The principle of operation of an internal combustion engine. ICE: device, work, efficiency

For a real car enthusiast, a car is not just a means of transportation, but also an instrument of freedom. With the help of a car, you can get to anywhere in the city, country or continent. But having a license is not enough for a true traveler. After all, there are still many places where the mobile does not catch, and where tow trucks cannot reach. In such cases, in the event of a breakdown, the entire responsibility falls on the shoulders of the motorist.

Therefore, every driver should at least a little understand the device of his car, and you need to start with the engine. Certainly modern automotive companies produce many cars different types motors, but most often manufacturers use motors in designs internal combustion. They possess high efficiency and at the same time provide high reliability operation of the entire system.

Attention! In most scientific articles, internal combustion engines are abbreviated as internal combustion engines.

What are ICEs

Before proceeding to a detailed study of the internal combustion engine device and their principle of operation, we will consider what internal combustion engines are. One important remark needs to be made right away. Over more than 100 years of evolution, scientists have come up with many varieties of designs, each of which has its own advantages. Therefore, to begin with, we highlight the main criteria by which these mechanisms can be distinguished:

1. Depending on how you create combustible mixture all internal combustion engines are divided into carburetor, gas and injection devices. Moreover, this is a class with external mixing. If we talk about the internal, then these are diesels.
2. Depending on the type ICE fuel can be divided into gasoline, gas and diesel.
3. Cooling of the engine device can be of two types: liquid and air.
4. cylinders can be located both opposite each other, and in the shape of the letter V.
5. The mixture inside the cylinders can be ignited by a spark. This is what happens in carburetor and injection internal combustion engines or due to self-ignition.

Most automotive magazines and among professional auto exports, it is customary to classify internal combustion engines into the following types:

1. Gas engine. This device runs on gasoline. Ignition is forced by a spark generated by a candle. The carburetor and injection systems are responsible for the dosage of the fuel-air mixture. Ignition occurs on compression.
2. Diesel . Engines with this type of device work by burning diesel fuel. Main difference compared to petrol units is that the fuel explodes due to the increase in air temperature. The latter becomes possible due to the increase in pressure inside the cylinder.
3. Gas systems function with propane-butane. Ignition is forced. Gas with air is supplied to the cylinder. Otherwise, the device of such an internal combustion engine is similar to a gasoline engine.

It is this classification that is most often used, pointing to the specific features of the system.

Device and principle of operation

Internal combustion engine device

It is best to consider the internal combustion engine device using the example of a single-cylinder engine. The main part in the mechanism is the cylinder. It contains a piston that moves up and down. In this case, there are two control points for its movement: upper and lower. In professional literature, they are referred to as TDC and BDC. The decoding is as follows: upper and lower dead points.

Attention! The piston is also connected to the shaft. The connecting link is the connecting rod.

The main task of the connecting rod is to convert the energy that is generated as a result of the up and down movement of the piston into rotational energy. The result of such a transformation is the movement of the car in the direction you need. This is what the ICE device is responsible for. Also, do not forget about onboard network, the work of which is made possible thanks to the energy generated by the engine.

The flywheel is attached to the end of the engine shaft. It provides rotational stability crankshaft. The intake and exhaust valves are located at the top of the cylinder, which, in turn, is covered with a special head.

Attention! The valves open and close the corresponding channels in right time.

To ICE valves opened, they are affected by the camshaft cams. This happens through transmission parts. The shaft itself moves with the help of crankshaft gears.

Attention! The piston moves freely inside the cylinder, freezing for a moment either at the top dead center or at the bottom.

In order for the ICE device to function in normal mode, the combustible mixture must be supplied in a clearly calibrated proportion. Otherwise, fire may not occur. A huge role is also played by the moment at which the filing occurs.

Oil is needed to prevent premature wear parts in the ICE device. In general, the entire device of an internal combustion engine consists of the following main elements:

• spark plugs,
• valves,
• pistons
• piston rings,
• connecting rods,
• crankshaft,
• crankcase.

The interaction of these system elements allows the internal combustion engine device to generate the energy necessary for the movement of the car.

Principle of operation

Consider how a four-stroke internal combustion engine works. To understand how it works, you must know the meaning of the concept of tact. This is a certain period of time during which the action necessary for the operation of the device is carried out inside the cylinder. It could be compression or ignition.

The internal combustion engine cycles form a working cycle, which, in turn, ensures the operation of the entire system. During this cycle, thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy. Due to this, the movement of the crankshaft occurs.

Attention! The working cycle is considered completed after the crankshaft makes one revolution. But this statement only works for a two-stroke engine.

There is one important explanation to be made here. Now in cars, the device is mainly used four-stroke engine. Such systems are characterized by greater reliability and improved performance.

It takes two revolutions of the crankshaft to complete a four-stroke cycle. These are four up and down piston movements. Each measure performs actions in the exact sequence:

• inlet,
• compression,
• extension,
• release.

The penultimate cycle is also called the working stroke. About top and bottom dead spots you already know. But the distance between them means another important parameter. Namely, internal combustion engine volume. It can fluctuate on average from 1.5 to 2.5 liters. The indicator is measured by plus the data of each cylinder.

During the first half revolution, the piston moves from TDC to BDC. The intake valve remains open while the exhaust valve is tightly closed. As a result this process vacuum is formed in the cylinder.

A combustible mixture of gasoline and air enters the gas pipeline of the internal combustion engine. There it is mixed with exhaust gases. As a result, a substance ideal for ignition is formed, which can be compressed in the second act.

Compression occurs when the cylinder is full working mixture. The crankshaft continues its revolution and the piston moves from the bottom dead center to the top.

Attention! As the volume decreases, the temperature of the mixture inside the internal combustion engine cylinder increases.

On the third cycle, expansion occurs. When compression comes to its logical conclusion, the candle generates a spark and ignition occurs. In a diesel engine, things are a little different.

Firstly, instead of a candle, a special nozzle is installed, which injects fuel into the system on the third cycle. Secondly, air is pumped into the cylinder, and not a mixture of gases.

Principle of operation diesel internal combustion engine interesting in that it ignites the fuel on its own. This happens due to an increase in the temperature of the air inside the cylinder. A similar result can be achieved due to compression, as a result of which pressure increases and temperature rises.

When fuel enters the internal combustion engine cylinder through the nozzle, the temperature inside is so high that ignition occurs by itself. When using gasoline, this result cannot be achieved. This is because it ignites at much more high temperature.

Attention! During the movement of the piston from the microexplosion that occurred inside ICE detail makes a reverse jerk, and the crankshaft scrolls.

The last stroke in a four-stroke internal combustion engine is called the intake. It occurs on the fourth half-turn. The principle of its operation is quite simple. Exhaust valve opens, and all combustion products enter it, from where it enters the exhaust gas pipeline.

Before being released into the atmosphere, exhaust gases from usually go through a filter system. This allows minimizing the damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the design of diesel engines is still much more environmentally friendly than gasoline ones.

Devices to increase the performance of internal combustion engines

Since the invention of the first ICE system is constantly being improved. If you remember the first engines stock cars, then they could accelerate to a maximum of 50 miles per hour. Modern supercars easily overcome the mark of 390 kilometers. Scientists managed to achieve such results by integrating the engine into the device. additional systems and some structural changes.

A large increase in power at one time gave valve train embedded in the internal combustion engine. Another step in the evolution was the location camshaft at the top of the structure. This allowed to reduce the number of moving elements and increase productivity.

Also, the utility cannot be denied. modern system engine ignition. It provides the highest possible stability. First, a charge is generated that enters the distributor, and from it to one of the candles.

Attention! Of course, we must not forget about the cooling system, consisting of a radiator and a pump. Thanks to it, it is possible to prevent timely overheating of the internal combustion engine device.

Results

As you can see, the device of the internal combustion engine is not particularly difficult. In order to understand it, you do not need any special knowledge - a simple desire is enough. However, knowledge of the principles ICE operation definitely will not be superfluous for every driver.

To date internal combustion engine (ICE) or as it is also called "aspirated" - the main type of engine, which is widely used in automotive industry. What is DVS? This is a multifunctional thermal unit that converts chemical energy with the help of chemical reactions and the laws of physics. fuel mixture into mechanical force (work).

Internal combustion engines are divided into:

1. Piston engine.
2. Rotary piston engine.
3. Gas turbine engine.

The piston internal combustion engine is the most popular among the above engines, it has won worldwide recognition and has been a leader in the auto industry for many years. I propose to consider the device in more detail ICE, as well as the principle of its work.

The advantages of a piston internal combustion engine include:

1. Universality (application on various vehicles).
2. High level of battery life.
3. Compact dimensions.
4. Acceptable price.
5. Ability to start quickly.
6. Light weight.
7. Ability to work with various types fuel.

In addition to the "pluses", it has an internal combustion engine and a number of serious disadvantages, including:

1. High crankshaft speed.
2. Great noise level.
3. Too much toxicity in the exhaust gases.
4. Low efficiency (coefficient of performance).
5. A small service resource.

Internal combustion engines differ by type of fuel, they are:

1. Petrol.
2. Diesel.
3. As well as gas and alcohol.

The last two can be called alternative, because today they are not widely used.

Alcohol-based internal combustion engine running on hydrogen is the most promising and environmentally friendly, it does not emit harmful "CO2" into the atmosphere, which is contained in the exhaust gases of reciprocating internal combustion engines.

The piston internal combustion engine consists of the following subsystems:

1. Crank mechanism (KShM).
2. intake system.
3. Fuel system.
4. Lubrication system.
5. Ignition system (in gasoline engines).
6. Graduation system.
7. Cooling system.
8. Control system.

The engine housing consists of several parts, which include: a cylinder block, as well as a cylinder head (cylinder head). The task of the crankshaft is to convert the reciprocating movements of the piston into rotational movements of the crankshaft. The gas distribution mechanism is necessary for the internal combustion engine to ensure the timely intake of the fuel-air mixture into the cylinders and the same timely release of exhaust gases.

The intake system serves to timely supply air to the engine, which is necessary for the formation of a fuel-air mixture. The fuel system supplies fuel to the engine, in tandem these two systems work to form a fuel-air mixture, after which it is fed through the injection system into the combustion chamber.

The ignition of the fuel-air mixture occurs due to the ignition system (in gasoline internal combustion engines), V diesel engines ignition occurs due to compression of the mixture and glow plugs.

The lubrication system, as the name implies, is used to lubricate rubbing parts, thereby reducing their wear, increasing their service life and thereby removing the temperature from their surfaces. Cooling of heated surfaces and parts is provided by the cooling system, it removes the temperature with the help of coolant through its channels, which, passing through the radiator, is cooled and repeats the cycle. The exhaust system ensures the removal of exhaust gases from ICE cylinders through, which is part of this system, reduces the noise accompanied by the emission of gases and their toxicity.

Engine management system (in modern models responsible for this the electronic unit control (ECU) or on-board computer) is needed for electronic control all the systems described above and ensuring their synchronism.

How does an internal combustion engine work?

The principle of operation of the internal combustion engine is based on the effect of thermal expansion of gases, which occurs during the combustion of the fuel-air mixture, due to which the piston moves in the cylinder. The working cycle of an internal combustion engine occurs in two revolutions of the crankshaft and consists of four cycles, hence the name - a four-stroke engine.

1. The first stroke is the inlet.
2. The second is compression.
3. The third is the workflow.
4. Fourth release.

During the first two strokes - intake and working stroke, it moves down, for the other two compression and exhaust - the piston goes up. The duty cycle of each of the cylinders is configured in such a way as not to coincide in phase, this is necessary in order to ensure the uniform operation of the internal combustion engine. There are other engines in the world, the duty cycle of which occurs in just two cycles - compression and power stroke, this engine is called a two-stroke.

On the intake stroke, the fuel system and the intake system form a fuel-air mixture, which is formed during intake manifold or directly in the combustion chamber (it all depends on the type of construction). In the intake manifold in the case of the central and port injection gasoline ICEs. In the combustion chamber in the case of direct injection in petrol and diesel engines. Air/fuel mixture or air during opening intake valves The timing is fed into the combustion chamber due to the vacuum that occurs during the downward movement of the piston.

The intake valves close on the compression stroke, after which fuel-air mixture compressed in the engine cylinders. During the "power stroke" stroke, the mixture ignites forcibly or spontaneously ignites. After ignition, a large pressure arises in the chamber, which is created by gases, this pressure acts on the piston, which has no choice but to start moving down. This movement of the piston, in close contact with the crank mechanism, drives the crankshaft, which in turn generates a torque that sets the wheels of the car in motion.

"Exhaust" stroke, after which the exhaust gases release the combustion chamber, and after and exhaust system leaving chilled and partially purified into the atmosphere.

Short summary

After we have considered working principle of an internal combustion engine you can understand why the internal combustion engine has a low efficiency, which is about 40%. While a useful action is taking place in one cylinder, the rest of the cylinders, roughly speaking, are idle, providing the work of the first one with cycles: intake, compression, exhaust.

That's all for me, I hope you understand everything, after reading this article you can easily answer the question of what an internal combustion engine is and how an internal combustion engine works. Thank you for your attention!

The invention of the internal combustion engine allowed mankind to step forward significantly in development. Now the engines that use to perform useful work The energy released during the combustion of fuel is used in many areas of human activity. But these engines are most widely used in transport.

All power plants consist of mechanisms, components and systems that, interacting with each other, provide the conversion of energy released during the combustion of flammable products into the rotational movement of the crankshaft. It is this movement that is his useful work.

To make it clearer, you should understand the principle of operation of the internal combustion power plant.

Principle of operation

When a combustible mixture consisting of flammable products and air is burned, more energy is released. Moreover, at the moment of ignition of the mixture, it significantly increases in volume, the pressure in the epicenter of ignition increases, in fact, a small explosion occurs with the release of energy. This process is taken as a basis.

If combustion takes place in a closed space, the pressure arising during combustion will press on the walls of this space. If one of the walls is made movable, then the pressure, trying to increase the volume of the enclosed space, will move this wall. If any rod is attached to this wall, then it will already perform mechanical work- moving away, it will push this rod. By connecting the rod to the crank, when moving, it will cause the crank to rotate about its axis.

This is the working principle power unit with internal combustion - there is a closed space (cylinder liner) with one movable wall (piston). The wall is connected by a rod (rod) to the crank ( crankshaft). Then the reverse action is performed - the crank, making a full turn around the axis, pushes the wall with the rod and so returns back.

But this is only the principle of work with an explanation on simple components. In fact, the process looks a little more complicated, because you must first ensure that the mixture enters the cylinder, compress it for better ignition, and also remove the combustion products. These actions are called cycles.

Total bars 4:

• inlet (the mixture enters the cylinder);
• compression (the mixture is compressed by reducing the volume inside the sleeve by the piston);
• working stroke (after ignition, the mixture pushes the piston down due to its expansion);
• release (removal of combustion products from the sleeve to supply the next portion of the mixture);

Piston engine strokes

It follows from this that only the working stroke has a useful action, the other three are preparatory. Each stroke is accompanied by a certain movement of the piston. During intake and stroke, it moves down, and during compression and exhaust, it moves up. And since the piston is connected to the crankshaft, each stroke corresponds to a certain angle of rotation of the shaft around the axis.

The implementation of cycles in the engine is done in two ways. The first - with the combination of cycles. In such a motor, all cycles are performed in one complete crankshaft rotation. That is, half a turn of the knees. shaft, in which the movement of the piston up or down is accompanied by two cycles. These engines are called 2-stroke.

The second way is separate beats. One piston movement is accompanied by only one stroke. As a result, in order for a full cycle of work to occur, 2 turns of the knees are required. shaft around the axis. Such engines were designated 4-stroke.

Cylinder block

Now the internal combustion engine device itself. The basis of any installation is the cylinder block. All components are located in it and on it.

The design features of the block depend on certain conditions - the number of cylinders, their location, and the method of cooling. The number of cylinders that are combined in one block can vary from 1 to 16. Moreover, blocks with an odd number of cylinders are rare; of the engines currently produced, only one- and three-cylinder installations can be found. Most of the units come with a pair of cylinders - 2, 4, 6, 8 and less often 12 and 16.

Four-cylinder block

Power plants with 1 to 4 cylinders usually have an in-line arrangement of cylinders. If the number of cylinders is greater, they are arranged in two rows, with a certain angle of position of one row relative to the other, the so-called power plants with a V-shaped position of the cylinders. This arrangement made it possible to reduce the dimensions of the block, but at the same time their manufacture is more difficult than in-line arrangement.

Eight-cylinder block

There is another type of blocks in which the cylinders are arranged in two rows and with an angle between them of 180 degrees. These engines are called . They are found mainly on motorcycles, although there are also cars with this type of power unit.

But the condition for the number of cylinders and their location is optional. There are 2-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines with a V-shaped or opposed position of the cylinders, as well as 6-cylinder engines with an in-line arrangement.

Two types of cooling are used, which are used in power plants - air and liquid. Depends on design feature block. Block with air-cooled less overall and structurally simpler, since the cylinders are not included in its design.

The block with liquid cooling is more complicated, its design includes cylinders, and a cooling jacket is located on top of the block with cylinders. A fluid circulates inside it, removing heat from the cylinders. In this case, the block together with the cooling jacket represents one whole.

From above, the block is covered with a special plate - the cylinder head (cylinder head). It is one of the components that provide a closed space in which the combustion process takes place. Its design can be simple, not including additional mechanisms, or complex.

crank mechanism

Included in the design of the motor, it provides the conversion of the reciprocating movement of the piston in the sleeve into the rotational movement of the crankshaft. The main element of this mechanism is the crankshaft. It has a movable connection with the cylinder block. Such a connection ensures the rotation of this shaft around the axis.

A flywheel is attached to one end of the shaft. The task of the flywheel is to transmit torque from the shaft further. Since a 4-stroke engine has only one half-turn for every two revolutions of the crankshaft, useful action- working stroke, the rest require the reverse action, which is performed by the flywheel. Having a significant mass and rotating, due to its kinetic energy, it provides turning of the knees. shaft during the preparatory cycles.

The flywheel circumference has a ring gear, with the help of which the power plant is started.

On the other side of the shaft is the drive gear. oil pump and gas distribution mechanism, as well as a flange for mounting the pulley.

This mechanism also includes connecting rods, which provide power transfer from the piston to the crankshaft and vice versa. The connecting rods are also movably attached to the shaft.

Surfaces of the cylinder block, knees. shaft and connecting rods at the joints do not directly contact each other, between them there are plain bearings - liners.

Cylinder-piston group

Consists of this group from cylinder liners, pistons, piston rings and pins. It is in this group that the combustion process and the transfer of the released energy for transformation take place. Combustion takes place inside the sleeve, which is closed on one side by the head of the block, and on the other by the piston. The piston itself can move inside the sleeve.

To ensure maximum tightness inside the sleeve, are used piston rings, which prevent leakage of the mixture and combustion products between the walls of the sleeve and the piston.

The piston is movably connected to the connecting rod by means of a pin.

Gas distribution mechanism

The task of this mechanism is the timely supply of a combustible mixture or its components to the cylinder, as well as the removal of combustion products.

Two-stroke engines do not have a mechanism as such. In it, the supply of the mixture and the removal of combustion products are carried out by technological windows that are made in the walls of the sleeve. There are three such windows - inlet, bypass and outlet.

The piston, moving, opens and closes one or another window, and this is how the sleeve is filled with fuel and exhaust gases are removed. The use of such gas distribution does not require additional components, therefore the cylinder head of such an engine is simple and its task is only to ensure the tightness of the cylinder.

The 4-stroke engine has a gas distribution mechanism. Fuel from such an engine is supplied through special holes in the head. These openings are closed with valves. If it is necessary to supply fuel or remove gases from the cylinder, the corresponding valve is opened. Valve opening provides camshaft who with his fists in right moment presses on the required valve and it opens the hole. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft.

Timing belt and chain drive

The layout of the gas distribution mechanism may vary. Engines are produced with a lower camshaft (it is located in the cylinder block) and an overhead valve (in the cylinder head). The transmission of force from the shaft to the valves is carried out by means of rods and rocker arms.

More common are motors in which both the shaft and valves are on top. With this arrangement, the shaft is also placed in the cylinder head and it acts directly on the valves, without intermediate elements.

Supply system

This system provides preparation of fuel for its further supply to the cylinders. The design of this system depends on the fuel used by the engine. Now the main fuel is extracted from oil, and different fractions - gasoline and diesel fuel.

Gasoline engines have two types fuel system- carburetor and injection. In the first system, mixture formation is carried out in a carburetor. It doses and supplies fuel to the air flow passing through it, then this mixture is already fed into the cylinders. Such a system consists fuel tank, fuel lines, vacuum fuel pump and carburetor.

Carburetor system

The same is done in injection cars, but they have a more accurate dosage. Also, the fuel in the injectors is added to the air stream already in the inlet pipe through the nozzle. This injector sprays fuel, which provides better mixture formation. The injection system consists of a tank, a pump located in it, filters, fuel lines, and fuel rail with injectors mounted on the intake manifold.

In diesel engines, the components of the fuel mixture are supplied separately. The gas distribution mechanism supplies only air to the cylinders through the valves. Fuel is supplied to the cylinders separately, by nozzles and under high pressure. Consists of this system from the tank, filters, high pressure fuel pump (TNVD) and injectors.

Recently, injection systems have appeared that work on the principle of a diesel fuel system - an injector with direct injection.

The exhaust gas system ensures the removal of combustion products from the cylinders, partial neutralization harmful substances, and sound reduction when the exhaust gas is removed. It consists of an exhaust manifold, a resonator, a catalyst (not always) and a silencer.

Lubrication system

The lubrication system reduces friction between the interacting surfaces of the engine by creating a special film that prevents direct contact of the surfaces. Additionally, it removes heat, protects engine elements from corrosion.

The lubrication system consists of an oil pump, an oil tank - a pan, an oil intake, oil filter, channels through which oil moves to rubbing surfaces.

Cooling system

Maintaining optimal operating temperature during engine operation is provided by the cooling system. Two types of systems are used - air and liquid.

The air system produces cooling by blowing air through the cylinders. For better cooling cooling fins are made on the cylinders.

IN liquid system cooling is provided by a liquid that circulates in the cooling jacket in direct contact with the outer wall of the sleeves. Such a system consists of a cooling jacket, a water pump, a thermostat, pipes and a radiator.

Ignition system

The ignition system is used only on gasoline engines. On diesel engines, the mixture is ignited by compression, so he does not need such a system.

In gasoline cars, ignition is carried out by a spark that jumps at a certain moment between the electrodes of a glow plug installed in the block head so that its skirt is in the combustion chamber of the cylinder.

The ignition system consists of an ignition coil, distributor (distributor), wiring and spark plugs.

electrical equipment

This equipment provides electricity to the on-board network of the car, including the ignition system. This equipment is also used to start the engine. It consists of a battery, a generator, a starter, wiring, various sensors that monitor the operation and condition of the engine.

This is the whole device of the internal combustion engine. Although it is constantly being improved, its principle of operation does not change, only individual nodes and mechanisms are improved.

Modern developments

The main task that automakers are struggling with is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Therefore, they are constantly improving the nutrition system, the result is the recent appearance injection systems with direct injection.

Looking for alternative fuels latest development in this direction so far is the use of alcohols as fuel, as well as vegetable oils.

Also, scientists are trying to establish the production of engines with a completely different principle of operation. Such, for example, is the Wankel engine, but so far there has been no particular success.

Autoleek

The engine is perhaps the most important part of a car. After all, without an engine, the car will not budge, but without wheels you won’t go far either, so we won’t divide automotive systems in importance, but just try to learn a little more about the car engine.

Engine- This is the power plant, the source of energy for the car. It is used so that the machine can perform its main function - the transport of goods and passengers, but in addition, the energy generated by the engine is used to ensure the functioning of all auxiliary systems e.g. to operate an air conditioner.

However, all auxiliary systems, as a rule, are powered by electricity generated by a generator or taken from batteries. But the generator is just driven by the engine, transferring to it the mechanical energy of the shaft rotation.

To ensure the movement of the car, the mechanical energy of the engine shaft is also used, which is transmitted from the engine to the wheels through the transmission.

That is, in fact, the engine is needed in order to convert some kind of energy into mechanical energy of rotation of the shaft, which is transmitted through a system of mechanical links to the wheels, forcing the car to move.

Internal combustion engine

When we talk about a car engine, we most often imagine an internal combustion engine that uses gasoline, diesel fuel, gas as a fuel, and recently hydrogen has also been tried.

In an internal combustion engine, as you might guess, the energy released during the combustion of flammable substances is converted into mechanical energy. The designs of internal combustion engines may differ, there are piston engines, rotary and gas turbine.

But the principle of their work remains unchanged. The energy released during the combustion of fuel is eventually converted into mechanical energy of rotation of the engine shaft and is transmitted through a system of mechanical links to the wheels, causing them to rotate.

The main disadvantage of internal combustion engines is their environmental friendliness. When fuel is burned, many harmful substances are released. The exception to this is hydrogen, which burns ordinary water, but the problem with its use today is the high cost, although it is likely that in the future it will be the main fuel.

But internal combustion engines are not the only car engines.

Electric motor

There are machines that use electricity as their source of energy. The most popular and closest to the car type of transport powered by electricity is the well-known trolleybus.

But a full-fledged car you can’t name it, since a trolleybus can only move along stretched wires, from which it is powered by electricity.

But you've probably heard of cars called electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are vehicles that use an electric motor as a powertrain.

The electric motor, as you understand, runs on electrical energy, which it receives, as a rule, from batteries.

Electric vehicles have many advantages over vehicles using internal combustion engines.

They are environmentally friendly, almost silent (which is not always a plus), pick up speed quickly, they do not need a gearbox, you can even do without a transmission if you put engines on each of the wheels. That is, such cars could be much cheaper than cars with internal combustion engines, if they became massive.

But there are two significant points that greatly limit the use of electric motors on modern cars. So far, no batteries have been invented that could store enough electrical energy.

That is, the power reserve of an electric car today is limited to several tens of kilometers. If you do not turn on the headlights, radio, air conditioning, then you can drive up to a hundred kilometers, but still it is very little. Approximately 5-6 times less than at one gas station with gasoline. However, developers are constantly working on this and it is possible that when you read these lines, there is already an electric car with a power reserve of more than 500 km.

But even a small power reserve would not be so terrible if it were not for the time required to recharge the batteries. If refueling with gasoline, diesel fuel or gas takes 5-10 minutes, then the batteries will have to be charged for 12 hours, or even a day.

Therefore, for now, electric vehicles can only be used for short trips around the city, after which they charge all night.

Hybrid powertrains

But the advantage of electric motors over internal combustion engines is so great that the desire to use them at least partially led to the emergence of hybrid power plants, which are quite actively used in cars today.

Hybrid power plants are an internal combustion engine and an electric motor combined on the same car (usually 4 of them, one for each wheel). Such cars are called hybrid.

There are three schemes of hybrid installations.

In the first, the energy of the internal combustion engine is used exclusively to generate electrical energy using a generator. And already from the generator, energy is transferred to charge the batteries and to the electric motors that provide the rotation of the wheels.

But another scheme is more popular. In the second scheme, the drive to the wheels is carried out both from the internal combustion engine and from electric motors. Internal combustion engines and electric motors can be used both independently and together.

The third option is a combination of the first and second.

The vast majority of cars use oil derivatives as fuel for engines. When these substances are burned, gases are released. IN enclosed space they create pressure. A complex mechanism perceives these loads and transforms them first into translational motion, and then into rotational. This is the principle of operation of the internal combustion engine. Further, the rotation is already transmitted to the drive wheels.

piston engine

What is the advantage of such a mechanism? What gave new principle operation of an internal combustion engine? Currently, they are equipped not only with cars, but also with agricultural and loading vehicles, train locomotives, motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. Engines of this type are installed on military equipment: tanks, armored personnel carriers, helicopters, boats. You can also think of chainsaws, mowers, motor pumps, generator substations and other mobile equipment that uses diesel fuel, gasoline or a gas mixture for operation.

Before the invention of the principle of internal combustion, fuel, more often solid (coal, firewood), was burned in a separate chamber. For this, a boiler was used that heated the water. Steam was used as the primary source of driving force. Such mechanisms were massive and overall. They were equipped with locomotives of steam locomotives and ships. The invention of the internal combustion engine made it possible to significantly reduce the dimensions of mechanisms.

System

When the engine is running, a number of cyclical processes constantly occur. They must be stable and take place within a strictly defined period of time. This condition provides smooth operation all systems.

Diesel engines do not pre-treat the fuel. The fuel supply system delivers it from the tank and it is supplied at high pressure to the cylinders. Gasoline is pre-mixed with air along the way.

The principle of operation of an internal combustion engine is such that the ignition system ignites this mixture, and crank mechanism receives, transforms and transfers the energy of gases to the transmission. The gas distribution system releases combustion products from the cylinders and takes them outside vehicle. At the same time, the sound of the exhaust is reduced.

The lubrication system provides the possibility of rotation of moving parts. However, the rubbing surfaces heat up. The cooling system ensures that the temperature does not go beyond allowed values. Although all processes take place in automatic mode they still need to be watched. This is provided by the control system. It transmits data to the control panel in the driver's cab.

Enough complex mechanism must have a body. The main components and assemblies are mounted in it. Optional equipment for systems that ensure its normal operation, is placed nearby and mounted on removable mounts.

The crank mechanism is located in the cylinder block. The main load from the burnt fuel gases is transferred to the piston. It is connected by a connecting rod to the crankshaft, which converts forward movement into rotation.

Also in the block is a cylinder. A piston moves along its inner plane. Grooves are cut into it, in which o-rings are placed. This is necessary to minimize the gap between the planes and create compression.

The cylinder head is attached to the top of the body. A gas distribution mechanism is mounted in it. It consists of a shaft with eccentrics, rocker arms and valves. Their alternate opening and closing ensure the inlet of fuel into the cylinder and then the release of spent combustion products.

The pallet of the cylinder block is mounted to the bottom of the case. Oil flows there after it lubricates the rubbing joints of parts of assemblies and mechanisms. Inside the engine there are still channels through which the coolant circulates.

The principle of operation of the internal combustion engine

The essence of the process is the transformation of one type of energy into another. This occurs when fuel is burned in the closed space of an engine cylinder. The gases released during this expand, and excess pressure is created inside the working space. It is received by the piston. He can move up and down. The piston is connected to the crankshaft by means of a connecting rod. In fact, these are the main parts of the crank mechanism - the main unit responsible for converting the chemical energy of the fuel into rotational movement of the shaft.

The principle of operation of the internal combustion engine is based on the alternate cycle change. When the piston moves downward, work is done - the crankshaft rotates at a certain angle. A massive flywheel is fixed at one end. Having received acceleration, it continues to move by inertia, and this still turns the crankshaft. The connecting rod is now pushing the piston up. He takes up the working position and is again ready to take on the energy of the ignited fuel.

Peculiarities

The principle of operation of the internal combustion engine cars most often based on the conversion of the energy of combustible gasoline. Trucks, tractors and special equipment equipped mainly with diesel engines. LPG can also be used as fuel. Diesel engines do not have an ignition system. The ignition of the fuel occurs from the pressure created in the working chamber of the cylinder.

The working cycle can be carried out in one or two revolutions of the crankshaft. In the first case, there are four cycles: fuel inlet and ignition, power stroke, compression, exhaust gases. Two stroke engine internal combustion, a complete cycle is carried out in one revolution of the crankshaft. At the same time, fuel is admitted and compressed in one cycle, and ignition, power stroke and exhaust gases are released in the second cycle. The role of the gas distribution mechanism in engines of this type is played by a piston. Moving up and down, it alternately opens the fuel inlet and exhaust ports.

Except piston internal combustion engines there are also turbine, jet and combined engines internal combustion. The conversion of fuel energy in them into the forward motion of the vehicle is carried out according to other principles. The design of the engine and auxiliary systems is also significantly different.

Losses

Despite the fact that the internal combustion engine is reliable and stable, its efficiency is not high enough, as it might seem at first glance. In mathematical dimension Engine efficiency internal combustion averages 30-45%. This suggests that most of the energy of the combustible fuel is wasted.

efficiency of the best gasoline engines may be only 30%. And only massive economical diesel engines, which have many additional mechanisms and systems, can effectively convert up to 45% of fuel energy in terms of power and useful work.

The design of the internal combustion engine cannot eliminate losses. Part of the fuel does not have time to burn and leaves with the exhaust gases. Another article of losses is the energy consumption to overcome various types of resistance during friction of the mating surfaces of parts of assemblies and mechanisms. And another part of it is spent on actuating the engine systems that ensure its normal and uninterrupted operation.