Power Generation (Optimization) in a Car Engine

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on optimizing power generation in the Mazda MX5 (2001-2005) with engine sizes of 1.6 liters (110 bhp) and 1.8 liters (146 bhp). Key factors include analyzing energy input, total power generation, and constraints on compression ratios that lead to power loss. The user employs the Otto Cycle equations to calculate temperatures, pressures, heat in, heat rejection, net work, and efficiencies, ultimately achieving a cycle efficiency of 0.59 and a Carnot efficiency of 0.86. The user seeks guidance on integrating horsepower into their analysis and considers turbocharging and compression ratio adjustments for optimization.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Otto Cycle and its equations
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic principles, including heat transfer and efficiency calculations
  • Basic knowledge of engine mechanics and performance metrics
  • Proficiency in using Excel for data analysis and calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research turbocharging techniques for enhancing engine performance
  • Explore advanced thermodynamic cycles beyond the Otto Cycle
  • Investigate the impact of varying compression ratios on engine efficiency
  • Learn about engine tuning and performance optimization strategies
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, mechanical engineering students, and enthusiasts interested in optimizing car engine performance and understanding thermodynamic principles in automotive applications.

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**Long Post**
1. Homework Statement

The Mazda MX5 (2001-2005) comes with two engine sizes, 1.6 litre and 1.8 litre which are rated as 110 bhp and 146 bhp respectively at 6,500 rpm. You are required to choose one of the two engine sizes and analyse the system with a view to improving the power output of the vehicle.

Aspects to consider during the analysis:

· What energy is input into the engine and what losses could be reasonably expected?

· Need to identify the value of the total power generated by the engine; brake horsepower does not provide a value for the total power.

· Constraints on compression ratio resulting in loss of power due to excessive heating

· Significant engine redesign is a costly option and manufacturers tend to prefer less radical, incremental improvements

Homework Equations


Temperature =Kelvin, Pressure =Pa, Volume = ##m^3##
I'm hoping you will all understand my notation if I say that for this Otto Cycle T1 & P1 are the temperature and pressure at the inlet to the combustion chamber and hence the temperature and pressure at point 1. so for point 2: T2 & P2 etc...
$$T_2=T_1*\frac{V_1}{V_2}^{1.4-1}$$
$$V_2=\frac{V_1}{Compression Ratio}$$
$$P_2=P_1*\frac{V_1}{V_2}^{1.4}$$
$$V_3=V_2$$
$$P_2=P_1*\frac{T_3}{T_2}^{\frac{1.4}{1.4-1}}$$
$$T_4=T_3*\frac{1}{Compression Ratio}^{1.4-1}$$
$$V_4=V_1$$
$$P_4=P_3*\frac{1}{Compression Ratio}^{1.4}$$

So once these were found I went on to find:
$$Mass_{air}=\frac{P_1*V_1*28.97}{8314*T_1}$$
$$Heat_{in}=Mass*C_v*(T_3-T_2)$$
$$Heat_{Rejection}=Mass*C_v*(T_4-T_1)$$
$$Net Work=Heat_{in}-Heat_{Rejection}$$
$$Cycle Efficiency=\eta_{Cycle}=\frac{Net Work}{Heat_{in}}$$
$$Carnot Efficiency=1-\frac{T_1}{T_3}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I'll split this section into a few parts; firstly I'll state my assumptions so far, then I'll show you what data I have (it's limited :[ ), then I'll probably have lost the will to live and simply congratulate anyone who has read up to the end. Nevertheless! Here we go:

To begin I'll outline a few assumptions I have made so far, therefore they will be subject to change to analyse my problem in more depth later, but for now I'm looking at an Otto Cycle where:

1. The processes are steady.
2. Neglect potential and kinetic energy effects.
3. All processes are ideal.
4. Air is an ideal gas with constant specific heat.
5. Using a cold air standard air approximation (is this the right phrase? Where air properties are assumed at a constant Cp & Cv etc...)
6. I have also assumed the air at inlet is at STP
7. I would like your assistance on this assumption if you would be so kind, I have assumed the temperature at the highest point of combustion is 2100K. This is only from gathering a few (non-peer reviewed!) sources together and guesstimating, also in a seminar problem this is the temperature given (yes I have tried to work through the same seminar problem to help me here already). Is this reasonable? All I seem to come across is the temperature of the piston surfaces when looking for data rather than the air during combustion.
8. Exactly the same circumstances as for number 7 except for a compression ratio of 9.4.

What I have so far: Just looking at the 1.6L engine
At the moment I have an excel spreadsheet which outlines the temperature and pressure at each point in the Otto Cycle. Using the equations above I have T1=273, T2=718, T3=2100, T4=857, P1=101325 P2=2333972, P3=99872857, P4=4335792, V1=V4=0.0016, V2=V3=0.0001702(approx).
Heat in = 1913
Heat Rejection = 781
Net Work = 1132
Cycle Efficiency = 0.59
Carnot = 0.86

So now I have an engine whose efficiency is less than that of the Carnot efficiency, great, it theoretically should work...
My problem is I'm not sure where to go from here, ,and where does the horsepower of the engine come into this? I was wondering if I should be working backwards from the engine horsepower but I have no idea how I would do this. I'm almost certain that to optimize this the ideal situation may be to use a turbo to increase air volume of to play with compression ratios (I'm no car genius so please keep jargon to a minimum).
I'm really struggling here, I'd appreciate any help you can give. Please give values in SI units, or at least state what units you are using.
Also, Kudos for reading this far!
 
Anyone? This post interests me too and I am working on a very similar project. Hope there is someone who can shed some light on this.
 

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