In a move that ups the ante in the premium small gasoline power market, Honda has introduced the iGX, a single-cylinder, electronically controlled 15 hp overhead cam (OHC) engine.
In an emissions-driven world, with electronics a key technology in meeting future standards, the launch of an electronically controlled engine like the iGX continues the expansion of electronics into smaller output engines.
The iGX engines have an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) that Honda said will allow for complete drive-by-wire remote control capability, as well as controlling key aspects of engine operation.
The iGX engines are entering the North American market about now, with production units available in September or October, said Dave Haack manager, engine sales American Honda Motor Co. Inc., Alpharetta, Ga.
The iGX 440, the first of an eventual line of engines, is rated 15 hp at 3600 rpm and has a bore and stroke of 88 mm x 72.1 mm for a displacement of 438 cc. The engine has a dry weight of 86 lb. The lunch of the iGX also continues the development of what might be called the "super premium" market for small gasoline engines. At the same time, this brings a level of electronic control to the smaller engine market that is more typically found in larger output engines, including diesels. It also continues the steady progression toward more intelligent equipment built around electronic engines and powertrains.
The iGX (the "i" for intelligent) is a completely new engine design, with brand new electronics, both specifically developed for industrial engines and equipment, said Mike Rudolph manager, engine product planning and application engineering.
While there are GX series engines in Honda's current line, Rudolph said the company did not simply apply electronic control technology to an existing engine and re-badge it. Nor did Honda take an automotive engine control unit and bolt it on an industrial engine. The iGX is truly an engine/ electronics package. A non-electronic version of this engine is not available.
The design of the iGX features a V-type valve layout and spark plug-center combustion chamber that results in a reported 15% improvement in fuel economy. Emissions levels are significantly lower than required by EPA Phase 2 and California Air Resources Board (CARB) Tier 2 standards, Honda said.
Ease of use is improved because of the electronics, which eliminate the need for manual manipulation of the choke and throttle, an especially useful feature in rental applications, Honda said.
The iGX has a butterfly carburetor and digital CDI ignition system as well as full auto choke, a new automatic shut-off fuel valve, oil-immersed timing belt, silent muffler and long-life air filter. There is also a choice of a low effort recoil starter with automatic decompression, or an automotive-type starter motor and multifunction oil alert.
Operation of the auto choke is based on battery usage and provides reliable starting with no additional operation needed before starting the engine, Honda said. When the ignition switch is turned on, the engine control unit monitors the engine temperature and selects the best choke position for starting. Honda said this optimal choke opening prevents unstable engine speed during warm-up.
Also interesting is the twin diaphragm automatic fuel valve, which Rudolph said does not need to be operated to start or stop the engine. "Because of this, the iGX can be placed in remote operating environments and the user only has to check the oil and fuel," he said.
The auto choke and auto fuel valve are seen as key features for the generator set and welder markets especially.
The "magic" of course is in the electronics. The iGX has an integrated electronic control unit with Honda's self-tuning regulator (STR) governor system that controls starting, throttle, ignition timing and diagnostics. The STR system operates independently of the battery, being self-powered by the engine via a power coil.
The engine control unit looks at both throttle movement and engine speed, assumes the character of the total system and drives the throttle to adjust engine speed, regulating engine speed "almost perfectly in any condition or application," Rudolph said.
He added that the electronics of the iGX enables drive-by-wire remote operation of the engine, while engine speed can be programmed and varied based on the specific load and speed requirements of equipment.
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