GE 109

[INTRODUCION TO ENGINEERING PRODUCTS]

[MODULE - 9] MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

TITLE: WORKING OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

GROUP MEMBERS:

LALAM GANANA DEEPAK- 2022MEB1322- GROUP 10

INTRODUCTION
The internal combustion engine (ICE) is a common and essential power
source in modern transportation and various applications. It operates by
converting chemical energy from fuels like gasoline or diesel into mechanical
energy through controlled combustion. This energy drives a piston attached to a
crankshaft, enabling the rotation necessary for vehicle propulsion, electricity
generation, and machinery operation.

This innovation revolutionized transportation, making vehicles, motorcycles,

aircraft, and boats accessible and significantly impacting society and industry.
Ongoing research focuses on improving ICE efficiency, power, and
environmental impact to balance convenience with sustainability.

WORKING PRINCIPLE:
Internal combustion engines (ICEs) are the predominant engines used in vehicles today.
They function by igniting an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber, generating high-
pressure gas that drives the piston down, ultimately rotating the crankshaft. This cycle is
typically a four-stroke process, consisting of four distinct phases:

I) Intake: During this phase, the intake valve opens, allowing air to enter the combustion
chamber. The piston moves from top dead centre (TDC) to bottom dead centre (BDC).
Fuel is mixed with the incoming air.

II) Compression: After intake, the intake valve closes, sealing the chamber. The piston
moves from BDC to TDC, compressing the air-fuel mixture. The compression ratio affects
engine efficiency.
III) Expansion: The compressed air-fuel mixture ignites (either by a spark plug in
gasoline engines or auto-ignition in diesel engines), producing high-pressure gas. This
forces the piston down from TDC to BDC, generating mechanical work that turns the
crankshaft.

IV) Exhaust: Following the power stroke, the exhaust valve opens, pushing out the burnt
gases as the piston moves from BDC to TDC. This readies the cylinder for the next cycle.

This four-stroke cycle repeats continuously, ensuring a consistent source of power.

Modern ICEs can feature multiple cylinders, each firing at specific times in a sequence to
provide balanced power delivery and smooth operation. While there are variations like
two-stroke engines and rotary engines, the four-stroke cycle described here is the most
common and widely used due to its efficiency and emissions control capabilities in
various applications, especially in the automotive industry.

TYPES OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES:

Internal combustion engines (ICEs) can be categorized into three primary types: two-
stroke engines, four-stroke engines, and multi-cylinder engines.

TWO STROKE ENGINE

Two-stroke engines complete a power cycle within one crankshaft revolution, involving
two piston strokes (up and down). These engines are commonly employed in smaller
applications like remote-controlled cars, lawn equipment, chainsaws, boat engines, and
dirt bikes.
FOUR STROKE ENGINES

Four-stroke engines require two crankshaft revolutions to

accomplish a power cycle, with four piston strokes. This
type of engine is the most prevalent and can be found in
various vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, as well
as in generators, lawnmowers, and industrial machinery.

MULTI CYLINDER ENGINES

Multi-cylinder engines consist of two or more cylinders in which pistons function. These
engines offer enhanced efficiency and greater power output when compared to single-
cylinder engines. They are also known for their smoother operation with reduced
vibrations.
Difference in petrol and Diesel Engine :
Petrol engines use a spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion
chamber. This combustion process is relatively simple and inexpensive, but it is
also less efficient than diesel combustion. Petrol engines are also more prone to
producing emissions, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
Diesel engines use the heat of compression to
ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion
chamber. This combustion process is more
efficient than petrol combustion, but it is also
more complex and expensive. Diesel engines
are also more durable than petrol engines and
can handle heavier loads. However, diesel
engines produce more emissions, such as
nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

The following table summarizes the key differences between petrol and diesel
engines:

Characteristic Petrol engine Diesel engine

Fuel type Petrol (gasoline) Diesel

 Ignition method Spark plug Compression

Efficiency Less efficient More efficient

More emissions of carbon More emissions of nitrogen

Emissions
monoxide and hydrocarbons oxides and particulate matter

Less expensive to manufacture More expensive to manufacture

Cost
and operate and operate

Durability Less durable More durable

KEY ICE TECHNOLOGIES:

Several essential technologies enhance the performance of internal combustion engines
(ICEs):

Direct Injection: This fuel delivery method injects fuel directly into the combustion
chamber, fostering more complete combustion, thereby boosting fuel efficiency and
minimizing emissions.

Variable Valve Timing (VVT): VVT allows the engine to optimize performance and
efficiency by adjusting the timing of intake and exhaust valves.

Turbocharging and Supercharging: These

techniques increase air intake into the
combustion chamber through forced
induction, resulting in enhanced power and
torque.

Stop-Start Technology: It automatically halts

the engine when the vehicle is stationary
and restarts it upon releasing the brake
pedal, conserving fuel and reducing
emissions in urban traffic.

Mild Hybrid Systems: These systems

employ a small electric motor to aid acceleration and offer
regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency and curbing
emissions.
APPLICATIONS OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES (ICES):
Internal combustion engines find extensive use across various domains, including:

Transportation: ICEs serve as the predominant engine type in today's vehicles,

encompassing cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, boats, and some aircraft and trains.

Power Generation: ICEs are harnessed to produce electricity in power

plants and generators.

Agriculture: ICEs power essential farm equipment like tractors,

combines, and harvesters.

Construction: They are employed in construction machinery, including

bulldozers, excavators, and cranes.

Industry: ICEs drive an array of industrial equipment, such as pumps,

compressors, and fans.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ICES:

ICEs stand out as versatile and efficient engines suitable for applications
necessitating power and torque, such as transportation and construction.
They are relatively cost-effective to manufacture and operate.

However, ICEs have their drawbacks. They emit pollutants contributing to

air pollution, and they tend to produce noticeable noise and vibrations.

THE FUTURE OF ICES:

ICEs are poised to remain a dominant power source for the foreseeable future.
Nevertheless, as concerns over air pollution and climate change intensify, the adoption of
alternative energy sources, such as electricity and hydrogen, is expected to surge in
vehicles and equipment.

CONCLUSION:
In summary, internal combustion engines (ICEs) stand as adaptable and efficient engines
ideal for tasks demanding substantial power and torque, notably in transportation and
construction. Their cost-effectiveness is another notable advantage.

However, ICEs do have their downsides, emitting pollutants that contribute to air
pollution and generating noise and vibrations.

While ICEs are likely to remain a primary power source for the years ahead, the growing
public consciousness about air pollution and climate change is anticipated to lead to
increased usage of alternative energy sources like electricity and hydrogen in vehicles
and equipment.