Boilers

Boiler, also called steam generator is the engineering device which generates steam at
constant pressure. It is a closed vessel, generally made of steel in which vaporization of water
takes place. Heat required for vaporization may be provided by the combustion of fuel in
furnace, electricity, nuclear reactor, hot exhaust gases, solar radiations etc. Earlier boilers
were closed vessels made from sheets of wrought iron which were lapped, riveted and formed
into shapes of simple sphere type or complex sections such as the one shown in Fig. 1.1
Steam is extensively used for various applications such as power production, industrial
processes, work interaction, heating etc. With the increasing use of steam in different
engineering systems the steam generation technology has also undergone various
developments.

boiler is defined as a combination of apparatus for producing, furnishing or recovering heat

together with the apparatus for transferring the heat so made available to water which could
be heated and vaporized to steam form.
Types of Boilers
Boilers are of many types. Depending upon their features they can be classified as given
under:
(a) Based upon the orientation/axis of the shell: According to the axis of shell boiler can be
classified as vertical boiler and horizontal boiler.
(i) Vertical boiler has its shell vertical.
(ii) Horizontal boiler has its shell horizontal.
(iii) Inclined boiler has its shell inclined.
(b) Based upon utility of boiler: Boilers can be classified as
(i) Stationery boiler, such boilers are stationery and are extensively used in power plants,
industrial processes, heating etc.
(ii) Portable boiler, such boilers are portable and are of small size. These can be of the
following types,

Locomotive boiler, which are exclusively used in locomotives. Marine boiler, which are used
for marine applications.
(c) Based on type of firing employed: According to the nature of heat addition process boilers
can be classified as,
(i) Externally fired boilers, in which heat addition is done externally i.e. furnace is outside the
boiler unit. Such as Lancashire boiler, Locomotive boiler etc.
(ii) Internally fired boilers, in which heat addition is done internally i.e. furnace is within the
boiler unit. Such as Cochran boiler, Bobcock Wilcox boiler etc.

(d) Based upon the tube content: Based on the fluid inside the tubes, boilers can be,
(i) Fire tube boilers, such boilers have the hot gases inside the tube and water is outside
surrounding them. Examples for these boilers are, Cornish boiler, Cochran boiler, Lancashire
boiler, Locomotive boiler etc.
(ii) Water tube boilers, such boilers have water flowing inside the tubes and hot gases
surround them. Examples for such boilers are Babcock-Wilcox boiler, Stirling boiler, La-
Mont boiler, Benson boiler etc.

(e) Based on type of fuel used: According to the type of fuel used the boilers can be,
(i) Solid fuel fired boilers, such as coal fired boilers etc.
(ii) Liquid fuel fired boilers, such as oil fired boilers etc.
(iii) Gas fired boilers, such as natural gas fired boilers etc.

(f) Based on circulation: According to the flow of water and steam within the boiler circuit
the boilers may be of following types,
(i) Natural circulation boilers, in which the circulation of water/steam is caused by the
density difference which is due to the temperature variation.
(ii) Forced circulation boilers, in which the circulation of water/steam is caused by a pump
i.e. externally, assisted circulation.

(g) Based on extent of firing: According to the extent of firing the boilers may be,

(i) Fired boilers, in which heat is provided by fuel firing.

(iii) Unfired boilers, in which heat is provided by some other source except fuel firing such as
hot flue gases etc.
(iv) Supplementary fired boilers, in which a portion of heat is provided by fuel firing and
remaining by some other source.

Fire and Water tube Boilers

Fire tube boilers are those boilers in which hot gases (combustion products) flow inside the
tubes and water surrounds them. Water extracts heat for its phase transformation from the hot
gases flowing inside the tubes, thus heat is indirectly transferred from hot gas to water
through a metal interface.
Such boilers came up in eighteenth century and were extensively used for steam generation in
variety of applications. With the passage of time and coming up of another types of boilers
the fire tube boilers have lost their charm to some extent due to limitations in terms of steam
pressure. Fire tube boilers are used for applications having small steam requirement.
Water tube boilers are those boilers in which water flows inside the tubes and hot gases
surround them. This type of boilers came up as a solution to the problem of explosion faced
in fire tube boilers when the pressure and steam generation capacity were increased. In such
boilers the shell behaved as heated pressure vessel subjected to internal pressure which set up
tensile stresses (hoop stress) in walls.
Mathematically, this stress can be given as, Hoop stress = P*D/ (2t)
Where P is internal working pressure, D is diameter of shell and t is thickness of shell wall.
Above expression shows that if ‘P’ (pressure) increases then either ‘D’ (diameter) should be
decreased or‘t’ (thickness) be increased to keep stress within acceptable limits. While
increasing thickness the mass of boiler and cost of manufacturing both increase therefore the
reduction of ‘D’ (diameter) is an attractive option. This became the basis for water tube
boilers in which small diameter of tube facilitated quite high pressure steam generation.
Such boilers came up in late eighteenth and nineteenth century. George Babcock and Stephen
Wilcox gave straight-tube boiler of water tube boiler type in 1867 which was subsequently
modified and developed as present ‘Babcock and Wilcox boiler’.
Cochran Boiler
This is a fire tube boiler of vertical type and came up as a modification over the simple
vertical boiler in order to maximize heating surface. Total heating surface area is 10–25 times
the grate area. It has cylindrical shell with hemispherical crown. Hemispherical geometry
offers maximum volume space for given mass of material and is also very good for strength
and maximization of radiant heat absorption. Figure. 1.5 shows the schematic of Cochran
boiler with various mountings upon it. Fire box is also of hemispherical form. Flue gases
flow from fire box to refractory material lined combustion chamber through a flue pipe.
Incomplete combustion if any can get completed in combustion chamber and hot gases
subsequently enter into tubes. After coming out of fire tubes hot gases enter into smoke box
having chimney upon it. As the fire box is separately located so any type of fuel such as
wood, paddy husk, oil fuel etc. can be easily burnt. These boilers are capable of generating
steam up to pressure of 20 bar and steam generating capacity from 20 kg/hr to 3000 kg/hr.
Boilers have dimensions ranging from 1m diameter and 2 m height to 3 m diameter and 6 m
height. Efficiency of such boilers ranges between 70 and 75%.
Advantages of Cochran Boiler

 This requires less floor area.

 Easy to operate and handle.
 Lower pre-installation costs.
 It has a higher ratio of area to volume.
 It is easy to transport from one place to another.
 It can use all types of fuel.

Disadvantages of Cochran Boiler

 Low steam generation pass.

 Due to the vertical design, its installation requires a high room head.
 It has a limited speed limit.
 Difficulty changing and maintaining.

Applications of Cochran Boiler

 The heating equipment is furnished under the mash kettle, and then the
steamers enter the heating apparatus by the Cochran steam boiler and then heat
the raw material for starch repairs.
 Cochrane is a modified form of fire-tube boiler that contains various fire
nozzles that provide the heat-interaction in water through an infectious. It is
used in small power plants and industries.

Babcock and Wilcox Boiler

It is a water tube boiler suitable for meeting demand of increased pressure and large
evaporation capacity or large sized boiler units. Figure 1.9 shows the Babcock and Wilcox
boiler. It has three main parts:
(i) Steam and water drum
(ii) Water tubes
(iii) Furnace.

Steam and water drum is a long drum fabricated using small shells riveted together. End
cover plates can be opened as and when required. Mountings are mounted on drum as shown.
Drum is followed by water tubes which are arranged below drum and connected to one
another and drum through headers. Header in which water flows from drum to tubes is called
down take header while headers in which flow is from tubes to drum is called uptake header.
Soot deposition takes place in mud box which is connected to down take header. “Blow off
cock” for blowing out the sediments settled in mud box is shown in figure. Super heater tubes
are also shown in the arrangement, which are U-shape tubes placed horizontally between
drum and water tubes. Superheating of steam is realized in super heater tubes.
Below the super heater and water tubes is the furnace, at the front of which fuel feed hopper
is attached. Mechanical stoker is arranged below the hopper for feeding fuel. Bridge wall and
baffles made of fire resistant bricks are constructed so as to facilitate hot gases moving
upward from the grate area, then downwards and again upwards before escaping to the
chimney. A smoke box is put at the back of furnace through which smoke goes out via
chimney, put at top of smoke box. A damper is used for regulating pressure difference
(draught) causing expulsion of hot gases.
The complete boiler unit with all mountings and accessories is suspended by steel slings from
girders resting on steel columns. It is done so as to permit free expansion and contraction of
boiler parts with temperature.

Babcock and Wilcox Boiler Advantages:

The following advantages of the Babcock and Wilcox Boiler are:
 The overall efficiency of the Babcock and Wilcox boiler is high.
 This boiler occupies less space.
 The tubes used in the boiler can be exchanged easily when it gets damaged.
 A steam generation or production is high nearly around plus 20 tonnes per hour.
 The draught loss is limited.
 The transportation of the boiler is easy.
Babcock and Wilcox Boiler Disadvantages:
The following disadvantages of Babcock and Wilcox Boiler are:
 This boiler is not suitable for salty, Impure, and Sedemetry water. If these go to
the boiler the overheating problem can occur that’s why water treatment is
necessary before inserting water for the working process.
 The maintenance and Installation cost is more.
Babcock and Wilcox Boiler Application:
This boiler is used for power plants for the generation of electricity and some other industries
too.
Babcock and Wilcox Boiler Sailent Features:
The following Silent features of this Boiler are:
 Babcock and Wilcox Boiler, Overall efficiency is high compare to other fire tube
boiler.
 The tubes which get defective can be replaced easily.
 The draught loss is minimum.
 The water tubes are kept inclined to 15 degrees for the circulation of water.
 The operating pressure and steam generation are high compare to another
boiler.

STEAM POWER PLANT

It is a combination of several components or devices whose objective is to convert heat
energy of fuel into mechanical work and then to obtain electric power. To have heat energy,
we need certain source of energy. This source of heat energy is called Fuel. Energy remains
locked in the fuel. By burning the fuel, the chemical energy of fuel gets converted into
thermal or heat energy. This burning of fuel is known as - combustion. The place where
combustion of fuel takes place is called Boiler. We can't convert heat energy directly into
work. There must be a medium which takes up heat energy released by combustion of fuel
and acts on another device to produce mechanical work. In steam power plant, steam that
comes from water is used as working medium as water is cheaply available in large quantity,
safe and good conductor of heat. Water absorbs heat from combustion of fuel, changes its
phase and turns into steam. In that process, it absorbs high amount of heat - latent heat of
evaporation. With continuous absorption of heat, steam changes its state - wet steam to dry
saturated steam and then to superheated steam and the pressure of steam increases. After
attaining required pressure, the high-pressure steam is allowed to flow through a passage
called nozzle over f ring of moving blades attached to a shaft. The unit which houses the shaft
with blades (number of blades mounted circumferentially over a shaft) is called -Turbine.
The high-pressure steam while flowing through the nozzle increases its kinetic energy and
then expands over the blades of turbine and in doing so, imparts rotary motion to the blades.
In this way, heat energy of fuel is converting into mechanical work. Now, the low pressure,
expanded steam from turbine goes to atmosphere. This exhaust steam from turbine still
contains enough heat and can be used for different purposes - for process work, expansion in
low-pressure turbines or for preheating feed water to the boiler.
To increase the work done from the turbine, a unit called condenser is placed after the
turbine. With the inclusion of condenser, steam in turbine can be expanded to a greater extent
and we can get more work from the turbine.
In condenser, the exhaust steam from condenser is cooled and then recirculated as feed water
to the boiler. These are the important components in a steam power plant. To increase the
efficiency of the plant and to have satisfactory running of the plant, other components are
also included in the plant. The fig. 2.1 shows the phases of energy transformation that take
place in a steam power plant.
LAYOUT OF A STEAM POWER PLANT
The purpose of a steam power plant is to generate electric power only or to generate steam
for industrial purpose besides generation of electric power. Steam is extensively used in
industries like Textile, Sugar, Paper, Refinery, and Chemical etc.
BOILER
It is a closed vessel inside which combustion of fuel takes place. Tubes are arranged in the
walls of the boiler through which water passes. The water by absorbing heat of combustion
turns into steam.
TURBINE
Steam from super heater passes through nozzles and enters into turbine. The high-pressure
steam now expands over the blades of the turbine rotor (shaft upon which the circumferential
blades are mounted). The pressure of steam drops down along with its enthalpy (total heat
content). This drop in heat energy (enthalpy) is converted into mechanical energy. As a
result, the shaft of the turbine rotates.
CONDENSER
This is located after the turbine so that steam after expansion in the turbine exhausts into the
condenser. The exhaust steam from the turbine enters the condenser and major portion of it
gets condensed. The condensed steam is called condensate and is recirculated as feed water to
the boiler. The steam that remains in the condenser is used to preheat the feed water to the
boiler, with the addition of a condenser, we can extract more work from the turbine.
FEED PUMP
It is a pump which takes up purified, preheated water and then forces into the boiler with
pressure. As boiler works at higher pressure, feed pumps are necessary to raise the pressure
of water for its entry to boiler.
VAPOUR POWER CYCLES
A common method of producing mechanical work is by transfer of heat from a heat reservoir
at a high temperature to a working fluid which undergoes through a thermodynamic cycle.
A heat engine cycle or thermodynamic cycle is a combination of thermodynamic processes
through which the working fluid passes in a certain sequence. The cycle begins with one set
of conditions (pressure, volume, temperature etc.), undergoes different changes in different
processes and while doing so, converts part of the heat energy into mechanical work and
rejects the remaining heat to a low temperature reservoir called - sink and finally comes back
to original state - attains initial conditions.
Any machine designed to carry out a thermodynamic cycle and converts heat energy into
mechanical work is called a - heat engine. The thermodynamic cycle upon which it operates
is known as - heat engine cycle or power cycle.
The power cycles may use vapour or gas as the working fluid. Cycle which use vapour as the
working substance are known as vapour power cycles. The most commonly used vapour is -
steam. In thermodynamic cycles, the transfer of heat from high temperature reservoir (also
called -source) to working fluid and from working fluid to sink will be irreversible. But, the
processes of working fluid itself may be reversible. The process is internally reversible. The
cycles composed of reversible processes are called - ideal cycles.
In vapour power cycles, change of phase of working fluid takes place while in gas power
cycles, the working fluid remains in one phase throughout the cycle. In vapour power cycles,
water is universally used as a working fluid as it is easy to change its phase, ease of handling
and its chemical stability.
The vapour power cycle consists of a series of steady flow processes, each process carried out
in a separate component designed for that purpose. Each component in the cycle / plant
constitutes an open system and as the working fluid passes through each component, it passes
through a cycle of mechanical and thermodynamic states. In the analysis of the cycles, all the
processes are assumed to be reversible.
RANKINE CYCLE
A Rankine cycle is a basic cycle for a simple steam power plant. It is a theoretical cycle upon
which steam engine or steam turbine works. It is a modified form of Carnot cycle and an
ideal cycle for comparing the performance of steam power plants."
of Rankine Cycle:
Process a-a’: The point 'a' represents water at initial pressure p1 and corresponding saturation
temperature T2. The water is pumped into the boiler by feed pump raising its pressure to
boiler pressure p1. The pumping process is isentropic compression. During this process, the
temperature rises slightly.
Process a' -b : As water enters the boiler, water is first heated upto evaporation temperature at
constant pressure px. The temperature increases to T1. Sensible heat is supplied during this
process.
Process b - c: Water evaporates completely at temperature T1 and constant pressure
p1.During this process, the heat supplied is latent heat of vaporization. The final condition
(Point C) may be wet, dry or super heated depending upon the quantity of heat supplied.
Process c - d: Steam expands isentropically in the turbine from P1, T1 to p2, T2 and does the
work.
Process d-a: The exhaust steam from the turbine at constant pressure p2 and temperature T2
is condensed in a condenser where latent heat of steam is removed. The process is isothermal
compression.
At point a; the working fluid restores its original conditions - returns to its original state. Thus
the cycle gets completed. In a steam power plant, supply of heat and rejection of heat are
more easily performed at constant pressure than at constant temperature. In the operation of
the cycle, the work done in pumping feed water to the boiler is very small at low pressures
and is usually neglected. The fig. 1.5 shows the P-V and T-S diagrams for the Rankine cycle,
neglecting pumping work.
ASSUMPTIONS IN THE WORKING OF RANKINE CYCLE
The following assumptions are made in the working of Rankine cycle:
1. The same working fluid is repeatedly circulated in a closed circuit;

2. Heat is added in boiler only and rejected in condenser only. Except boiler and condenser,
there is no heat transfer between working fluid and surroundings.

3. There is no pressure drop in the piping system.

4. Expansion in the prime mover occurs without friction or heat transfer i.e., expansion is
isentropic in which case entropy of working fluid entering and leaving the prime mover is
same.
5. The working fluid is not under cooled in the condenser i.e., the temperature of water

leaving the condenser is same as saturation temperature corresponding to the exhaust

pressure.
EFFICIENCY OF RANKINE CYCLE
Refer the fig. 1.4 , Let
H1 = Enthalpy of 1kg of steam at pressure p1 at entrance to the prime movers at c, c' or c".
H2 = Enthalpy of 1 kg of steam at pressure p2 as its leaves the prime mover at d, d’ or d”.
h2 - Enthalpy of 1kg of water at pressure p2 as it enters the feed pump at a work done by the
prime mover
(H1 - H2) is known as isentropic enthalpy drop or Rankine heat drop.
VARIABLES AFFECTING EFFICIENCY OF RANKINE CYCLE
The important thermodynamic variables in a Rankine cycle are :
1. Steam pressure at inlet to turbine.

2. Steam temperature or degree of superheat at inlet to turbine.

3. Steam pressure at exhaust or condenser pressure. (Also called - Back pressure).

At higher pressure, heat rejection is less and so thermal efficiency increases. With increase in
maximum pressure average temperature of heat addition increases and so, thermal efficiency
increases. But, increase in maximum pressure increases the wetness of the vapour after
expansion which decreases the adiabatic efficiency of the prime mover and causes erosion of
blades.
By using superheated steam at the entrance to the turbine, the cycle efficiency increases.
Also, superheating reduces specific steam consumption as work done per unit mass of steam
is greater. For same condenser pressure, with superheated steam, dryness fraction at exhaust
increases, or for same value of dryness fraction, work done increases. To avoid erosion of
blades by water droplets, minimum dryness fraction at turbine exhaust should be 0.88.
The thermal efficiency of Rankine cycle can be greatly improved by reducing condenser
pressure. By reducing condenser pressure, a large amount of heat drop is available as work
done. But, by reducing back pressure, wetness of steam increases. So, it can be concluded
that the cycle efficiency increases with increase in maximum pressure (upto a certain limit in
case of un-superheated cycle), with increase in initial temperature and with decrease in back
pressure.

REHEATING OF STEAM
It is mentioned that efficiency of ordinary Rankine cycle can be improved by increasing the
pressure of steam at inlet to the turbine. With increased pressure, the steam will expand to a
greater extent and becomes quite wet at the end of expansion. The wet steam contains
suspended water particles. These water particles are heavier than steam particles cause
erosion of the blades and increase internal losses. Ultimately, it will lead to reduction in blade
efficiency of the turbine.
In order to increase the life of the turbine blades, it is necessary to keep steam dry during
expansion. This is done by taking out steam from the turbine at a section where it becomes
just dry saturated and is reheated at constant pressure by flue gases until it is again
superheated to about the same temperature as on entry to the turbine. It is then taken to next
stage of turbine where further expansion takes place. This process is known as - Reheating.
Generally, the expansion is carried out in several' stages and steam is reheated between stages
at suitable points. The final dryness fraction should not be less than 0.88 in a steam turbine.
REGENERATIVE CYCLE
In this, dry saturated steam from boiler enters the turbine at a higher temperature Tl and then
expands to temperature T2- Now, the condensate from condenser is pumped back and
circulated around turbine casing in a direction opposite to that of expanding steam in the
turbine. Thus, the steam is heated before entering into the boiler, such a system of heating is
known as -regenerative heating as steam is used to heat the steam itself. At all points, the
temperature difference is infinitesimal between water and steam and so the process is
reversible. Due to loss of heat the expansion in the turbine is not isentropic but follows the
path 1-2. The heat gained by feed water during 3-4 (Area 34ba) is equal to heat gives by
IC Engine:

An IC engine is a type of heat engine that converts fuel into useful work through a series of
controlled explosions. The internal combustion engine operates by the combustion of fuel
within a confined space, such as a cylinder, which pushes a piston, creating motion. This
motion is then transformed into rotary motion by a crankshaft, which can be used to power a
wide range of machines and vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, generators, and
aircraft.

IC engines have been a staple of the transportation and energy industries for over a century
and continue to play a major role in powering the modern world. They are widely used due to
their high power-to-weight ratio, ease of use, and adaptability to a range of fuels, including
gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. IC engines have undergone significant technological
advancements over the years, improving their efficiency, reducing emissions, and increasing
their power output. Despite the advent of electric vehicles and alternative energy sources, the
IC engine remains a critical component of the global energy landscape, and its future is likely
to be shaped by the ongoing quest for clean and sustainable energy solutions.

An IC Engine is a machine that transforms the energy released from the combustion of fuel
into mechanical energy. The motion of the piston is then converted into rotary motion by a
crankshaft, which can be used to drive a wide range of machines and vehicles. IC engines
come in different types, including reciprocating engines, such as spark ignition engines and
diesel engines, and rotary engines, such as the Wankel engine.

The full form of IC engine is Internal Combustion engine. The combustion of fuel occurs
inside the engine's cylinders, where a mixture of fuel and air is ignited, creating high-pressure
gases that push a piston.

They are widely used due to their high power-to-weight ratio, ease of use, and adaptability to
a range of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. Over the years, IC engines have
undergone significant technological advancements, improving their efficiency, reducing
emissions, and increasing their power output. Despite the advent of electric vehicles and
alternative energy sources, the IC engine remains a critical component of the global energy
landscape. Its future will likely be shaped by the ongoing quest for clean and sustainable
energy solutions, as well as advances in technology that allow for improved performance and
efficiency.

Working of IC Engine

An IC (Internal Combustion) engine is a heat engine that converts chemical energy stored in
the fuel into mechanical energy. It is used in vehicles, generators, and various other
applications. The working of an IC engine can be explained in the following steps:

Intake stroke

The first stroke is called the intake stroke. In this stroke, the fuel-air mixture is drawn into the
engine cylinder through the open intake valve.

Compression stroke

The second stroke is called the compression stroke. In this stroke, the piston compresses the
fuel-air mixture inside the cylinder by moving upwards.

Power stroke

The third stroke is called the power stroke. In this stroke, the fuel-air mixture is ignited by a
spark plug or a high-pressure injector, causing an explosion that forces the piston to move
downward. This downward motion of the piston is the source of mechanical energy.
Exhaust stroke

The fourth and final stroke is called the exhaust stroke. In this stroke, the exhaust valve
opens, and the piston moves upward, pushing the exhaust gases out of the engine through the
open exhaust valve.

The above four strokes collectively form a cycle known as the four-stroke cycle, which is
used in most modern IC engines. Some engines, however, use a two-stroke cycle, which
involves only two strokes, i.e., the compression stroke and the power stroke. In a two-stroke
cycle, the fuel-air mixture is drawn into the engine cylinder and ignited every other stroke.

Classification of IC Engine

IC engines can be classified based on several parameters, such as the method of ignition, the
number of strokes, the type of fuel used, the arrangement of cylinders, and many more. Each
classification has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial to choose the
appropriate type of IC engine for a specific application to optimize its performance and
efficiency. In this article, we will explore the different types of IC engines based on various
parameters and their characteristics.

Classification of IC Engine Based on Cycle Type

IC (Internal Combustion) engines are classified based on the type of cycle they follow. There
are two main types of cycles: the Otto cycle and the Diesel cycle. Engines that follow the
Otto cycle are called petrol engines, while those that follow the Diesel cycle are called diesel
engines. Another cycle, known as the dual cycle, is a combination of the Otto and Diesel
cycles and is used in some engines.

Four-Stroke Cycle Engine

In a four-stroke cycle engine, the piston completes four strokes (two upstrokes and two
downstrokes) to complete one cycle. The four strokes are named intake, compression, power,
and exhaust stroke. In the intake stroke, the fuel-air mixture is drawn into the cylinder. The
piston then moves upward to compress the mixture in the compression stroke. The spark plug
ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture in the power stroke, causing a rapid expansion of
gases that pushes the piston down. Finally, in the exhaust stroke, burnt gases are expelled
from the engine.

Two-Stroke Cycle Engine

In a two-stroke cycle engine, the piston completes two strokes (one upstroke and one
downstroke) to complete one cycle. The two strokes are named compression and power
stroke. The fuel-air mixture is drawn into the crankcase in the compression stroke. As the
piston moves upward, it compresses the fuel-air mixture in the crankcase. When the mixture
is compressed, it is forced upwards into the cylinder through the transfer port. The spark plug
ignites the mixture, causing a rapid expansion of gases that pushes the piston down. Finally,
in the exhaust stroke, burnt gases are expelled from the engine.

Classification of IC Engine Based on Fuel Type

IC engines can be classified based on the type of fuel used in them. The fuel type plays a
significant role in determining the engine's performance, efficiency, emissions, and
operational cost. Broadly, IC engines can be classified into two categories based on the type
of fuel used: spark-ignition engines (SI engines) and compression-ignition engines (CI
engines).

Spark-Ignition Engines (SI Engines)

SI engines, also known as gasoline engines, use gasoline as their primary fuel. The
combustion process in SI engines is initiated by an electric spark, which ignites the fuel-air
mixture in the cylinder. SI engines are commonly used in passenger cars, motorcycles, and
small aircraft. These engines are known for their high power output, smooth operation, and
relatively low emissions.

Compression-Ignition Engines (CI Engines)

CI engines, also known as diesel engines, use diesel as their primary fuel. The combustion
process in CI engines is initiated by the high temperature and pressure of the compressed air
in the cylinder, without the need for an external ignition source. CI engines are commonly
used in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, as well as in
marine and stationary power applications. These engines are known for their high fuel
efficiency, low operational cost, and durability.

Classification of IC Engine Based on Engine Configuration

Internal combustion engines (IC engines) can be classified based on their engine
configuration into two categories: reciprocating engines and rotary engines. Reciprocating
engines include the commonly used four-stroke and two-stroke engines, while rotary engines
include Wankel and turbine engines. The classification is based on the motion of the engine
components that convert the fuel energy into mechanical energy.

Inline Engines

In an inline engine, the cylinders are arranged in a straight line. This configuration is
commonly used in small cars and motorcycles.

V-shaped Engines

In a V-shaped engine, the cylinders are arranged in a V-shape. This configuration is

commonly used in larger cars and trucks.

Flat or horizontally opposed engines

In a flat engine, the cylinders are arranged in a horizontally opposed configuration, with two
banks of cylinders facing each other. This configuration is commonly used in aircraft and
some high-performance sports cars.
Radial engines

In a radial engine, the cylinders are arranged in a circular pattern around the crankshaft. This
configuration is commonly used in aircraft.

Classification of IC Engine Based on Number of Strokes

IC engines can be classified based on the number of strokes involved in each cycle of the
engine. The strokes refer to the movement of the piston in the engine cylinder. There are two
main types of IC engines based on the number of strokes:

Two-Stroke Engine

A two-stroke engine completes one power cycle in two strokes of the piston, i.e. one upstroke
and one downstroke. The upstroke compresses the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, while the
downstroke produces power by combusting the compressed mixture. These engines are
simpler and lighter than four-stroke engines, but they are less fuel-efficient and more
polluting.

Four-Stroke Engine

A four-stroke engine completes one power cycle in four strokes of the piston, i.e. one
upstroke, one downstroke, and two strokes in between. These two intermediate strokes are the
intake stroke and the exhaust stroke. In the intake stroke, the air-fuel mixture is drawn into
the cylinder, while in the exhaust stroke, the burned gases are expelled out of the cylinder.
Four-stroke engines are more fuel-efficient and less polluting than two-stroke engines, but
they are more complex and heavier.

Basic Engine Components

The basic components of an engine include the cylinder block, cylinder head, piston,
connecting rod, and crankshaft. The cylinder block houses the cylinders and forms the main
structure of the engine. The cylinder head covers the top of the cylinders and houses the
valves and combustion chamber. The piston moves up and down inside the cylinder, while
the connecting rod connects the piston to the crankshaft. The crankshaft converts the
reciprocating motion of the piston into rotational motion, which drives the wheels of a
vehicle or the blades of a generator.
Nomenclature of IC Engine

The nomenclature of an IC engine refers to the naming system used for its components, such
as cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts. It helps in identifying and describing
the parts of the engine and their functions.

Cylinder Bore (d)

The cylinder bore is the diameter of the cylindrical hole in the engine block where the piston
moves up and down to compress the fuel-air mixture and generate power. It determines the
displacement of the engine and affects its performance and efficiency.

Piston Area (A)

Piston area (A) refers to the cross-sectional area of the piston in an engine. The piston area
plays a crucial role in determining the force generated by the engine during the power stroke.

Stroke (L)

Stroke (L) refers to the distance travelled by the piston from the top dead centre (TDC) to the
bottom dead centre (BDC) in a single cycle of operation. It determines the displacement of
the engine and affects its power output and efficiency. The stroke is measured in millimetres
(mm) or inches (in).

Dead Centre

Dead Centre refers to the position of the piston at the extreme ends of its stroke in an engine.
The Top Dead Centre (TDC) is the position when the piston is at the highest point in the
cylinder, while the Bottom Dead Centre (BDC) is the position when the piston is at the
lowest point in the cylinder. These positions are important for engine timing and ignition
purposes.
Displacement or Swept Volume (Vs)

Displacement or Swept Volume (Vs) refers to the total volume of the air-fuel mixture that is
displaced by all the pistons in an engine during a single cycle of operation. It is calculated as
the product of the cross-sectional area of the piston (A) and the stroke length (L), multiplied
by the number of cylinders in the engine. The displacement is expressed in cubic centimeters
(cc) or liters (L) and is a crucial parameter that determines the power output and performance
of the engine.

Compression Ratio (r)

Compression Ratio (r) refers to the ratio of the volume of the combustion chamber when the
piston is at the bottom dead center (BDC) to the volume of the combustion chamber when the
piston is at the top dead center (TDC). It is a crucial parameter that determines the efficiency
and performance of an engine. A higher compression ratio leads to a more efficient
combustion process, which results in increased power output and fuel efficiency. The
compression ratio is usually expressed as a decimal or a ratio, such as 10:1. It is the ratio of
the total cylinder volume when the piston is at the bottom dead center, VTotal, to the
clearance volume, Vc.

r = VTotal/Vc = [Vc+Vs]/Vc = 1 + Vs/Vc

Applications of IC Engine

Internal combustion engines (IC engines) are widely used in transportation, power
generation, and industrial equipment. They power cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and
airplanes, as well as generators, pumps, and compressors. IC engines can run on a variety of
fuels including gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and biofuels. IC engines have a wide range of
applications in various industries and sectors. Some of the common applications of IC
engines are:

 Automobiles: IC engines are widely used in automobiles such as cars, buses, trucks,
and motorcycles to power vehicles.

 Aircraft: IC engines are also used in small aircraft and helicopters to provide
propulsion.
  Marine: IC engines are used in marine applications such as ships, boats, and
submarines.

 Agriculture: IC engines are used in agriculture for powering farm machinery such as
tractors, harvesters, and irrigation pumps.

 Power generation: IC engines are used for power generation in applications where
grid power is unavailable or unreliable, such as remote locations, construction sites,
and emergency backup power.

 Construction: IC engines are used in construction machinery such as excavators,

bulldozers, and cranes.

 Military: IC engines are used in military vehicles, tanks, and aircraft.

 Small equipment: IC engines are used in a variety of small equipment such as

lawnmowers, chainsaws, and generators.

Advantages of IC Engines

Internal combustion engines have the advantages of being powerful, compact, and efficient.
They can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. IC engines are
also relatively easy to maintain and repair, making them a cost-effective option for
transportation and power generation. There are several advantages of internal combustion
engines (IC engines) including:

1. High Power Density: IC engines have a high power-to-weight ratio, making them an
excellent choice for transportation and power generation applications.

2. Versatile: IC engines can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, natural
gas, and biofuels, giving them a wide range of applications.

3. Efficient: Modern IC engines are designed to be highly efficient, with some engines
achieving over 50% thermal efficiency.

4. Cost-effective: IC engines are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and the fuel they
use is readily available, making them a cost-effective option for many applications.

5. Durability: IC engines are designed to be rugged and durable, making them ideal for
use in harsh environments.

6. Easy to Maintain: IC engines are easy to maintain, with many components easily
accessible for inspection and repair.

Overall, the advantages of IC engines make them an important technology for a wide range of
applications, from powering vehicles and generators to running pumps and compressors in
industrial settings.

Disadvantages of IC Engine
Internal combustion engines (IC engines) have several disadvantages, including producing
harmful emissions, requiring fossil fuels, low thermal efficiency, limited lifespan, and high
maintenance costs. These engines also generate noise and vibration, contributing to noise
pollution and discomfort to passengers.

1. Environmental impact: IC engines release harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide,

nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and climate
change.

2. Limited efficiency: IC engines are not very efficient, with only about 20-30% of the
fuel's energy being converted into useful work, with the rest being lost as heat.

3. Noise and vibration: IC engines can be noisy and produce vibrations, which can be
uncomfortable for passengers and lead to structural damage.

4. Dependence on fossil fuels: IC engines rely on non-renewable fossil fuels, which are
becoming increasingly scarce and expensive.

5. Maintenance requirements: IC engines require regular maintenance and repairs to

keep them running smoothly, which can be costly and time-consuming.

6. Safety concerns: IC engines can pose safety risks due to the flammable nature of the
fuel and the potential for explosions or fires.

What Is the Difference Between a 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Engine?

The main difference between a 4-stroke engine and a 2-stroke engine is that a 4-stroke engine
goes through four stages, or two complete revolutions, to complete one power stroke, while a
2-stroke engine goes through 2 stages, or one complete revolution, to complete one power
stroke. This means a 2-stroke engine can potentially produce twice as much power as a 4-
stroke engine and also weigh less.

4-Stroke Engine

Four-stroke engines are fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly. They operate in four

steps:

1. Intake: The intake valve is open, and fuel is drawn in with a downward stroke.
2. Compression: As the piston moves upward, the fuel is compressed.
3. Power: After the fuel is compressed, it is ignited to produce the engine’s power.
4. Exhaust: The exhaust valve opens, and the exhaust gases exit the cylinder.

2-Stroke Engine

A two-stroke engine combines the compression and ignition steps on the upstroke and the
power and exhaust steps on the downstroke. This process requires fewer moving parts for
easier maintenance, but it does provide less torque.

The two-step process includes:

 1. Upstroke (ignition/compression): The piston goes up, air and fuel enter the
crankcase. The fuel-air mixture is compressed and ignited.
2. Downstroke (power/exhaust): Once the fuel is ignited, the piston is pushed down,
and the exhaust is expelled.

Both engine types have their pros and cons, and the one that will work best for you depends
on the needs of your application. While 4-stroke engines perform well and generally last
longer than 2-stroke engines, 2-stroke engines are lighter and faster than 4-stroke engines.

Comparing 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Engines

When comparing two- and four-stroke engines, their main difference is in how they operate.
Both engines use the combustion cycle to produce energy.

The main difference between a 2- and 4-stroke engine is that a 4-stroke engine goes through
four stages, or two complete revolutions, to complete one power stroke. A 2-stroke engine
goes through 2 stages, or one complete revolution, to complete one power stroke.

During the combustion cycle in an engine, the piston moves up and down within a cylinder
where the piston travels. A stroke is when the piston moves from the top center to the bottom
of the cylinder. During a combustion cycle, while the piston moves down the cylinder, it
captures air and gas. As the piston moves back up to the top, the exhaust valve opens to expel
the exhaust.

Two-stroke engines work by combining more functions into one piston-movement; during
the upwards movement of the piston (compressing the air/fuel/oil mixture) in the combustion
chamber, underneath the piston a fresh mixture of air/fuel/oil is drawn in the hermetically
closed crankcase.

A 4-stroke engine is a very common variation of an internal combustion engine. During

engine operation, pistons go through 4 events to achieve each power cycle. The definition of
an event is an up or down piston motion. Upon completion of the 4 events, the cycle is
complete and ready to begin again.

While the combustion cycle is relatively similar for both engines, they differ in the number of
strokes the piston must move to complete the process. A two-stroke engine completes the five
functions of the combustion cycle (intake, compression, ignition, combustion and exhaust) in
two piston strokes. A four-stroke engine, on the other hand, completes a combustion cycle
after four piston strokes. Another way to think of this process is as one crankshaft revolution
for a two-stroke engine and two crankshaft revolutions for a four-stroke version.

Pros of a 2-Stroke Engine

There are many benefits to using a two-stroke engine. Some advantages include:

1. A two-stroke engine weighs less compared to a four-stroke engine and requires less
space.
2. The engine’s turning movement is even since it takes one power stroke for each
crankshaft revolution.
3. This engine’s design is simple due to the lack of a valve mechanism.
 4. During operation, this engine creates less friction on parts and has increased
mechanical efficiency.
5. This engine features a significant power boost with a high power-to-weight ratio.
6. The engine can operate at cold and hot external temperatures.
7. The engine has inlet and exhaust ports.

Cons of a 2-Stroke Engine

Using a two-stroke engine has some disadvantages such as:

1. Two-stroke engines consume more fuel, and only a small amount of fresh charges mix
with gasses from the exhaust.
2. You may experience a high amount of vibration or noise during operation.
3. This engine has a shorter life span since it incurs increased wear and tear.
4. A two-stroke engine has a narrow power band, or range of speed where the engine is
most efficient.
5. This engine type may become unstable while idling.
6. You may experience issues with scavenging with this engine.
7. A two-stroke engine does not burn as cleanly, leading to a higher level of air pollution
than a four-stroke engine.

Applications of a 2-Stroke Engine

You can use a two-stroke engine in a variety of applications. Outdoor power equipment such
as chainsaws, blowers, trimmers and hedge trimmers use a two-stroke motor. You can also
use a two-stroke engine in transportation and equipment devices such as outboard motors,
motorcycles or dirt bikes.

Pros of a 4-Stroke Engine

Using a four-stroke engine offers a variety of benefits. Some of these advantages include:

1. Four-stroke engines yield higher levels of torque at a lower RPM during operation.
2. A four-stroke engine only consumes fuel once every four strokes, making it a more
fuel-efficient engine option.
3. Four-stroke engines give off less pollution because they do not require oil or lubricant
mixed in the fuel.
4. These engines are durable and can withstand higher amounts of wear and tear.
5. You will not need additional oil with a four-stroke engine.
6. A four-stroke engine produces less noise and vibration during operation.

Cons of a 4-Stroke Engine

Four-stroke engines also have some disadvantages such as:

1. The additional components in the four-stroke design make these engines heavier
compared to the two-stroke version.
2. A four-stroke engine contains more parts and valves, making repairs and
maintenance more expensive.
3. Since it only receives power once every four rotations of the piston, this design is less
powerful than a comparable two-stroke engine.
 4. This engine design features a gear and chain mechanism, which can cause
complications during maintenance.
5. A four-stroke engine requires regular maintenance, leading to an increase in costs for
products and services.

Applications of a 4-Stroke Engine

Four-stroke engines are a great choice for a variety of uses, such as outdoor power equipment
and vehicles. One of the most common examples of equipment powered by a four-stroke
engine is a lawnmower. You can also find these engines in a 7cc RC engine to a Cat C18
diesel engine with approximately 800 horsepower.

Two Strokes Four Strokes

It has one revolution of the crankshaft It has two revolutions of the crankshaft
during one power stroke. during one power stroke.

It generates high torque. It generates less torque.

It uses a port for the fuel’s outlet and inlet. It uses valves for the fuel’s outlet and
inlet.

Its engines result in lesser thermal Its engines result in higher thermal
efficiency. efficiency.

It has a larger ratio in terms of power to It has a lesser ratio in terms of power to
weight. weight.

It generates more smoke and shows less It generates less smoke and shows more
efficiency. efficiency.

Requires more lubricating oil as some oil Requires less lubricating oil.
burns with the fuel.

Due to poor lubrication, more wear and tear Less wear and tear occurs.
occurs.

Engines are cheaper and are simple to Engines are expensive due to lubrication
manufacture. and valves and are tough to manufacture.

Engines are basically lighter and noisier. Engines are basically heavier because
their flywheel is heavy and less noisy.

What Is Spark Ignition Engines (S.I. Engine)?

The Spark Ignition Engines is a petrol engine often used on commercial vehicles such as
scooters, motorcycles, cars, etc. It produces less noise and vibration, is easier to start, requires
less maintenance, and has lighter weight. In their definition, we can say that S.I. engines are
internal combustion engines that operate on the principle of spark ignition (which is to create
a spark with a spark plug).

It uses petrol and fresh air to complete the Otto cycle. The four-stroke petrol engine performs
the work cycle in four stages. During that time, the crankshaft takes two turns. The first cycle
is intake – the clip goes from TDC (top dead center) to BDC (bottom dead center), and the
suctions valve starts to open before the piston reaches TDC and closes after the piston passes
the BDC position.

What Is Spark Ignition Engines (S.I. Engine)?

The Spark Ignition Engines is a petrol engine often used on commercial vehicles such as
scooters, motorcycles, cars, etc. It produces less noise and vibration, is easier to start, requires
less maintenance, and has lighter weight. In their definition, we can say that S.I. engines are
internal combustion engines that operate on the principle of spark ignition (which is to create
a spark with a spark plug).

It uses petrol and fresh air to complete the Otto cycle. The four-stroke petrol engine performs
the work cycle in four stages. During that time, the crankshaft takes two turns. The first cycle
is intake – the clip goes from TDC (top dead center) to BDC (bottom dead center), and the
suctions valve starts to open before the piston reaches TDC and closes after the piston passes
the BDC position.

A pressure of 0.7–0.9 bar is produced in the cylinder, which, through an open valve, draws a
freshly worked mixture that is mixed into the cylinder with the remaining combustion
products from the previous process. During compressions, the clip moves to TDC and
compresses the gases in the cylinder. Pressure increases from 11 to 18 bar and temperature
from 400 to 600 0C. The piston-cylinder starts to reduce chamber space.

Both cylinder valves are closed, and fuel and air compression is performed. Combustion
starts before TDC and lasts until BDC. Compression ratio values range from 6 to 11. During
expansions, the compressed fuel and air mixture is ignited by an electric high-voltage spark
plug just before the piston returns to the TDC position.

At the beginning of the expansion stroke, the pressure of the combustion gas is 40–60 bar,
and the temperature is 2000–2500 C. Due to the pressure of the high combustion, the pistons
move from TDC to BDC, where useful mechanical works are achieved. By increasing the
volume of the cylinder & the expansion of the combustion gases, the pressure and the
temperature of the combustions gas is reduced, leading to 3-5 times the pressure of the
combustion gas at the end and the temperature 700–1000 C. Due to exhaustion the piston
moves from BDC to TDC and then exhales cylinder gases through an open exhaust valve.

The combustion gases have a pressure of 1.05 to 1.20 bar. Depending on the cylinder charge,
the pressure at the front and rear of the exhaust may be above critical, & a good part of the
gas is ejected due to the pressure difference. The high pressure and temperature in the engine
cylinder represent an important precondition for achieving high efficiency. At full engine
powers, the exhaust gas temperature is about 700–1000 C.

What Is Compression Ignition Engines (C.I. Engine)?

The compression ignition engine is a diesel engine used in heavy vehicles, machinery,
railways, ships, trucks, and equipment. In the combustion process, unlike the SI engine, only
air enters the cylinder during the suction stroke, which allows both air and fuel to enter. It
ignites diesel fuel with compressed hot air. CI engine is also internal combustion engines that
use diesel fuel to run on a diesel cycle.

In the system, the spark plug is terminated because the spark does not require combustion.
The combustion is accomplished by compressing the air purified in the cylinder, which is
then compressed to a warm temperature to ignite when the fuel is injected. This system has a
high compression ratio due to the high ignition temperature of diesel fuel.

Higher compression ratios produce more power. Incomplete combustion produces more
hydrocarbons, causing air pollution from the exhaust. The first phase (intake) begins by
opening the suction valve. The clip moves from TDC to BDC, causing the pressure in the
cylinder to rise as the volume increases above the piston so that the actual cylinder pressure is
0.7 – 0.85 bar during the suction time. In the case of the turbocharged engine, it is up to 2
times.

The second stroke (compressions) begins by closing the suction valve & ends at TDC. The
capacity of the injected working medium in the compression chamber is reduced by 14 to 24
times. The air pressure at the end of compression is 30 – 60 bar, and its temperature is 600 –
9000C. After compression of air, expansion begins, and fuel is injected into the cylinder with
pressures of 90 – 2000 bar, depending on injection devices.

The fuel is dispersed, heated, mixed with air, & ignites. During combustion, the temperatures
rise to 2000 – 25000C & the pressure to 60 – 120 bar. In this trick, the piston mechanism has
maximum mechanical and thermal stresses. During expansion, the clip is changed from BDC
to TDC, thus the clearance of the cylinder through the exhaust valve. The pressure at which
exhaust gases pass is 1.05 to 1.20 bar. The temperature of the gases is 500 – 6000C.

Difference Between S.I. and C.I. Engine:

Sr. Compression-Ignition Engine(C.I

Spark Ignition Engine (S.I Engine)
No. Engine)

S.I. engine is called the spark- C.I. engine is called a compression

1
ignition engine. ignition engine

S.I. engine fuel is used as petrol, so The fuel used in C.I. engines is
2 this engine is also called the petrol diesel, so it is also called a diesel
engine. engine.

The S.I. engine was developed by The C.I. engine was developed by
3
otto in 1862 Rudolf diesel in 1892.

S.I. engine fuel mixture is The mixture of C.I. engines is

4
homogeneously used heterogeneous.

5 In si engine inlet valve, suction of air The Inlet valve of the ci engine is the
 and petrol mixture suction of only air.

Ignition produces in a diesel engine is

The ignition of the S.I. engine is due
6 auto-ignite. Fuel is injected into the
to the spark plug.
cylinder under high pressure.

The combustion of a petrol engine is Combustion of C.I. engine not

7
smooth. smooth it is noisy.

The compression ratio of the si The compression ratio of the C.I.

8
engine is low up to 5 to 10 engine is high it upto 15 to 25.

The maintenance problem is less in

9 Maintenance is high required.
the S.I. engine.

The flywheel required of the si

The thermal efficiency is low of the
10 engine is large size requires
si engine compared to the ci engine.
compared to the si engine.

The flywheel size requires small Thermal efficiency is high in the C.I.
11
compared to the ci engine. engine compared to the si engine.

The space required for the S.I. More space required of ci engine
12
engine is small. compared to S.I. engine.

Construction of si engine is lighter The construction of the C.I. engine is

13
and cheaper than ci engine heavier and bulky.

The vibration creates in si engine is

14 Vibration in the C.I. engine is more.
low

15 Fuel efficiency less Fuel efficiency is high.

Specific output is high of the C.I.

16 Specific output is less.
engine.

The piston shape of the S.I. engine is The piston shape of the C.I. engine is
17
convex. concave.

Pollution is high of si engines The pollution produced of the ci

18
compared to the ci engine engine is less.

The power output of the S.I. engine

19 Power output is high of C.I. engine.
is less.

The Air fuel ratio of the ci engine is

20 Air fuel ratio 15:1
18 to 70

21 The cost of the S.I. engine is less. The cost of the C.I. engine is high.

22 The running cost of the S.I. engine is The running cost of the C.I. engine is
 less. low compared to the si engine.

23 The speed of the S.I. engine is high. The speed of the ci engine is low.

Noise produces in the C.I. engine is

24 Noise produces in si engine is less
high.

Preignition has less chance to create

25 Preignition chance high in si engine
in the ci engine.

The mixture required of si engine is The mixture required for the C.I.
26
rich engine is lean

The exhaust temperature of the S.I.

Exhaust temperature low of ci
27 engine is high compared to the C.I.
engine.
engine.

Overheating trouble is more in the si Overheating problems are less in C.I.

28
engine. engines.

Press6at end of compression is 10 The pressure at the end of

29
bar. compression in ci is 35 bar.

Starting problem is not in the S.I. Starting problem is created in the C.I.
30
engine. engine.

S.I. engine used in the light-duty I am used to C.I. engines in heavy-

31
application. duty applications.

Delay periods of the si engine are Delay periods of the C.I. engine are
32
0.002sec 0.0002 sec.

Ignition produces at constant Ignition of the C.I. engine is at

33
volume. constant pressure.

34 Fuel consumption per B.P is 0.25 kg. Fuel consumption per B.P is 0.20 kg.

Quantitative governed used in si Governor use of C.I. engine is

35 engine. The fuel varies with respect qualitative governed fuel caries with
to load is air+fuel. respective to load is fuel.
Advantages of C.I. Engine:

 Produces more power

 High work efficiency
 Huge amounts of fuel can be burnt
 Low fuel cost
 High energy density
 Good lubricating properties
 Low risk of fire due to non-production of flammable vapor.
 Good exhaust-emission behavior.
 No intake of air restriction other than an air filter.
  Fuels are injected directly into the combustion chambers.
Disadvantages of C.I. Engine:

 Make more noise and vibrate.

 Produces hydrocarbons, causing environmental pollution.
 Higher maintenance costs are required.
 The engine is heavy.
Difference between 4 stroke petrol and diesel engine [with Pdf]
The basic difference between these two engines is that the four stroke petrol engines use
a spark plug for the ignition while the four stroke diesel engine uses a higher
compression ratio so that the fuel can undergo auto-ignition.

Four stroke petrol engine:

These are the spark ignition (SI) engines that work on a principle of the otto cycle. In these
engines, the fuel is mixed with air before it reaches the combustion chamber.

In this, the air-fuel mixture is ignited by the generation of a spark with the help of a spark
plug. As it does not work on autoignition, these engines work at a lower compression ratio.
These engines can be noticed mostly in light-duty applications like cars, two-wheelers,
smaller generators, ATVs, etc.

Four stroke diesel engine:

These are the compressed ignition engines that work on the diesel cycle. In these engines, the
air is compressed at high pressure to reach the auto-ignition temperature of the diesel, and
then the fuel is spread in the hot air with the help of a fuel injector. As the fuel is directly
injected into the pressurized air in the combustion chamber, it requires a high-pressure fuel
injection system. These engines are used in heavy-duty applications like trucks, tractors,
Diesel generators, cargo ships, etc.

Difference between four stroke petrol and diesel engine:

Sr.
Four Stroke Diesel Engine Four Stroke Petrol Engine
No.

In this engine, Combustion starts

The higher compression ratio helps for the
1 due to the generation of a spark in
auto-ignition of the fuel.
the Air-Fuel Mixture.

2 It works on Diesel Cycle. It works on Petrol or Otto Cycle.

In this engine, Petrol (gasoline) or

3 In this engine, Diesel is used as fuel.
CNG is used as Fuel.

Spark Plug generates a spark to

4 The fuel injector initiates the combustion.
ignite the charge.

Fuel mixes with air in the

Fuel mixes with air inside the combustion carburettor or in the intake manifold
5
chamber. before going to the combustion
chamber.

It requires a high-pressure fuel injection The high-pressure fuel injection

6
system. system is not necessary.

It produces comparatively lower

7 These engines produce more torque.
torque.

It runs at a comparatively higher

8 It runs at a lower RPM.
RPM.

9 The fuel used is less volatile. It uses more volatile fuel.

Lower wear of cylinder due to the The gasoline can wear the engine
10
lubricating properties of diesel. components faster.

It works at a lower compression

11 The compression Ratio is High.
ratio.

It has a more rigid design because of the These engines are less rigid than
12
higher compression ratio. four-stroke diesel engines.

These engines last longer than petrol It has a lower lifespan than four-
13
engines. stroke diesel engines.

More fuel consumption as

Less fuel consumption as the fuel used is
14 compared to Four Stroke Diesel
higher dense.
engines.
 Sr.
Four Stroke Diesel Engine Four Stroke Petrol Engine
No.

The initial cost of Four Stroke Diesel

15 It has a lower initial cost.
Engine is High.

More maintenance costs as it uses costly

16 Less maintenance cost.
components.

It is used in heavy-duty applications like It is used in light-duty vehicles like

17
buses, trucks, farm tractors, etc. two-wheeler, cars, ATVs, etc.

Cold starting is easier than the four-

18 Difficult to a cold start.
stroke diesel engines.

What are Petrol and Diesel Engines?

Car, trucks, bus and other automobiles run on engines based on fossil fuels. The two most
common types of engine are petrol engine and diesel engine. Most of the vehicles run either
on petrol engine or diesel engine. The main difference between the petrol engine and diesel
engine is that in a petrol engine, fuel and air both are compressed with a spark, while in a
diesel engine, only air is compressed, and fuel is injected in compressed air. Petrol engines
and diesel engines work on the otto cycle and diesel cycle, respectively.
Petrol Engine
Petrol engines are mostly used in cars, scooters, machines, etc. It is an internal combustion
engine with spark ignition. It is also known as a gasoline engine. It was 1st invented in
Europe, 1876. It was a very basic model of the petrol engine. After this many improvisations
have been done and the present model which people are using is the latest one. In petrol
engines, air and fuel are mixed before compression and then an electric spark is used for
ignition. Ignition temperature is the lowest temperature at which a fuel or combustible
substance, when heated, catches fire. It works on the Otto cycle. Otto cycle explains how in
gasoline engines, chemical energy is converted into thermal energy and then into motion.
Petrol Engine

How Does The Petrol Engine Work?

Working of petrol engine can be expressed by the following four steps shown in the image
below.
Working of a Petrol Engine
Step 1. Fuel (petrol) and air are added to the cylinder and mixed.
Step 2. The mixture of petrol and air is compressed by the use of a crankshaft.
Step 3. Now spark is used in the mixture and the mixture forces the piston down.
Step 4. Gases go out from the exhaust valve.
Diesel Engine
Generally, trucks and other heavy vehicles run on diesel engines. It is also an internal
combustion engine that works on diesel. In these engines, the air is compressed, so it
becomes very hot and then fuel (diesel) is injected into it. Thus, diesel reaches its ignition
temperature by the heat of compressed air. It is also known as a compression-ignition engine.
It was 1st developed by Rudolf Diesel in 1893 in Germany. Diesel engines were mainly used
in trains at that time.
How Does a Diesel Engine Work?
A diesel engine works on a diesel cycle. It can be explained by the following steps shown in
the figures below:

Step 1. Induction Stroke – Piston of the engine goes down and air comes into the cylinder.
Step 2. Compression Stroke – Piston goes up and compresses the air. Now the air is getting
hot.
Step 3. Power Stroke – Now, fuel or diesel is added to the cylinder.
Step 4. Exhaust Stroke – Fuel or diesel starts burning due to ignition temperature provided by
hot air. Smoke goes out from the valve.

Petrol vs Diesel Engine in Tabular Form

Petrol Engine Diesel Engine

Petrol engine works on an otto cycle. Diesel engines work on diesel engine cycle.

In this type of engine fuel and air mixture In this type of engine fuel and air are not
is compressed together. compressed together.

These engines work with highly volatile

These engines work with low volatile fuels.
fuels.

In this type of engine ignition is induced In this type of engine ignition is induced by heat
by spark. generated by compression of air.

This engine has low compression ratios

This engine has high compression ratios (11-20).
(7-10).

This engine has lower efficiency than a This engine has higher efficiency than a petrol
diesel engine. engine.

In this type of engine fuel consumption is

In this type of engine fuel consumption is lower.
higher.

While working this engine makes less

While working this engine makes more noise.
noise.

This engine has a high running cost. This engine has low running cost.

It is mostly applicable for light duty

It is mostly applicable for heavy duty applications.
applications.

In this type of engine, fuel and air are In this type of engine, first air is injected and
injected together. compressed, then fuel is added.