Improving IC Engine Efficiency: Reducing Heat Loss Through Cylinder Walls

In summary: The heat that is produced is used to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the engine. So the question is not why can't we build an IC engine with a coating that is non conduction, but why do we need a coating at all? Ceramic liners are a good thermal insulation. Cast iron sleeves with a water jacket work, but they are not necessary. What is necessary is radiation of heat from the piston to the cylinder wall.
  • #1
Aneesh
5
0
hi.I would like to know something about the IC engine.I just read an article.It said that 30% efficiency is gone through conduction of heat by the cylinder wall.If it is reason for one of the efficiency loss why can't we build an cylinder coated with a material that is non conduction.So only little fuel is used to ignite the spark plug.
 
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  • #3
so what would be the efficiency of the engine if it is ceramic lined?.Does it fully keeps the heat inside the cylinder
 
  • #4
Ceramic could do a better thermal insulation job than a cast iron sleeve with a water jacket. But is that what is really needed? An IC engine is a very complex interconnected compromise. Unfortunately, the piston must also be kept cool.

The durability of an engine depends on radiation of heat from the piston to the cylinder wall, along with splashing or spraying the inside of the piston with oil. It is normal for the cylinder head to have a water jacket, as does the cylinder sleeve. Only the piston has no direct cooling.

I hate to disillusion you, but there will be no sudden new discoveries by beginners in this field, apart from the educational breakthroughs in understanding, encountered while climbing the steep learning curve.
 
  • #5
Jus to knw,is there any research undergoing regarding this?.I dnt know in what ways the efficiency is getting reduced.what are the factors?
 
  • #6
Research continues, but the details are very complex.
IC engine research has been going on now for over 125 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_engine

After 90 years, the 24 hours Le mans trial continues to be run.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Hours_of_Le_Mans#Engines

Motor racing such as Formula One pushes the technology to the edge and keeps it there.
“Commercial in confidence” research continues behind closed doors.
Every now and then something new appears in the latest vehicles being mass produced.
 
  • #7
Aside from losing heat to the cylinder walls, heat is also lost to the exhaust gases and oil. If there was no heat lost to the cylinder walls, you could run into thermal stresses that could warp the head and block. The engine would also need a larger oil capacity to keep the oil from over heating. More oil cooling means that you've lost heat to oil instead of water and you're back to where you started.
 
  • #8
Aneesh said:
hi.I would like to know something about the IC engine.I just read an article.It said that 30% efficiency is gone through conduction of heat by the cylinder wall.If it is reason for one of the efficiency loss why can't we build an cylinder coated with a material that is non conduction.So only little fuel is used to ignite the spark plug.

You got it the wrong way round. The spark plug ignites the fuel. Takes surprisingly little energy to do so.
 

Related to Improving IC Engine Efficiency: Reducing Heat Loss Through Cylinder Walls

What is the main cause of heat loss in internal combustion engines?

The main cause of heat loss in internal combustion engines is through the cylinder walls. As the fuel is ignited and expands, a significant amount of heat is transferred to the metal walls of the cylinder. This heat is then dissipated to the surrounding environment, resulting in a loss of energy and decreased efficiency.

How does reducing heat loss through cylinder walls improve engine efficiency?

By reducing heat loss through cylinder walls, the engine is able to retain more of the energy produced by the combustion process. This results in a higher thermal efficiency and more power being converted into useful work, leading to improved overall engine efficiency.

What are some methods for reducing heat loss through cylinder walls?

Some methods for reducing heat loss through cylinder walls include using thermal barriers, such as ceramic coatings, on the walls to insulate them and minimize heat transfer. Another method is to improve the design of the engine, such as increasing the surface area of the cooling fins on the cylinder walls to improve heat dissipation.

Are there any potential drawbacks to reducing heat loss through cylinder walls?

While reducing heat loss through cylinder walls can improve engine efficiency, it may also lead to an increase in engine operating temperatures. This can put additional stress on engine components and potentially decrease the lifespan of the engine. It is important to carefully consider the trade-offs when implementing methods to reduce heat loss.

Can improving engine efficiency through reduced heat loss help reduce emissions?

Yes, improving engine efficiency through reduced heat loss can help reduce emissions. When an engine is running more efficiently, it requires less fuel to produce the same amount of power. This means that less fuel is burned and fewer emissions are produced, resulting in a more environmentally friendly engine.

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