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THE FUEL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNAL
COMBUSTION ENGINE:
The fuel characteristics
that are important for the performances of
Internal combustion engines are
• Volatility of the Fuel
• Detonation Characteristics
• Power and Efficiency of Engines
• Good thermal properties like heat of combustion and heat of evaporation
• Gum Content
• Sulphur Content
• Aromatic Content
• Cleanliness
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS OF SI
ENGINE FUELS
SI
(spark-ignition) engines, also known as gasoline engines, use a fuel-air
mixture that is ignited by a spark from a spark plug to produce power. Some of
the important properties of SI engine fuel include:
- Octane
rating: The
octane rating of a fuel measures its resistance to knocking, which is an
uncontrolled explosion in the engine cylinder that can damage the engine.
The higher the octane rating, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking.
- Energy
content: The
energy content of the fuel determines how much power can be produced from
a given amount of fuel. Gasoline has a higher energy content per unit of
volume than ethanol, for example.
- Volatility: Volatility
refers to the ease with which a fuel evaporates. High-volatility fuels can
vaporize quickly, which is important for good cold-start performance.
However, if a fuel is too volatile, it can also cause vapor lock in hot
weather, which can disrupt fuel delivery to the engine.
- Stability: Fuel
stability refers to the ability of a fuel to resist oxidation and
degradation over time. Stable fuels are less likely to form deposits or
gum up fuel injectors, which can negatively impact engine performance and
fuel efficiency.
- Chemical
composition: The
chemical composition of the fuel can affect its combustion
characteristics, including its flame speed and emissions. Gasoline
typically contains hydrocarbons, oxygenates (such as ethanol), and various
additives to improve performance and reduce emissions.
- Cost: The
cost of fuel is an important consideration for consumers and businesses
alike. Gasoline is typically less expensive than alternative fuels like
diesel or natural gas, but its price can fluctuate depending on supply and
demand, as well as other market factors.
Every
SI engines are designed for a particular fuel having some desired qualities.
For a good performance of a SI engine the fuel used must have the proper
characteristics.
The followings are requirements of a good SI engine fuels or Gasolines.
- It should
readily mix with air to make a uniform mixture at inlet, ie. it must be
volatile
- It must be
knock resistant
- It should
not pre-ignite easily
- It should
not tend to decrease the volumetric efficiency of the engine.
- It should
not form gum and varnish
- Its Sulphur
content should be low as it is corrosive
- It must have
a high calorific value
VOLATILITY OF THE FUEL
It is
the most important characteristics of a SI engine fuel. Volatility is a
physical concept that loosely defined as the tendency to evaporate at a
temperature lower than their boiling temperature. It is the most dominant
factor that controls the air-fuel ratio inside the combustion chamber.
One of the most important requirements for proper and smooth combustion is the
availability of a highly combustible air-fuel mixture at the moment of the
start of the ignition inside the combustion chamber.
A highly volatile (of low molecular weight) fuel generates a rich fuel air
ratio at low starting temperature, to satisfy the criteria at the starting of
the ignition. But, it will create another problem during running operation; it
creates vapour bubble which choked the fuel pump delivery system. This
phenomenon is known as vapour lock.
A vapour lock thus created restricts the fuel supply due to excessive rapid
formation of vapour in the fuel supply system of the carburetor.
High volatility of fuel can also result in excessive evaporation during storage
in a tank which will also pose a fire hazards.
Low volatile fuel like kerosene and distillates can be used for SI engines for
tractors.
VOLATILITY AND ITS EFFECT ON
ENGINE PERFORMANCES
Volatility
greatly affects the engine performances and fuel economy characteristics. The
most important of them are
- ·
Cold and Hot starting
- ·
Vapour Lock in fuel delivery system
- ·
Short and Long trip economy
- ·
Acceleration and Power
- ·
Warm Up
- ·
Hot Stalling
- ·
Carburetor Icing
- ·
Crankcase Dilution Deposit formation and Spark Plug Fouling
When the percentage evaporation of the fuel is 0% ~ 20%, it is called
front end of volatility curves, and there are 3 major problems that we
encounter in this region of volatility curves which is also known
as Distillation curves. They are
• Cold Starting
• Hot Starting
• Vapour Lock
If front end volatility is very low of a SI engine fuel the engine may
show the symptoms of "Cold Starting."
THE
CONCEPT OF COLD STARTING
In
order to start an engine a highly combustible mixture rich in fuel is needed at
starting temperature near the spark plug.
As the ambient temperature is low during starting condition, hence the fuel-air
mixture must be rich to ensure the start of combustion as sparking of spark
plug is not able to start a chemical reaction of combustion near the spark
plug.
The limit of air-fuel mixture at the start is
• for rich mixture it is 8:1
• for lean mixture it is 20:1
MECHANISMS OF COLD START:
At
low ambient temperature, only a small fraction of total fuel fed to the combustion
chamber is able to be effectively evaporated and it creates a insufficiently
lean fuel-air mixture that is unable to combust and sustain the combustion
process. As a result, the combustion never be able to provide a steady rate of
heat supply and engine never starts in this condition.
This phenomenon is known as cold starting of an IC engine.
To get rid of this problem, we generally apply Choking Process at the
start of an engine at ambient temperature. When an Engine becomes hot
enough to engineered a sufficiently rich fuel air mixture, the combustion
becomes steady and it is known as Warming Up of an IC engine.
Choking is a process generally used to control or regulate air flow into the
carburetor where fuel gets mixed with air homogeneously and been fed into
combustion chamber. By decreasing air-flow rate into the carburetor, a rich
mixture of fuel and air is prepared and fed into the cylinder or combustion
chamber, one can increase the vapour content of fuel in the mixture as the
reduced air makes the mixture fuel rich and the mixture becomes a combustible
inside the combustion chamber.
DETONATION
CHARACTERISTICS OF A SI ENGINE FUEL:
The
detonation characteristics of a fuel refer to its tendency to detonate or
explode prematurely in the engine cylinder, leading to engine knock or
detonation. This is undesirable as it can cause damage to the engine and reduce
its performance and efficiency.
In
spark-ignition (SI) engines, the detonation characteristics of the fuel are
influenced by several factors, including:
- Octane
rating: The octane rating of a fuel is a measure of its ability to resist
knocking or detonation. Fuels with higher octane ratings are less prone to
detonation and are therefore more suitable for use in high-performance
engines.
- Chemical
characteristics: Fuels with higher percentages of aromatic hydrocarbons or
olefins tend to have lower resistance to detonation.
- Air-fuel
ratio: The air-fuel ratio (AFR) is the ratio of air to fuel in the
combustion mixture. AFRs that are too lean (i.e., too much air relative to
fuel) can increase the risk of detonation.
- Compression
ratio: The compression ratio is the ratio of the volume in the engine
cylinder when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke to the volume when
it is at the top of its stroke. Higher compression ratios can increase the
risk of detonation.
- Engine
operating conditions: The operating conditions of the engine, such as
load, speed, and temperature, can affect the detonation characteristics of
the fuel.
In
general, fuels with higher octane ratings and lower percentages of aromatic
hydrocarbons and olefins are more resistant to detonation and are therefore
preferred for use in SI engines. Additionally, controlling the air-fuel ratio,
compression ratio, and engine operating conditions can help to reduce the risk
of detonation.
FACTORS
OF DETONATION CHARACTERISTICS:
THE
OCTANE RATING:
The octane
rating is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist knocking or detonation in
internal combustion engines. Knocking or detonation occurs when the air-fuel
mixture in the engine's cylinder ignites prematurely or unevenly, leading to a
rapid and uncontrolled burning of the remaining fuel. This can cause engine
damage and reduce overall performance.
Fuels with
higher octane ratings have better anti-knock properties and can withstand
higher compression ratios and temperatures before auto-ignition occurs.
High-performance engines, such as those found in sports cars or high-powered
motorcycles, often operate at higher compression ratios and temperatures, which
can lead to a greater tendency for knocking. Using a fuel with a higher octane
rating helps prevent knocking and maintains engine performance.
On the other
hand, some vehicles, especially those with lower compression ratios or engines
designed for regular-grade fuel, do not require high-octane gasoline. In such
cases, using fuel with a higher octane rating than what the engine needs might
not provide any significant benefits and could be a waste of money.
It's
essential to use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer for your specific
vehicle, as using the wrong octane rating can lead to inefficient combustion
and potentially harm the engine. Many modern vehicles have knock sensors and
engine management systems that can adjust the engine's performance based on the
octane level of the fuel being used, but it's still best to follow the
manufacturer's guidelines.
THE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF A FUEL:
The chemical
composition of a fuel can significantly influence its resistance to detonation
or knocking. Fuels with higher percentages of aromatic hydrocarbons or olefins
tend to have lower resistance to detonation compared to fuels with higher
percentages of paraffins (saturated hydrocarbons). Let's explore this further:
- Aromatic hydrocarbons: Aromatic
hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, have a cyclic
structure and are known for their high octane number, which indicates good
resistance to knocking. However, when present in high concentrations in a
fuel, they can contribute to pre-ignition issues and reduce the fuel's
overall anti-knock properties. This is why modern gasoline formulations
aim to limit the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons to maintain
optimal octane ratings.
- Olefins: Olefins, also known as
alkenes, are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one
carbon-carbon double bond. Fuels with a higher content of olefins
generally have lower octane ratings and are more prone to detonation. This
is because the presence of double bonds in the molecular structure makes
them more reactive, leading to premature ignition and knocking in
high-compression engines.
- Paraffins: Paraffins, also known
as alkanes, are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon
atoms. Fuels with higher percentages of paraffins tend to have better
anti-knock properties and higher octane ratings. They are less reactive
compared to olefins, which makes them more resistant to detonation.
To improve
the overall quality and anti-knock properties of gasoline, refiners often use
various blending components and additives to achieve the desired octane rating
while keeping the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins within
acceptable limits.
It's
essential for fuel manufacturers to strike a balance in the chemical composition
of gasoline to ensure optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and
emissions control, while also meeting regulatory requirements and environmental
standards.
THE
AIR-FUEL RATIO:
The air-fuel
ratio (AFR) refers to the ratio of the mass or volume of air to the mass or
volume of fuel in the combustion mixture used by an internal combustion engine.
It is a crucial parameter that significantly affects engine performance, fuel
efficiency, and emissions.
In the
context of detonation or knocking, an AFR that is too lean (meaning there is
too much air relative to the amount of fuel) can indeed increase the risk of
detonation. When the mixture is lean, there is an excess of oxygen compared to
the available fuel molecules. This can lead to higher combustion temperatures
and pressures, which can cause the air-fuel mixture to ignite prematurely or
unevenly, resulting in knocking.
Detonation
occurs because the rapid and uncontrolled burning of the lean mixture generates
pressure waves that collide and produce a knocking sound. This can put
excessive stress on the engine components and lead to engine damage over time.
On the other
hand, an AFR that is too rich (meaning there is too much fuel relative to the
amount of air) can also lead to knocking. A rich mixture tends to burn more
slowly, and the unburned fuel can create hot spots in the combustion chamber,
increasing the likelihood of pre-ignition and knocking.
To minimize
the risk of knocking and achieve optimal engine performance, modern engines are
equipped with sophisticated engine management systems and knock sensors that
can adjust the air-fuel ratio in real-time based on various factors, such as
engine load, speed, and temperature. These systems help maintain the AFR within
the appropriate range to ensure efficient combustion and reduce the risk of
detonation.
For
high-performance engines or engines modified for increased power output, tuning
the air-fuel ratio carefully is crucial to avoid knocking and maximize
performance. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or
consult with experienced tuners to ensure that the engine operates within safe
and optimal parameters.
THE
COMPRESSION RATIO:
The
compression ratio is a crucial parameter in internal combustion engines, and it
represents the ratio of the cylinder volume when the piston is at its bottom
dead center (BDC) to the cylinder volume when the piston is at its top dead center
(TDC). It is typically expressed as a numerical value, such as 10:1 or 12:1,
representing the ratio of the larger volume (at BDC) to the smaller volume (at
TDC).
Higher
compression ratios indeed increase the risk of detonation, especially if the
fuel used has a low octane rating or if other factors that promote knocking are
present. Here's why:
- Increased Temperature and
Pressure: Higher compression ratios compress the air-fuel mixture more,
resulting in increased temperature and pressure in the combustion chamber.
This elevated pressure and temperature can cause the air-fuel mixture to
autoignite prematurely, leading to knocking or detonation.
- Reduced Time for Combustion:
With higher compression ratios, the time available for the air-fuel
mixture to burn completely is reduced. This can lead to incomplete
combustion, which leaves unburned fuel and hot spots in the combustion
chamber, increasing the likelihood of knocking.
- Increased Sensitivity to Fuel
Properties: Fuels with lower octane ratings are more likely to experience
detonation under higher compression ratios. The lower the octane rating,
the more susceptible the fuel is to pre-ignition, and the greater the risk
of knocking in high-compression engines.
To mitigate
the risk of detonation in high-compression engines, it is crucial to use fuels
with higher octane ratings that can withstand the elevated pressures and
temperatures without prematurely igniting. Additionally, modern engine
management systems with knock sensors can detect knocking and adjust the
engine's timing and air-fuel ratio to reduce the likelihood of detonation.
Engine
designers and tuners carefully consider the compression ratio when developing
or modifying engines to ensure optimal performance while avoiding harmful
knocking or detonation. Following the manufacturer's recommendations regarding
fuel type and engine specifications is essential to maintain the engine's
longevity and performance.
THE
ENGINE OPERATING CONDITION:
The
operating conditions of an engine, including factors such as load, speed, and
temperature, have a significant impact on the detonation characteristics of the
fuel being used. Let's explore how these factors can influence the likelihood
of detonation:
- Engine Load: The engine load
refers to the amount of power the engine is producing to meet the demands
of driving or operating the vehicle. Higher engine loads, such as during
acceleration or towing heavy loads, result in increased pressure and
temperature in the combustion chamber. This elevated pressure and
temperature can make the air-fuel mixture more prone to detonation,
especially if the fuel used has a lower octane rating. As a result,
engines under high load conditions are more susceptible to knocking.
- Engine Speed: Engine speed,
commonly measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), determines how
frequently the combustion process occurs in the cylinders. Higher engine
speeds mean that the air-fuel mixture is being compressed and ignited more
frequently. If the engine is operating at high RPM, there is less time for
the air-fuel mixture to burn completely, increasing the chances of
knocking.
- Engine Temperature: The
temperature of the engine components, particularly the combustion chamber,
plays a crucial role in the risk of detonation. Higher engine temperatures
can cause hot spots in the combustion chamber, which can lead to premature
ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This is especially true when the engine
is running under heavy load or high RPM conditions.
- Intake Air Temperature: The
temperature of the intake air entering the engine also affects the
likelihood of knocking. Cooler air is denser and can reduce the chances of
knocking, as it allows for a higher air-to-fuel ratio without increasing
the risk of detonation. Engines equipped with intercoolers or air intake
temperature control systems can optimize the intake air temperature for
improved performance and reduced knocking.
- Ignition Timing: The ignition
timing refers to the precise moment when the spark plug ignites the
air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. Advanced ignition timing (igniting the
mixture earlier) can increase the risk of knocking, especially under high
load and high temperature conditions. Retarding the ignition timing
(igniting the mixture later) can help reduce knocking in some cases.
To optimize
engine performance and reduce the risk of detonation, modern engines use
sophisticated engine management systems that continuously monitor various
parameters and adjust ignition timing, air-fuel ratio, and other factors to
maintain safe and efficient operation. Additionally, using high-quality fuels
with appropriate octane ratings can also play a vital role in preventing
knocking under varying operating conditions.