What happens when you increase air temperature flowing into an engine?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of increased air temperature flowing into an engine, focusing on its implications for power output and efficiency. Participants explore both theoretical and practical aspects of engine performance related to intake air temperature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that higher engine intake air temperature may decrease power output but is uncertain about the reasons behind this.
  • Another participant questions the effect of heated intake air on its density, suggesting that decreased density could make compression easier, potentially increasing efficiency.
  • A subsequent reply agrees with the idea that less dense air means less oxygen is available for combustion, which could lead to reduced power output.
  • It is mentioned that hotter intake air may result in less heat produced during combustion, which could further impact engine performance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between air temperature, density, and engine performance. There is no consensus on the overall impact of increased intake air temperature on efficiency and power output.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the relationship between air density, oxygen availability, and combustion efficiency that are not fully resolved. The implications of these factors on engine performance remain unclear.

liam1992
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Hi for a bit of work I have to explain the advantages and disadvantages of a higher engine intake air temperature.
I have been told that it decreases the power output of the engine but I can't seem to work out why it would decrease.
I also want to comment on how it affects the efficiency but i am unsure on this. I think that the efficiency would increase as the air has to be compressed less to ignite, is this correct?

Thanks for the help
 
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What happens to the density of the intake air when it is heated?
 
SteamKing said:
What happens to the density of the intake air when it is heated?

The density will decrease, surely this makes it easier to compress and therefore more efficient but there is less actual oxygen being compressed meaning less power produced by the engine. Is this correct?
 
Yes.
 
In addition to the somewhat less dense air, there's also the issue that combustion will produce less heat (energy) if the intake air is hotter.
 

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