Understanding how an internal combustion engine works
A internal combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power by burning a mixture of fuel and air to create an explosion inside combustion chambers. This process produces movement, which is ultimately converted into mechanical energy to engage the vehicle’s transmission.
V8 engine: What’s going on under the hood?
When talking about a V8, one of the most popular configurations of combustion engines, the number refers to the number of cylinders aligned in two rows in the shape of a V. In action, the combustion cycle occurs in four stages, also known as the “four-stroke cycle”: intake, compression, combustion (or explosion) and exhaust.
Hydrogen: the future of the internal combustion engine?
Faced with growing environmental challenges, hydrogen is seen as a possible solution to extend the life of traditional internal combustion engines without compromising the objective of decarbonization. Indeed, this chemical element has the potential to generate energy without emitting greenhouse gases. Prototypes such as the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 reveal this symbiosis between hydrogen technology and the internal combustion engine.
Efficiencies and innovations: The potential to be exploited in terms of performance
Although often criticized for its relative energy efficiency, the internal combustion engine has not said its last word and could achieve up to 60% efficiency according to research carried out by Iveco FPT. For its part, the Japanese manufacturer Mazda, with its SkyActiv-X, offers a new approach by combining the best of diesel and gasoline engines, for optimized energy efficiency.
Tribology: The art of minimizing internal friction
Another crucial aspect of internal combustion engine operation concerns tribology. Controlling friction and wear between mechanical components is key to improving engine performance and longevity. The notion of internal friction is particularly essential, and significant advances have been made to reduce wear, maximize energy efficiency and minimize fuel consumption.
New engine technologies: Towards a hybridization of the combustion engine?
Faced with environmental imperatives, new technologies seek to optimize the efficiency of internal combustion engines. Moreover, innovations such as the Fiat 1-liter 3-cylinder Mild Hybrid gasoline engine, which develops 70 horsepower, combine a traditional combustion engine with electric assistance technology, to reduce emissions while maintaining good power capacity. .
In conclusion, if the internal combustion engine is the technology that has dominated the automotive sector for more than a century, environmental challenges require continuous innovations to optimize its performance and reduce its impact on the environment.
The fuel path: from tank to engine
The tank: the starting point for the fuel
The first step in the path of fuel in a car is the reservoir. This is the place where fuel is stored after refueling at the gas station.
To optimize their consumption, some people use apps to find cheaper fuel. These digital utilities locate the closest stations and analyze their prices in order to direct you to the most economical option.
The pump system: the fuel transporter
Once in the tank, the fuel must be delivered to the engine. This is the role of fuel pump system. This component draws fuel from the tank and transports it to the engine through the fuel lines.
Fuel injection: preparation of the mixture
The next passage takes the fuel to the fuel systeminjection. This ensures that fuel arrives in the engine in the right proportions, depending on the specific needs of the vehicle. On certain models such as the Audi Q5 50 TFSI e 299 Quattro 2022, this injection system is high precision, contributing to optimized consumption.
The engine: combustion of fuel
The final stage is combustion in the engine. The precise injection of fuel into the cylinders allows its ignition by the spark plugs, which generates the energy necessary to activate the engine.
With a view to the energy transition, certain manufacturers such as Toyota are working on the development of thermal engines running on hydrogen, resolutely focused on respecting the environment.
Maintenance and vigilance: hybrid vehicles and LPG engines
It is important to remember that regular maintenance of the fuel system is essential, regardless of the type of vehicle. Thus, for hybrid models like the BMW 3 Series or the new Dacia Duster, or those running on LPG, it is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of their specific injection systems.
Common Fuel System Failures
Proper maintenance can prevent common problems like a malfunctioning fuel pump or faulty head gasket. This last problem, serious for the engine, can result in overheating, excessive consumption of oil or coolant, or even the presence of white smoke from the exhaust.
In conclusion, the fuel path from tank to engine involves several components and systems. Each of them must function properly to ensure optimal performance and reasonable consumption. Regular maintenance and knowing the signs of potential problems helps ensure the longevity and efficiency of your vehicle’s fuel system.
The role of fuel injection and carburetor in fuel circulation
A car’s fuel system is made up of several key components that work together to provide the energy needed to run the engine. Two of these components, thefuel injection and the carburetor, play an essential role in the fuel circulation process.
The mission of the injection system
The fuel injection system has a crucial job: it meters and sprays the fuel that will be burned in the cylinders. Proper injection operation is of particular importance to engine performance and fuel efficiency.
With the development of technologies, mechanical injection has been replaced byelectronic injection which, thanks to its precise control, efficiency and optimized performance, has brought a new dimension to fuel management in the engine.
The central role of the carburetor
The carburetor, although less and less present in modern vehicles, has long been the main architect of the preparation of the air-fuel mixture. Its mission is to ensure the precise dosage of fuel and air drawn into the engine, a delicate balance which has a direct impact on the power and efficiency of the engine.
Fuel circulation: a matter of precision
The work of carburetor and fuel injection is essential in the fuel circulation process. These systems must work in a coordinated manner to ensure optimal combustion. A malfunction or inappropriate adjustment of any of these elements can have negative consequences, such as engine overheating or excessive fuel consumption.
The place of fuel in the system
It is also worth noting that the type of fuel used has a significant influence on the operation of the fuel system. For example, using SP 98 instead of SP 95 may impact engine performance and fuel consumption, particularly on high compression engines.
The economic benefits of optimal fuel management
Proper fuel injection and carburetor management can also have economic benefits. By ensuring optimal combustion, these systems save fuel, which translates into cheaper refueling in the long term.
In conclusion, fuel injection and carburetor are the essential pillars of a car’s fuel system. Their role is not only limited to fuel circulation, but also encompasses optimizing engine performance and fuel efficiency. Proper operation and regular maintenance of these systems ensure optimal operation and extended engine life.
The Combustion Process: How Fuel Powers a Car?
The combustion process: Basic principle
The combustion process, as fascinating as it may seem, is actually quite simple. To explain this phenomenon in an accessible way, let’s think of fuel as a car’s food, essential to giving it the strength it needs to move forward. The process begins when fuel enters the engine’s combustion system.
The role of fuel
The primary function of fuel is to be a source of energy for the engine. In an internal combustion engine, a mixture of fuel and air is introduced into the engine’s cylinders. Under the effect of the piston, this mixture is compressed, thus increasing the temperature and pressure. A spark from the spark plug will then ignite this mixture, causing an explosion. This explosion pushes the piston downward, producing the mechanical energy needed to propel the car.
Towards a greener future for fuel?
Traditional fuel, mainly consisting of fossil hydrocarbons, is currently being questioned for its adverse impact on the environment. Several cleaner alternatives are currently being explored and developed. For example, companies like Rolls Royce and EasyJet are currently working on hydrogen-powered planes. This technology could potentially also be applied to the automotive industry to produce vehicles that only emit water during combustion.
Furthermore, researchers are examining the possibility of creating a “zero emission” liquid fuel from CO2 for planes, an advance which could also benefit the automotive sector. Others are even working on the concept of a car running on water, a revolutionary invention but which remains in its embryonic state to this day.
The different types of cars
It should be noted that not all cars use fuel the same way. Battery electric cars (BEVs), for example, use no fuel at all. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles (HEV and PHEV) operate thanks to the combination of a thermal engine and an electric motor, alternating or combining the two energy sources to optimize performance and reduce fuel consumption.
The transition to cleaner fuels is essential to reducing our impact on the environment. However, the combustion process will remain at the heart of how engines work, both for conventional vehicles and for future innovations that promise to make our cars more environmentally friendly.