INTRODUCTION
HEAT ENGINE
It is a device which transforms the chemical energy of fuel into
thermal energy and utilizes this thermal energy to perform
useful work. Thus, thermal energy is converted to mechanical
energy in a heat engine.
Heat engine can be broadly classified into two categories:
(i) Internal Combustion Engines (IC Engines)
(ii) External Combustion Engines (EC Engines)
Classification of Heat Engines
Internal Combustion Engines (IC Engines)
In internal Combustion engine combustion take
place within the engine. The product of
combustion generated by the combustion of
fuel and air within the cylinder form the
working fluid.
Cylinder block
Cylinder head
Crank case
Crank shaft
Cam shaft
Connecting rod
Four Stroke Petrol Engine
The cycle of operations in a 4-stroke petrol engine is completed in two
revolutions of the crankshaft, or four strokes of the piston.
SUCTION STROKE: During this stroke, the piston moves from T.D.C. to B.D.C. The inlet value opens and
proportionate fuel-air mixture is sucked in the engine cylinder from the carburetor. The exhaust valve is
closed through out the stroke. The admission of charge inside the engine cylinder continues until the inlet
valve closes at B.D.C.
COMPRESSION STROKE: In this stroke, both the valves are closed and the piston moves from B.D.C. to
T.D.C. The charge is compressed. The pressure of mixture rises in the cylinder to a value of about 8 bar. At
the end of the stroke, spark plug ignites the mixture and combustion take place at constant volume.
EXPANSION OR WORKING STROKE: The high pressure of burnt gases forces the piston towards the
B.D.C. In this stroke, both valves remain closed and piston moves from T.D.C. to B.D.C. The reciprocating
piston motion is converted into rotary motion of crankshaft by a connecting rod and crank. During
expansion, the pressure drops and work is obtained in this stroke.
EXHAUST STROKE: At the end of the expansion stroke the exhaust valve opens instantaneously and the inlet
valve remains closed. The piston moves from B.D.C. to T.D.C. The burnt gases out from the cylinder. The
exhaust valve closes shortly after the T.D.C. The inlet valve opens slightly before the end of exhaust stroke
and the cylinder is rest to receive the fresh charge for the new cycle.
Thus for a four stroke cycle, there is only one power stroke for every two revolutions of the crankshaft.
Theoretical valve timing diagram (4-Stroke Petrol engine)
Actual valve timing diagram (4-Stroke Petrol engine)
In actual practice, it is difficult to open and close
the valve instantaneously. The valve timing are
modified to get better performance. The inlet
valve is opened 10 degree to 30 degree in advance
of T.D.C. position to enable the fresh charge to
enter the cylinder and help the burnt gases at the
same time, to escape to the atmosphere. The
suction of the mixture continues up to 30 -40
degree or even 60 degree after B.D.C. position.
For the fuel gets more time to burn, the spark plug
produces a spark 30 degree to 40 degree before
the T.D.C. position. The exhaust valve opens 30
degree to 60 degree before the B.D.C. position
and the gases are driven out of the cylinder by
piston during upward movement. The exhaust
valve closes when piston is nearly 10 degree past
T.D.C. position.
Four Stroke Diesel Engines
SUCTION STROKE: With the movement of the piston from T.D.C. to B.D.C. during this
stroke, the inlet valve opens and the air at atmospheric pressure is drawn inside the
engine cylinder; the exhaust valve however remains closed. The diesel engines admit
only fresh air from the atmosphere. The admission of air continues until the inlet valve
closes at B.D.C.
COMPRESSION STROKE: The air drawn at atmospheric pressure during the suction
stroke is compressed to high pressure and temperature (to the value of 35 bar and 600
0C respectively) as the piston moves from B.D.C. to T.D.C. Both the inlet and exhaust
valves do not open during any part of this stroke.
EXPANSION OR WORKING STROKE: As the piston starts moving from T.D.C. a
matered quantity of fuel is injected into the hot compressed air in fine sprays by the
fuel injector and it (fuel) starts burning at constant pressure. The atomisation of fuel is
accomplished by supplying fuel through the injection nozzles. In this, both the valve
remain closed and piston moves from T.D.C. to B.D.C. Work is obtained in this stroke.
EXHAUST STROKE: The piston moves from the B.D.C. to T.D.C. and the exhaust gases
escape to the atmosphere through the exhaust valve. When the piston reaches the
T.D.C. the exhaust valve closes and cycle is completed.
Actual valve timing diagram (4-Stroke Diesel engine)
Inlet valve open 10 degree to 25 degree in
advance of T.D.C. position and close 25 degree to
50 degree after the B.D.C. position. Exhaust valve
opens 30 degree to 50 degree in advance of
B.D.C. position and closes 10 degree to 15 degree
after the T.D.C. position. The fuel injection takes
place 5 degree to 10 degree before T.D.C. position
and continues up to 15 degree to 25 degree near
T.D.C. position.
Two Stroke Petrol Engines
In two stroke engines, the cycle is completed in one revolution of the crankshaft or
two stroke of the piston.
The air-fuel charge is inducted into the crankcase through the spring loaded
inlet valve when the pressure in the crankcase is reduced due to upward
motion of the piston during compression stroke. After the compression and
ignition, expansion take place. During the expansion stroke the charge in
the crankcase is compressed . Near the end of expansion stroke, the piston
uncovers the exhaust ports and the cylinder pressure drops to atmosphere
pressure as the combustion products leave the cylinder. Further movement
of the piston uncovers the transfer ports, permitting the slightly compressed
charge in the crankcase to enter the engine cylinder. The piston top usually
has a projection to deflect the fresh charge towards the top of the cylinder
preventing the flow through the exhaust ports.
In a two stroke Diesel engine all the operations are the same as in the Petrol
engine with the differences; firstly in this case, only air is admitted into
cylinder instead of air-fuel mixture and secondly fuel injector is fitted to
supply the fuel instead of spark plug.
Port timing diagram
Comparison of SI and CI engines
Description SI Engines CI Engines
Basic Cycle Based on Otto Cycle Based on Diesel Cycle
Petrol (Gasoline). High self-ignition temp. Diesel oil. Low Self-ignition temp. Desirable.
Fuel Desirable.
Fuel and air introduced as a gaseous mixture in Fuel is injected directly into combustion chamber
the suction stroke. Carburettor necessary to at high pressure at the end of combustion stroke.
provide the mixture. Throttle controls the Carburettor is eliminated but a high pressure fuel
Introduction of fuel quantity of mixture introduced pump and injector necessary.
Requires an ignition system with spark plug in the Self ignition due to high temp., caused by high
combustion chamber compression of air, when fuel is injected. Ignition
Ignition system and spark plug is eliminated.
6 to 10.5 14 to 22
Compression ratio range
Higher maximum revolution per minute due to Maximum r.p.m. lower.
Speed lighter weight
Lighter Heavier due to higher pressures.
Weight
Comparison of 4 Stroke and 2 Stroke engines
Four Stroke Engine Two Stroke Engines
The thermodynamic cycle is completed in four strokes of the The thermodynamic cycle is completed in two strokes of the piston or in
piston or in two revolutions of the crankshaft. Thus, one power one revolutions of the crankshaft. Thus, one power stroke is obtained in
stroke is obtained in every two revolutions of the crankshaft. each revolutions of the crankshaft.
Turning moment is not so uniform and hence a heavier flywheel Turning moment is more uniform and hence a lighter flywheel can be
is needed. used.
Because of one power stroke for two revolution, power Because of one power stroke for every revolution, power produced for
produced for same size of engine is less, or for the same power same size of engine is twice, or for the same power the engine is lighter
the engine is heavier and bulkier and more compact.
Lower rate of wear and tear Higher rate of wear and tear
Lesser cooling and lubrication requirements. Greater cooling and lubrication requirements.
it have valve and valves actuating mechanisms for opening and It have no valves but only port.
closing the intake and exhaust valves.
Volumetric efficiency is more Volumetric efficiency is low
Thermal efficiency is higher Thermal efficiency is low
Wankel Engine
The engine has a three lobe rotor which is driven eccentrically in a casing in such a
way that there are three separate volumes trapped between the rotor and the casing.
These three volumes perform induction, compression, combustion, expansion and
exhaust process in sequence.
