Continuation of the theme of modern engines in comparing incomparable format.
After reading the article “Apple in 2019 is Linux in 2000”, I thought that by the same principle we can compare the process of “acceleration” in computer hardware with the trends of “downsizing” of ICE.
Definitions of two terms
Overclocking is an increase in the speed of computer components due to their operation in forced (abnormal) operating modes. The processor after overclocking should catch up with analogues with a higher price, working without acceleration.
Downsizing is a method of forcing small-volume automotive engines to increase power and save fuel. A motor after applying downsizing methods should catch up to more expensive analogues with a large volume according to these indicators.
General dates
In the 70s, the history of overclocking dates back to the release of the first processors, and for a long time only enthusiasts were engaged in overclocking.
In the 90s, prices for computer components were kept at a fairly high level, the chips accelerated more actively. Overclocking technology was carried out using a soldering iron, by rearranging jumpers on the motherboard and closing the legs of the processors.
In the 2000s, the overclocking community as a fairly massive current began to form only in the early 2000s.
The 70s were the starting point for the beginning of the reduction in the volume of internal combustion engines due to the 1974 fuel crisis. The term Downsizing appeared at the same time, but was not yet related to car engines.
The 90th official start of the era of downsizing - the 1.8-liter Audi engine was the first example of the classic approach of this method of forcing ICEs.
The 2000s were the heyday of the idea of downsizing, which was promoted mainly by VW, but the “wave” touched others.
Acceleration Methods
The 3 main indicators for “acceleration” are Frequency Change, Multiplication Factor Change, Voltage Change.
The first allows you to increase the clock frequency, but affects the rest of the elements.
The second raises the power of the processor only, without negative consequences for the rest.
The third usually compensates for the drawdown due to the acceleration of the first two, and the same can be used to disperse.
3 main indicators for increasing engine power during downsizing - boost pressure created by the turbine, pressure in the fuel line + direct injection and revolutions.
The first creates a theoretical opportunity to burn more fuel, but affects the workflow of other ICE systems.
The second provides fuel atomization to a state that allows the fuel to burn fully.
The third compensates for the decrease in volume due to higher rates of working revolutions and also increases power.
Thermal conductivity - cooling processors and engines
Problems with cooling during the development of both processes are physically predictable, and are solved in a similar way.
Sometimes they select more thermally conductive materials.
- In PCs, these are various options for thermal interfaces, replacing the processor cover and polishing it, using liquid metal.
- In ICE, this is replacing gaskets between cylinder head with metal ones, replacing cylinder head and processing internal channels (polishing), using valves with liquid sodium inside.
They further modify the cooling system, expanding the network of water-air-cooled elements.
- In a PC, this is mainly a processor, a video card, SSD, a power supply that can be equipped with liquid cooling. Air cooling can be applied on less "overclocked" elements.
- In ICEs, this is intake air, turbine oil, and exhaust gas recirculation in EGR, where cooling is also provided by a fluid system. Air cooling can be applied on less "overclocked" elements.
When using other cooling systems, the same thing has a certain similarity.
- Extreme overclocking is traditionally liquid nitrogen. This is not really about saving money when buying a processor, but rather more sports interest. Due to cooling, the performance indicators are the largest, but the effect lasts exactly until the moment of loss of the ability to “add nitrogen”.
- Extreme “downsizing” is tuning the motor by installing a nitrous oxide injection system, which any motor can accelerate to a level more powerful in the “stock”. The “laughing gas" effect lasts exactly until it completely leaves the cylinder.
Stability of the overclocked processor - stability of the downsizing motor
Sensitivity to voltage fluctuations in overclocked processors is lower. Skipping beats (throttling) as an extreme manifestation of job instability happens when the limit is reached.
In downsizing engines, fluctuations in the quality of engine oil, fuel and operating conditions reduce the stability of the operation, making the engine more “sensitive." Misfire - detonation is an extreme manifestation of instability, and happens when the limit is reached on poor-quality fuel and lubricants.
Increased Power Consumption of Overk Processors - Increased Fuel Consumption
The power consumption of the “accelerated” processor will be higher , and most understand this.
The fuel consumption of the downsize motor will be higher than stated, but buyers basically already know about it. Even a special term (Cycle-beating) was coined, meaning the deviation of the motors from reality.
The price of an overclocked processor is the price of a reduced motor
Price was often the determining cause of overclocking of electronic components. The whole point of overclocking is to obtain from a cheaper component characteristics close or similar to a more expensive one.
Downsize motors are cheaper than large power units for one simple reason - their production takes much less material.
Marketing strategies
Overclocking is also officially practiced by electronics manufacturers, sometimes making a newer “product” from the old one making a little “overclocking."
Downsizing motors also tend to increase power programmatically, due to the fact that the newer engine gets a different “firmware” at the factory.
The end is near!
Overclocking has less and less prospects due to miniaturization of electronics. Already even prophesy sunset era of dispersal.
Due to the “miniaturization” of nodes and assemblies, downsizing also achieves a physical limit. Officially, VW and Renault-Nissan have already abandoned the strategy of scaling .
Underclocking may be the opposite development trend. It is logical that, having reached the border of necessary productivity, the tendency to increase reliability and save energy will be more relevant?
The new strategy of the antipode downsizing - wiring (bringing to the right size) will begin to operate in our time and will solve the problem of reliability and real fuel economy. Officially, this was confirmed in VW and Renault-Nissan.
PS - “Acceleration” of motors and electronic components is gradually leaving, but perhaps at the new technological level it will return again. For example, it is possible for internal combustion engines to switch to hydrogen; in theory, internal combustion engines can reduce their volume due to the absence of problems with the ecology of combustion, and processors, if superconductors are used, can again increase their power beyond standard parameters.