Diesel Engine
A diesel engine is an internal-combustion engine in which air is compressed to a high temperature to ignite diesel fuel. The fuel is injected into the cylinder, causing combustion and expansion to actuate a piston. It transforms the chemical energy in the fuel into mechanical energy. Mechanical energy can be used to power freight trucks, large tractors, locomotives, ships, and various agricultural equipment.
The Working Principle
In diesel engine, ignition is achieved by compression of air alone. It draws in the same amount of air through an unthrottled inlet tract that is opened and closed only by the inlet valve. When the piston reaches the effective end of its induction stroke, the inlet valve closes.
The piston, carried around by the power from the other pistons and the momentum of the flywheel, travels to the top of the cylinder, compressing the air into about a twentieth of its original volume. As the piston reaches the top of its travel, a precisely metered quantity of diesel fuel is injected into the combustion chamber.
The heat from compression fires the fuel and air mixture immediately, causing it to burn and expand. This forces the piston downwards, turning the crankshaft. As the piston moves up the cylinder on the exhaust stroke, the exhaust valve opens and allows the burned and expanded gases to travel down the exhaust pipe.
At the end of the exhaust stroke, the cylinder is ready for a fresh change of air.
Pros
- It requires less maintenance.
- It is more fuel-efficient.
- Diesel engines have more torque and horsepower compared to petrol engines.
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