Improving IC Engine Efficiency: Reducing Heat Loss Through Cylinder Walls

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on improving internal combustion (IC) engine efficiency by addressing heat loss through cylinder walls, which accounts for approximately 30% of efficiency loss. Ceramic cylinder liners are proposed as a potential solution for better thermal insulation compared to traditional cast iron sleeves. However, the complexity of IC engine design necessitates maintaining piston cooling, as excessive heat retention could lead to thermal stresses and engine damage. Ongoing research in this field continues to explore various factors affecting efficiency, including heat loss to exhaust gases and oil.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of internal combustion engine mechanics
  • Knowledge of thermal insulation materials, specifically ceramics
  • Familiarity with engine cooling systems, including water jackets and oil cooling
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics as applied to engine efficiency
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of ceramic materials in engine design
  • Explore advanced cooling techniques for internal combustion engines
  • Investigate the impact of exhaust gas heat loss on overall engine efficiency
  • Study the latest innovations in IC engine technology from motorsport applications
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, automotive researchers, and anyone involved in the design and optimization of internal combustion engines will benefit from this discussion.

Aneesh
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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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so what would be the efficiency of the engine if it is ceramic lined?.Does it fully keeps the heat inside the cylinder
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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