Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

Overview

• Definition: A heat engine where combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber.
• Function: Expands high-temperature and high-pressure gases that apply force to a component, transforming chemical energy into kinetic energy.

History

• First Successful Engines: Invented in the mid-19th century.
• Otto Engine: The first modern ICE, designed in 1876 by Nicolaus Otto.

Types of Internal Combustion Engines

1. Intermittent Combustion Engines
   • Two-Stroke Engine
   • Four-Stroke Engine
   • Six-Stroke Engine
   • Wankel Rotary Engine
2. Continuous Combustion Engines
   • Gas Turbines
   • Jet Engines
   • Rocket Engines

Common Applications

• Vehicles: Cars, aircraft, boats.
• Fuels: Typically powered by hydrocarbon-based fuels (natural gas, gasoline, diesel, ethanol).

Development Contributions

• Pioneers: John Barber, Thomas Mead, Robert Street, John Stevens, François Isaac de Rivaz.
• Major Innovations: Crankcase scavenging, use of liquid fuels, spark ignition.

Combustion Process

• Four-Stroke Cycle: Intake, Compression, Power, Exhaust.
• Two-Stroke Cycle: Combines intake and exhaust in two strokes.

Ignition Types

• Spark Ignition: Uses a spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture.
• Compression Ignition: Relies on high temperature and pressure to ignite the mixture.

Engine Configurations

• Cylinder Configurations: Inline, V, Flat/Boxer, Radial.
• Cooling Methods: Air-cooled, water-cooled.

Fuels and Efficiency

• Common Fuels: Gasoline, Diesel, Biofuels, Hydrogen.
• Efficiency: Measured by fuel consumption; factors include compression ratio and thermodynamic cycles.

Environmental Impact

• Emissions: Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates.
• Pollution Control: Catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation.

Challenges and Developments

• Efficiency Improvements: Continuous combustion cycles show higher efficiency.
• Alternative Fuels: Development of biofuels and hydrogen as cleaner alternatives.

Key Takeaways

• Internal combustion engines are pivotal in modern transportation and technology.
• Innovations continue to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.