Book Description

In order to improve real engine efficiency, that is the conversion of fuel chemical energy to useful work, it is necessary to determine exactly where real engine cycles differ from theoretical thermodynamic cycles. While such theoretical cycles present a useful basis for analysis they can by no means fully describe the working processes of real engines. This report aimed to clearly explain the processes of real engines from the fundamental first and second laws of thermodynamics with reference to practical considerations.In the literature there are many fragments of the whole story, but not one document that summarises all of the issues relevant to the optimum design of real internal combustion engines for best efficiency and simultaneous best emissions. In this report the key parameters which influence efficiency and emissions formation were defined and recommendations were made for the configuration of an optimal engine system based on fundamental principles. A consequence of the work was the identification of the need to re-think the combustion mode paradigms so closely associated with contemporary internal combustion engines.