The History of the Diesel Engine

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The History of the Diesel Engine
The diesel engine, invented by Rudolf Diesel, is an internal combustion engine characterized by compression ignition, where the fuel ignites due to the high temperature of compressed air in the cylinder. This distinguishes it from petrol (gasoline) engines, which rely on a spark plug for ignition.
In operation, diesel engines compress only air or air mixed with exhaust gases (using exhaust gas recirculation, EGR) during the intake stroke. This compressed air reaches a high temperature, and when atomized diesel fuel is injected just before combustion, it ignites. This method results in a heterogeneous air-fuel mixture. Diesel engines control torque by adjusting the amount of injected fuel rather than throttling the intake air, typically maintaining a high air-fuel ratio (λ).
Diesel engines are noted for their high thermal efficiency, achieved through a high expansion ratio and lean burn, which dissipates heat with excess air. Unlike non-direct-injection gasoline engines, diesel engines do not suffer efficiency losses from unburned fuel during valve overlap. Low-speed diesel engines, commonly used in ships, can reach efficiencies of up to 55%. Although combined cycle gas turbines are more efficient, their size and weight limit their use in vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft. The largest diesel engines are 14-cylinder, two-stroke marine engines that produce nearly 100 MW of power each.
Diesel engines can operate on two-stroke or four-stroke cycles. Initially, they replaced stationary steam engines due to their superior efficiency. Since the 1910s, diesel engines have been used in submarines and ships, later expanding to locomotives, buses, trucks, heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, and power generation. They started appearing in some automobiles in the 1930s. The 1970s energy crisis heightened demand for fuel-efficient diesel engines, prompting major automakers to introduce diesel-powered models, including small cars. By 2012, diesel cars constituted half of new car registrations in the European Union.
Cars
Diesel engines have gained popularity in cars primarily due to their superior fuel efficiency and durability compared to gasoline engines. In Europe, where fuel prices are high and CO2 emission regulations are stringent, diesel engines are especially favored. These engines offer better mileage and lower CO2 emissions per kilometer, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Diesel cars are particularly suitable for long-distance driving and heavy usage because their robust construction allows them to handle high torque and sustained operation.
Trucks
Trucks have long relied on diesel engines for their unmatched torque and fuel efficiency. These engines provide the necessary power to haul heavy loads over long distances, making them essential in the logistics and transportation industries. The high compression ratio of diesel engines results in greater efficiency and reliability, which are crucial for long-haul trucking. Additionally, diesel engines are built to withstand the high stress and prolonged use typical of commercial trucking.
Boats
Diesel engines are the preferred choice for a wide range of boats, from small fishing vessels to large commercial ships. Their high efficiency and ability to produce significant torque at low speeds make them ideal for marine applications. Diesel engines' robustness and fuel efficiency are particularly valuable in the maritime industry, where engines must operate continuously for extended periods. Marine diesel engines are designed to handle the harsh marine environment, offering reliability and longevity. A
Trains
The railway industry has extensively adopted diesel engines, especially in regions where electrification of tracks is not feasible. Diesel locomotives are powerful, efficient, and capable of operating on long routes without the need for electrical infrastructure. These engines provide the high torque required to pull heavy freight and passenger trains. Diesel-electric locomotives, which combine diesel engines with electric traction motors, offer further efficiency by optimizing power distribution.
0:00 Introduction
3:22 Invention
7:54 Operating Principle
9:52 Efficiency
10:50 Emissions
11:39 Applications of Diesel Engines
14:46 Conclusion
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