engine with 78 hp. is installed on the car, which allows it to consume in mixed mode about 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers.
This fuel consumption can be compared with the fuel consumption of certain hybrid vehicles. The power of the machine is less than 100 hp, and the maximum torque is 100 Nm.
Fiat Chrysler 1.4L Turbo MultiAir four-cylinder engine
This four-cylinder 1.4-liter power unit is used on many Fiat models, including and. The turbo engine has a power of 135 hp. The dimensions of this engine allowed the company's engineers to install it in a compact Fiat 500 car. Also, due to its technical characteristics, this engine makes this small car quite high-performance. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is also quite adequate - 7.8 liters per 100 km.
General Motors 1.4L Turbo Ecotec four-cylinder engine
General Motors has introduced its new 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the market. For example, this motor is also installed on a new one. The power of this engine is 153 hp. The average fuel consumption declared by the manufacturer is 6.7 liters per 100 km, which makes such a car, agree with us, simply amazing.
Non-turbo General Motors 1.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine
For those who do not really like turbocharged engines, GM has created a similar four-cylinder engine, but without a turbine, the volume of which is 1.4 liters, respectively, and the power is 98 hp. For example, this power unit is installed on a car with an engine power of 98 hp. (128 Nm).
Volkswagen 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine
Late last year, Volkswagen unveiled its 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. The code designation of the motor is EA211. This engine was specially created for the car model. Its power is 150 hp, and the maximum torque is 240 Nm. In mixed mode, a car with such a power unit consumes only 6 liters per 100 kilometers.
MINI 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine
This engine was included in the Top 10 best engines in the world in 2015, according to WardsAuto. This 1.5-liter engine is based on TwinPower Turbo technology, which is used in the creation of their engines. The power of this three-cylinder Mini engine is 136 hp, and the maximum torque is 220 Nm. Fuel consumption in combined mode is 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
Honda 1.5L four-cylinder turbo engine
Finally, Honda introduced its turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, which will be installed on a new one in the future. There are many chances that this power unit will become the most popular of all the presented engines on the world market. The turbocharged engine of a Honda car has a power of 174 hp, its maximum torque is 220 Nm. In a combined cycle with a CVT, the fuel consumption of the engine is 6.7 liters per 100 km. With a manual transmission, this fuel consumption will be significantly lower.
Toyota 1.5L four-cylinder engine
This 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, unlike the engine on a Honda car, is not equipped with a turbine. The power of this engine is 106 hp and the maximum torque is only 139 Nm. But this is quite enough and enough, since this power unit is mainly installed on a car. Fuel consumption - 7.1 liters per 100 km.
By the way, Honda and Toyota car engines are very similar to each other in their design. The only and significant difference between the cars is the presence of a turbocharger in the Honda engine. When comparing the power of two Japanese engines, one can notice and note the benefits of a turbine, which gives a Honda car a significant advantage.
Engines are different. Some of them are the size of a five-story building, while in order to see others, you have to look for a microscope. We recently presented you with a list of the largest engines in the world, now it's time to rush to the other extreme.
DKW 49cc
While this DKW single-cylinder engine may seem gigantic compared to others on this list, the 49cc is still special because it is used in the automotive industry. Or rather, in the car Peel P50. The smallest engine in the world used in the production of mass-produced cars has only 4 hp. And this, in general, is enough, because the car weighs only 56 kg.
Smalltoe motorcycle - ethanol engine
Unfortunately, we do not have data on the volume of the engine, but there is data on power: 0.3 hp. This engine is used in the world's smallest motorcycle Smalltoe, which has a wheelbase of only 80mm. This powerful engine accelerates the motorcycle to an incredible speed of 2 km / h. And yes, you can ride it. Watch the video.
The smallest V12 in the world
Manuel Hermo Barriero, a retired Spanish Navy mechanic, builds small, working engines. Not a bad job for a retiree, right? This V12 engine is recognized as the smallest in the world. Its construction took Manuel 1220 hours of painstaking work.
The smallest W32 in the world
If you were shocked by the previous engine, then get ready to see another creation of Mr. Barriero - the smallest W32 in the world. Work on the engine took 2520 hours, and 850 different parts were used in the construction process. Like the V12, this engine is perfectly balanced, and the engineer offers to watch the video to prove this fact.
Nanobee
Ronald Valentin has been building small engines for his model airplanes for 30 years. The smallest of them - Nanobee - exists so far only in the form of a prototype. Engine displacement is 0.006 ml. The most amazing fact is that this engine actually works! It is recognized as the smallest diesel engine in the world.
The smallest steam engine in the world
In the image you see a fully working steam engine, but its dimensions are not quite familiar. Indian engineer Iqbal Ahmed managed to create a functioning steam engine that is 6.8mm high, 16.24mm long and weighs 1.72g.
Microscopic internal combustion engine
What, you're still not surprised? OK then. Take a look at this engine. By the way, to look at it, you need a microscope, since its diagonal is only 0.0001mm. The engine consists of a water tank through which two electrodes pass. Current is applied to the electrodes, due to which oxygen and hydrogen decompose. As a result, gas nanobubbles are formed, the volume increases and energy is generated. Oh, this science!
Many people ask the question: how to save on fuel? Of course, there are a lot of tips on this subject, such as 10 ways to reduce consumption and all that. But, whatever one may say, you can’t jump above the passport data. Therefore, the surest way not to spend a lot of money on fuel is to buy an economical car that consumes a minimum of fuel.
A modern car can consume just over 3 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. And this is without any hybrid installations. In this case, as a rule, we are not talking about small cars at all. Today, economical engines can be found on roomy sedans and premium cars.
Basically, engines that can significantly reduce fuel consumption are diesel. But it cannot be said that economical gasoline units are rare. For example, small and efficient gasoline engines are being actively promoted by Ford, Renault, Opel, Peugeot and Citroen. Toyota and Volkswagen have interesting engines.
True, in the TOP-10 in the overall standings, gasoline cars still did not make it. However, in a separate rating of gasoline cars, you will definitely find interesting models.
Among economical cars, Renault and Peugeot models were the most popular.
Of the Japanese brands, only Toyota was included. Even the "baby" Nissan Micra turned out to be too voracious - it "eats" 6.5 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. Despite the fact that the car is about the same size as Smart.
Remember that fuel consumption also depends on the right engine oil. You can find a good selection of oils.
The most economical cars in Ukraine: TOP-10*
*This table shows the 10 vehicles with the lowest fuel consumption. Below you will find two more rankings: and .
| Place | Model | Average fuel consumption, l/100 km | Fuel | Engine volume, l. |
| 1 | 3,3 | diesel | 1,3 | |
| 2 | 3,5 | diesel | 1,6 | |
| 3 | 3,6 | diesel | 1,1 | |
| 4 | 3,6 | diesel | 1,6 | |
| 5 | 3,6 | diesel | 1,5 | |
| 6 | 3,7 | diesel | 1,6 | |
| 7 | 3,8 | diesel | 1,6 | |
| 8 | 3,8 | diesel | 1,5 | |
| 9 | DS4 Crossback | 3,8 | diesel | 1,6 |
| 10 | 3,9 | diesel | 1,5 |
TOP-20 economical cars: DIESEL
The top twenty included cars with the lowest consumption of diesel fuel, which can be bought in Ukraine.
20. Skoda Octavia (4.1 l / 100 km)
Skoda Octavia in Ukraine is sold in two body types: sedan and station wagon. And both cars are available with a 2-litre diesel engine that consumes about 4 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers on average.
Approximate cost of the car:
- sedan - from $ 27,000;
- station wagon - from $ 28,500.
19. Ford Focus (4.1 l / 100 km)
Ford Focus in Ukraine is offered in three versions:
- sedan;
- hatchback;
- wagon.
The car can be equipped with a 1.5-liter diesel engine, which consumes just over 4 liters per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $18,500.
18. Mercedes C-Class (4 l/100 km)
Mercedes C-Class is one of the most expensive cars in this rating. The sedan is equipped with a 1.6-liter diesel engine that consumes about 4 liters of fuel per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $32,500.
17. Fiat 500 L (4 l/100 km)
The letter L in the name of the Fiat 500 means that in front of you is an extended version of the car. This modification of the five hundredth has five doors, and in addition to them - an economical 1.3-liter engine.
Estimated cost of the car: $20,000.
16. Seat Leon (4 l/100 km)
Seat is part of the German automotive group Volkswagen. And this means that the Spanish brand has German economical diesel engines.
True, not all motors are available in Ukraine. The most economical unit that we managed to find is a 1.6-liter diesel. With such an engine, the Seat Leon has the lowest fuel consumption: 4 liters per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $19,500.
15. Mercedes CLA (3.9 l/100 km)
Diesel 1.5-liter engine Mercedes CLA consumes only 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
Mercedes CLA is one of the most expensive fuel-efficient cars in the world.
Estimated cost of the car: $35,500.
14. BMW 2 Series (3.9 l/100 km)
BMW has plenty of good engines in its arsenal. One of them is a 2-liter diesel unit with a capacity of 150 horsepower.
With this engine, the BMW 2 Series consumes an average of 3.9 liters per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $33,000.
13. Peugeot 508 (3.9 l/100 km)
Peugeot 508 is the flagship sedan of the French company. The car is equipped with a 1.6-liter diesel engine that consumes 3.9 liters of fuel per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $31,250.
12. Renault Captur (3.9 l/100 km)
Captur is a compact SUV from Renault. The car debuted in 2013. It is built on the basis of another Renault model - Clio. It has only front-wheel drive and ground clearance increased to 170 mm.
Renault Captur is equipped, among other things, with a 1.5-liter diesel engine, which consumes 3.9 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle.
11. Renault Logan (3.9 l/100 km)
Estimated cost of the car: $24,150.
5. BMW 1 Series (3.6L/100km)
1 Series is the youngest member of the BMW family. In Ukraine, the Bavarian is available in both 2- and 5-door versions.
The car can be bought with a 1.5-liter diesel engine, which will consume an average of about 3.6 liters per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $27,250.
4. Mini One D (3.6L/100km)
Mini is a British brand owned by BMW. Therefore, here we have the appropriate quality and prices.
Under the hood of the Mini One D is a 1.5-liter diesel engine that consumes an average of 3.6 liters of fuel per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $22,650.
3. Kia Rio (3.6 l / 100 km)
In Ukraine, you can still find Kia Rio with a 1.1-liter diesel engine, which consumes 3.6 liters of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle.
However, cars with this engine are no longer produced. Therefore, if you liked this model, do not delay the purchase.
Estimated cost of the car: $15,200.
2. Citroen C4 Cactus (3.5 l/100 km)
Cactus is a special modification of the Citroen C4. Buying this car, you get:
- original design;
- protective pads on the doors;
- economical engine.
The last point is the most important in this case. The C4 Cactus is equipped with a 1.6-liter diesel engine, which consumes an average of 3.5 liters per 100 km.
Approximate price of the car: $19,150.
1. Opel Corsa (3.2 l/100 km)
Opel Corsa - the most economical car, which we managed to find on the Ukrainian market. With a 1.3-liter diesel engine and a 5-speed manual transmission, the hatchback consumes an average of about 3.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
Estimated cost of the car: $16,900.
TOP-20 economical cars: PETROL
The top twenty includes cars with the lowest consumption of gasoline, which can be bought in Ukraine.
20. Toyota Yaris (5 l/100 km)
Toyota in Ukraine offers Yaris with a 1.5-liter engine with a capacity of about 110 "horses".
The average consumption of a car with such an engine is 5 liters per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $15,800.
19. Kia Rio (5 l/100 km)
Kia Rio with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine consumes 5 liters of gasoline per 100 km in the combined cycle.
Estimated cost of the car: $13,800.
18. Renault Logan (5 l/100 km)
A 0.9-liter petrol “baby” appeared in the Renault engine line. With such a device, Logan consumes an average of 5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Estimated cost of the car: $12,750.
17. Renault Sandero (5 l/100 km)
The Renault Sandero has the same engine as the Logan. And the fuel consumption figures are also identical. The difference is only in the body and price.
Estimated cost of the car: $12,300.
16. Ford Fiesta (4.9 l / 100 km)
Ford Fiesta with a liter petrol engine consumes an average of 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Low consumption is, of course, a plus. However, a car with this engine is much more expensive than, for example, a Fiesta with a 1.25-liter unit.
The price difference is about $4,500.
Estimated cost of the car: $17,600.
15. Citroen C-Elysee (4.9 l/100 km)
C-Elysee is the cheapest model in the Citroen lineup. With a 1.2-liter engine, the car consumes an average of 4.9 liters per 100 km.
The estimated cost of the car is $11,050.
14. Peugeot 301 (4.9 l / 100 km)
The Peugeot 301 is technically the twin brother of the Citroen C-Elysee. Therefore, the car has the same characteristics. And it costs about the same.
Estimated cost of the car: $11,300.
13. Mini Cooper (4.8 l / 100 km)
The Mini Cooper, also called the Hatch and One, is equipped with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine that consumes an average of 4.8 liters of fuel per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $20,500.
12. Fiat 500 (4.8 l/100 km)
Fiat 500 can be found with a 1.2-liter petrol engine that consumes 4.8 liters of fuel per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $16,150.
11. Volkswagen Golf (4.7 l / 100 km)
Volkswagen offers Golf with a liter petrol engine and a 7-speed automatic. This duo allows the car to consume only 4.7 liters per 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $21,300.
10. Volkswagen Polo (4.7 l / 100 km)
Ford Focus is equipped with the same liter EcoBoost engine as the Fiesta. However, its average consumption is 0.2 liters less thanks to a mechanical transmission, while the Fiesta is offered only with a gun.
Estimated cost of the car: $18,400.
Skoda Fabia consumes an average of 4.7 liters per 100 km, if under the hood it has a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with 110 horsepower.
Estimated cost of the car: $15,500.
7. Citroen C3 (4.7 l/100 km)
| Fuel | petrol | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engine volume, l. | 1,2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Power, hp | 82 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Torque, Nm | he didn't hit.||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel | petrol |
| Engine volume, l. | 1 |
| Power, hp | 90 |
| Torque, Nm | 170 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | |
| - city | 5,4 |
| - track | 4 |
| Fuel | petrol |
| Engine volume, l. | 1 |
| Power, hp | 105 |
| Torque, Nm | 170 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | |
| - city | 5,1 |
| - track | 3,7 |
| - average | 4,2 |
| Price, $ | 22 900 |
| Engine volume, l. | 1 |
| Power, hp | 71 |
| Torque, Nm | 91 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | |
| - city | 4,7 |
| - track | 3,7 |
| - average | 4,1 |
| Price, $ | 17 100 |
Smart Fortwo is the smallest representative of this rating. The car has only two seats, and the volume of its trunk is 190 liters.
Smart offers a choice of two petrol engines:
- 1-liter with 71 horsepower;
- 0.9-liter turbo with 90 horsepower.
- the average fuel consumption of both units is 4.1 l / 100 km.
Estimated cost of the car: $17,100.
1. Toyota Aygo (4.1 l / 100 km)
Toyota Aygo is not officially represented in Ukraine. Therefore, this car can only be found at “gray” dealers, who, as a rule, “post” their ads on websites.
The car is equipped with a liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 70 horsepower.
Estimated cost of the car: $14,000.
Domestic motorists are increasingly faced with problems of traffic jams and parking. An additional headache is the ever-increasing fuel prices, which make the operation of a personal vehicle completely unprofitable.
Analyzing the situation and the market, many city dwellers are thinking about purchasing a "compact car" as the second, and often the main, car in the family. Let's try to figure out what the secret of these cars is.
Subcompact cars
Small cars are usually called compact economical cars for urban residents.
According to the pan-European classification, cars of class “A” (length up to 3.6 meters) and class “B” (from 3,600 to 3,900 millimeters) can be attributed to the category under consideration.
Great classic examples of the former are the Opel Agila and VW Lupo, the latter the Fiat Punto and Peugeot 206.
These cars are in high demand among practical foreigners, especially in countries adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea.
The bodywork of small cars can be very diverse, but manufacturers most often prefer a hatchback. This option optimally combines comfort, design and equipment, and also allows passengers in the back row to get more at ease. In Russia and the CIS countries, such cars are also called "ladies", because they are driven mainly by the female half of humanity.
Technical delights
In this video, you will be told about the pros and cons of small cars.
Thanks to the development of automotive technology, modern "compact cars" have become much more comfortable and spacious than during the period of mass production of their predecessors. Their low fuel consumption is due to their low weight, good aerodynamics, the latest transmissions and efficient combustion of the fuel mixture in the latest engines.
So, the current representatives of the class "A" and "B" can be equipped with both mechanical and automatic transmissions. Some copies even put robotic gearboxes. The power units are usually gasoline or diesel engines with a combustion chamber volume of 0.8 to 1.5 liters.
However, among the "subcompacts" there are also representatives with hybrid "hearts", as well as electric cars. The maximum speed indicators, as a rule, do not exceed 150 km / h, which is enough for driving on the highways of the metropolis, observing the rules of the road.
The undoubted advantages of compact cars, in addition to efficiency (an average of 6 liters per 100 kilometers), include the possibility of parking in a small space, maneuverability, turning radius, modest maintenance and, of course, low cost (about 7 thousand dollars).
In addition, due to the specifics of the city, manufacturers pay special attention to the braking system and steering of this vehicle. At the same time, engine power and clearance will not be enough to carelessly go out into nature and not think about the weather. And the luggage compartment is unlikely to fit everything you need for a picnic.
With safety, too, everything is problematic, since the small size does not allow to provide the necessary rigidity to the body.
Ratings
TOP 5 most popular small cars in the world
Toyota Yaris
The Japanese model from the legendary manufacturer is already represented by the third generation, which is equipped with engines of 1.0 and 1.3 liters, running on gasoline and developing a capacity of 69 and 99 "horses", respectively. The most expensive configurations are completely “stuffed”, so their price reaches 450,000 rubles.
Chevrolet Aveo
A class bestseller from Korea entered the market in 2012. The reliability and safety of the model is guaranteed by the use of Hyundai developments. The line of power units: 1.4 / 1.6 liters - 115 / 138 liters. With. Sufficiently powerful engines made the second generation model quite expensive - 550 thousand rubles.
KIA Rio
The third place is confidently occupied by the Korean sedan, the high quality and original design of which was appreciated by the whole world. High-tech gasoline engines with a volume of 1.4 and 1.6 liters produce 107 and 123 "horses". Excellent running characteristics and high-quality interior assembly are estimated at 475 thousand rubles.
Skoda Rapid
The Czech subcompact sedan with a claim to the premium class is only slightly inferior to the leader. The maximum configuration of the car has engines of 1.2 liters, and turbocharging provides power of 105 "ponies" and excellent fuel economy. Assembled at its own factory in the Czech Republic, a comfortable and roomy Rapid can be bought for 480 thousand rubles.
Mazda II
The Japanese B-class model was named the world leader and the best compact car. The decisive role was played by the most progressive technical equipment and excellent efficiency indicators of 1.3 / 1.5 liter 75 / 103 hp units. The cost of the model, which received 5 stars for safety from EuroNCAP, starts from 585 thousand rubles.
TOP 5 most popular "crumbs" in Russia
Nissan Micra
Model in the CIS market since 1989. In the EU, it was awarded the title of "Car of the Year" several times. The current fourth generation is equipped with 1.3 / 1.5 liter turbo gasoline units. - 98 / 116 l. With. The modern exterior design, 370-liter trunk and comfortable interior are estimated at 350-400 thousand rubles.
Citroën C1
French car with the largest luggage compartment in the class (up to 700 cubic centimeters). Available as a hatchback with three or five doors. In both cases, the installation of a liter power unit is provided. Depending on the bodywork and equipment, the cost of a car varies from 345 to 495 thousand rubles.
Peugeot 107
A typical representative of the class, a Frenchman with an original appearance cannot leave any Russian woman indifferent. The 68-horsepower liter petrol “engine” quickly accelerates the car on any road surface. The "top" modification with "halogens", "foglights" and air conditioning reaches 495 thousand rubles.
Chevrolet Spark
A subcompact car with American roots feels great in city traffic. It has a comfortable and spacious interior with front and side airbags. Equipped with engines of 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 liters. An improved body structure and a mass of technical innovations form the price of a car in the range of 360 - 400 thousand rubles.
KIA Picanto
A nice roomy hatchback from South Korea attracts with its rich equipment and additional options. The range of engines consists of 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2 liter "gasoline" and a 1.1-liter turbodiesel. The model has an ecological approach to the environment, accelerates to 156 km / h in 18 seconds and costs 475 thousand rubles in the maximum configuration.
Summing up
As you can see, the top five representatives of small cars, according to Europeans and Russians, absolutely do not coincide. There is no overlap in any pattern. This can be explained by various climatic operating conditions and the tasks that are set for vehicles.
So, for foreigners, a “compact car” is the second, if not the third, personal car, and for compatriots, as a rule, this is the only “horse”.
An interesting fact is that there are no German cars in any of the lists.
A Spanish engineer named Patelo built a 12-cylinder V-twin engine that he believes is the smallest such engine in the world.
With small quantities of aluminium, bronze and stainless steel on hand, he spent over 1,200 hours designing, drafting, drilling and shaping miniature parts.
The pistons of the engine cylinders have a diameter of 11.3 mm, and the displacement of the engine is about 12 cubic centimeters. The entire engine consists of 261 parts, each of which Patelo created with his own hands. All parts are connected into a single structure with 222 screws, which are the only purchased items.
Unfortunately, this engine is not a full-fledged internal combustion engine; it is powered by compressed air, which is supplied through tubes at a pressure of 0.1 atmospheres. But it still works and you can see it in the video.
Patelo created this engine without pursuing any commercial goals. He dedicated the creation of this engine to his four grandchildren and uses it for educational purposes.
But really the smallest engine in the world was invented back in 2009.
Alex Zettl and his colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley have built the world's smallest motor, measuring just 200 nanometers across—thousands of times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.
The engine exploits the fact that on a scale of nanometers, surface tension forces play a larger role than in the "ordinary" world.
The full name of the device is “Surface-tension-driven nanoelectromechanical relaxation oscillator”.
It consists of two tiny liquid droplets of indium metal lying next to each other on a substrate made up of carbon nanotubes.
One of the drops is smaller than the other. When a weak direct current (tens of microamperes at a voltage of 1.3-1.5 volts) is passed through the substrate, it provokes the escape of atoms from a large drop to a smaller one.
Since the diameter of the smaller drop in this case grows faster than the diameter of the large drop decreases, there comes a moment when the smaller drop comes into contact with the larger one, although it is still inferior to it in size.
At this instant, surface tension forces cause the runaway atoms to quickly return to the larger drop through the point of contact, and thus the original position is restored. The cycle starts anew. By changing the voltage, you can control the frequency of oscillations in the system.
This engine, with appropriate changes, could be used in nanorobots for moving and driving actuators, in microelectromechanical circuits, microscopic sensors, and so on.
Unfortunately, the principle underlying the installation only works at this scale. After all, this nanoengine has an unusually high ratio of power to size.
If it could be enlarged to the size of an automobile engine, then the power of the oscillator would be a hundred million times greater.
And here is the smallest radial engine from our first hero of the report.
http://youtu.be/ITUZeNcxy3k
Now we switch back to the microworld.
In 2011, scientists at the University of Stuttgart, together with researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, tested the smallest steam engine in the world. And although it cannot yet be used, the experiment proved that such a device, in principle, can work.
Physicists were not sure that the Stirling engine they had created would start moving, because due to its microscopic size, various processes that had no effect in the macrocosm could interfere with this. In the engine invented 200 years ago by Robert Stirling, a gas-filled cylinder periodically heats up and cools down, causing the gas to expand and contract. This causes the piston to move.
The scientists managed to reduce the size of the piston and cylinder to a few micrometers (thousandths of a millimeter), and then assemble all the parts. Therefore, the gas was replaced by a 0.003 mm plastic ball floating in the water. Due to the fact that this colloidal particle is 10 thousand times larger than an atom, its participation in Brownian motion could be observed under a microscope.
The piston was replaced with a focused laser beam of variable intensity. This made it possible to limit the movement of the ball to a greater or lesser extent - similar to the expansion and contraction of gas in a conventional engine. A necessary condition was a change in temperature: for this, another laser was used, which turned on and instantly turned off, because due to the small amount of water, the water quickly heated up and cooled down.
The operation of the engine was unstable due to the fact that water molecules are in constant motion and constantly collide with a microparticle. At the same time, the scale of the exchange of energy between the plastic ball and the surrounding molecules was approximately comparable to the amount of energy received from the beam. In the macrocosm, for example, the energy of colliding particles is so small that it does not affect the operation of the engine at all. However, the experiment was successful.
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