What are the advantages and disadvantages of the combustion engine?

An Engine is a mechanical device that is used to convert one form of energy to another. The type of engine about which we are going to study in this article converts heat into work.

On the basis of location of actual combustion of fuel, engines can be classified into two types.

One is internal combustion engine (ICE) and another one is external combustion engine.

In this article we will limit our discussion to internal combustion engines.

What is an internal combustion engine?

It is quite obvious from the name that in internal combustion engines, fuel is burned inside the engine. Unlike external combustion engines in which fuel is burned outside the engine.

Most popular type of internal combustion engine which we see today is the engine which we use in our car and motorcycle.

We can easily note that we put fuel in these engines and that fuel gets burned inside the cylinder. Engine converts energy of fuel into power and releases exhaust gases of combustion process.

Internal combustion Engine Working Animation

In the above animation we can easily understand working of an internal combustion engine.

Here, blue color denotes fuel and brown color denotes exhaust gases.

The most common types of internal combustion are

• Open cycle gas turbine

• Reciprocating internal combustion engine

• Wankel Engine etc.

Advantages of internal combustion engines

1. Size of engine is very less compared to external combustion engines

2. Power to weight ratio is high

3. Very suitable for small power requirement applications

4. Usually more portable than their counterpart external combustion engines

5. Safer to operate

6. Starting time is very less

7. High efficiency than external combustion engine

8. No chances of leakage of working fluids

9. Requires less maintenance

10. Lubricant consumption is less as compared to external combustion engines

11. In case of reciprocating internal combustion overall working temperature is low because peak temperature is reached for only small period of time (only at detonation of fuel).

Disadvantages of internal combustion engines

1. Variety of fuels that can be used is limited to very fine quality gaseous and liquid fuel

2. Fuel used is very costly like gasoline or diesel

3. Engine emissions are generally high compared to external combustion engine

4. Not suitable of large scale power generation

5. In case of reciprocating internal combustion noise is generated due to detonation of fuel

Types and applications of internal combustion engines

1. Gasoline Engines: They are used for Automotive, Marine, Aircraft purposes.

2. Gas Engines: They are used for Industrial Power purposes

3. Diesel Engines: They are used for Automotive, Railways, Power, Marine purposes.

4. Gas Turbines: They are used for Power, Aircraft, Industrial, Marine purposes.

Image source: By Zephyris – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10896588

What are the factors that affect the speed of combustion?

4 answers

The speed of combustion is influenced by several factors. One important factor is the temperature of the gas mixture in which the reaction occurs. The speed of the reaction increases with temperature. Another factor is the presence of obstacles or geometry in the combustion chamber. The shape of the combustion chamber affects the turbulent burning speeds, with different geometries leading to different speed patterns. Additionally, the nature of the fuel itself plays a role in combustion speed. The chemical composition and volatility of the fuel can impact the rate and extent of combustion. Furthermore, the interaction of chemical kinetics with heat and mass transport, as well as the presence of turbulence, can affect the propagation of flames and the transport of fuel into the reaction zone. Overall, the speed of combustion is influenced by temperature, combustion chamber geometry, fuel properties, and the dynamics of the combustion process.

What are the key components of electric vehicles?

4 answers

The key components of electric vehicles (EVs) include battery energy sources, electrical machines (such as permanent magnet synchronous motors and induction motors), power electronics converters (such as boost converters and full bridge converters), and motor controllers (such as field-oriented control and model predictive control). Additionally, EVs require a motor drive, transmission, and controller for the electric propulsion system, which may be integrated with an engine power train in the case of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). These components work together to store and manage electrical energy, convert it into mechanical motion, and control the operation of the vehicle. The integration of these technologies, along with advancements in battery management systems, is crucial for the successful commercialization and widespread adoption of EVs.

Why supercritical extraction suitable for seed extraction?

5 answers

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is suitable for seed extraction due to its selectivity, low extraction temperatures, and short processing times. SFE allows for the efficient extraction of seed oils within a short time and at a low cost. It has been extensively used in extracting seed oils, including from amaranth seeds and quinilla seeds. SFE offers advantages over other extraction methods, such as the use of organic solvents, which can be damaging to the environment. Additionally, SFE can be combined with other extraction methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, to further enhance the extraction process. The use of supercritical CO2 as the extraction solvent in SFE provides an inert, non-polar, and non-flammable medium for efficient extraction. Mathematical modeling and optimization methods have been employed to improve the efficiency of SFE for seed extraction.

What are the electrical vehicle types?

4 answers

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an advanced area of research in the automobile industry. There are three types of electric vehicles: battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell-based electric vehicles. Battery electric vehicles run solely on electricity stored in their batteries, while hybrid electric vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Fuel cell-based electric vehicles use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. These electric vehicles offer a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and are gaining popularity due to their environmental friendliness. The development of electric vehicles involves advancements in various aspects, including motors and batteries. The different types of electric motors used in EVs include induction motors, switched reluctance motors, permanent magnet brushless AC motors, and permanent magnet brushless DC motors.

What are the challenges in improving electric vehicle fast charging?

4 answers

Improving electric vehicle fast charging faces several challenges. The high charge current and internal resistance of the battery generate excess heat, requiring an effective thermal management system. Coordinated development of battery cells, power systems, charging infrastructure, and electric grids is necessary for fast charging. The non-intelligent charging of electric vehicles can damage the power network, highlighting the need for intelligent and managed charging systems. DC fast charging brings challenges in battery chemistry, charging profile, power electronics converter topologies, and grid impact. Fast-charging technologies impact battery systems, including heat management, and require advancements in power electronic converter topologies and systems-level research. The development of new battery materials, such as anode materials with improved lithium ion diffusion coefficients, is crucial for achieving fast charging. Modular power converter design and the use of wide-bandgap materials offer opportunities for improvement.

Which performance measures are the main drivers for battery development?

5 answers

The main drivers for battery development are the performance measures related to energy density, charging and discharging properties, system integration, and cost of battery technologies. Additionally, performance characteristics such as calendar life, cycle life, and safety at low and high temperatures are also important factors in battery development.

How an electric car work?

4 answers

An electric car works by utilizing a car electric system that includes a charging circuit, a pre-charging circuit, a voltage detector, and a controller. The power supply circuit, connected to the power source, consists of a capacitor and a first contactor. Additionally, an electric car work control method based on a cloud platform ensures that the car can only start and work normally when authorized through a car rental order. The driving system of an electric automobile comprises a speed changer, an electric driving part, and a clutch. Another driving system for an electric vehicle includes two motors, with the first motor driving the first driving shaft and the second motor driving the second driving shaft. Lastly, a structure of an electric working vehicle is designed to support load in the forward direction and eliminate the risk of rollover during delivery.

How does balling occur in LPBF?

4 answers

Balling in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) occurs due to various factors. The surface characteristics of LPBF components, such as layer-by-layer staircase edges, laser tracks, balling, unfused/partially melted powder, spatter particles, and solidification chevrons, contribute to the formation of balling. In the case of a balling press for coated electrode production, the press applies hydraulic pressure to form hollow cylindrical powder balls, which are then cut into halves to obtain the desired shape. Similarly, in the preparation of high-purity indium, a balling press is used to extrude sponge indium into balls, improving the efficiency of the process. The use of a rigid, supportive plate or sheet in the pressing process also aids in balling. In the context of a medicate arrangement for generator Phosphine, the balling process is controlled using a medicate device and a transmission part, ensuring precise and controllable powder formation.

What are the main uses of ethylene and propylene?

5 answers

Ethylene and propylene have various uses in different industries. Ethylene is used as fuel for combustion engines, where it is fed into the combustion chamber and burned. It is also used in the production of ethylene copolymers, which contain photochemically activatable groups and can be used in various applications. Additionally, ethylene copolymers containing carboxyl groups are used in the production of materials for material separation. Propylene, on the other hand, is commonly used in the production of ethylene-propylene polymers (EPDM or EPM), which are synthetic rubbers known for their excellent resistance to ozone and aging. EPDM is used in automotive weatherstrip profiles, radiator hoses, building and construction materials, cable and wire insulation, and as an impact modifier for thermoplastics. Overall, ethylene and propylene find applications in fuel, polymer production, material separation, and the rubber industry.

What are the ways to charge ev from grid?

5 answers

There are several ways to charge electric vehicles (EVs) from the grid. One approach is to use AC chargers at residences, which utilize domestic electricity supply for EV charging. Another technique involves using a bi-directional Dual Active Bridge (DAB) DC-DC converter topology, which allows for bidirectional current flow and enables fast charging of EVs. Additionally, a solar photovoltaic (PV), grid-integrated multifunctional off-board bidirectional EV battery charger (EVBC) can be used. This charger operates in grid connected mode (GCM) and islanding mode (IM), charging and discharging EV batteries while improving grid power quality. Another innovative approach is to have charging stations with local batteries that store electricity from the grid and supply it to EVs. These charging stations can be strategically located within a car park, and the charging of batteries can be prioritized based on usage or state of charge.

How does the performance of the rectifier on an EV charging station affect the overall performance of the station?

4 answers

The performance of the rectifier on an EV charging station has a significant impact on the overall performance of the station. The rectifier is responsible for converting AC power to DC power for charging the EV batteries. Poor performance of the rectifier can lead to several issues such as high harmonics, poor voltage profile, and transformer overloading, which affect the power quality of the grid. These issues can result in electrical and thermal overloading of distribution transformers, decreased life expectancy of the transformers, unbalancing between demand and supply in the grid, and voltage deviation in the grid. Therefore, it is crucial to have an efficient and reliable rectifier in the charging station to maintain power quality standards and ensure the smooth operation of the EV charging infrastructure.