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Aben 50 - Laboratory 3
Aben 50 - Laboratory 3
Laboratory 3
Auxiliary Engine System
Introduction
Objectives
Methodology
The engine consumes fuel to produce power. The quality of fuel must be considered
before applying it to an engine to avoid mechanical problems. The properties of good fuel to
use are good volatility, high antiknock value, chemical purity, and freedom from the gum.
The common fuel used for Internal Combustion Engines is petrol, power kerosene, and high-
speed diesel. The fuel is delivered in an engine with the following process based on the
presentation of Chouhan (2020).
In a spark ignition engine, the fuel supply system consists of the fuel tank, sediment
bowl, fuel lift pump, carburetor, and fuel pipes. The fuel is supplied in either gravity flow or
forced flow. The fuel tank is placed above the carburetor, which allows the fuel to flow due to
gravity. Between the fuel tank and carburetor, oil filters are present, as well as a transparent
sediment bowl to hold the dust and dirt of the fuel. If the fuel tank is positioned below the
carburetor, a lift pump is used to force the flow of the fuel. Through pipes, the fuel will flow to
the carburetor and then goes to the cylinder through the inlet manifold. The mixing of air and
fuel is away from the cylinder but occurs in the carburetor. The mixing process is called
carburation.
Spark Ignition Fuel Supply System (learnmechanical.com, n.d.)
On the other side, the fuel supply system in a compression engine is composed of
the fuel tank, lift pump, filter, injector pump, high-pressure pipe, overflow valve, and fuel
injector. The fuel is drawn by the lift pump from the tank to the injection pump, passing
through an oil filter. Then, the injection pump supplies high-pressure fuel to injection nozzles
through delivery valves and high-pressure pipes. Afterwards, the fuel is injected into the
cylinder to expose it to compressed air to start the combustion. The leaks from the nozzles
will return to the tank through the overflow pipe. The overflow valve is installed at the top of
the filter to keep the pressure under a specified limit.
Compressi
on Ignition
1. Ignition System Fuel
Supply
The ignition system in an internal combustion engine induces the explosion of the air
and fuel mixture.System
This mixture is ignited inside the cylinder at the end of the compression
stroke. Correct timing of ignition is necessary in order for the engine to work properly (Saif,
2022). There are two types of systems to ignite the fuel. First, an ignition by an electric spark
or spark ignition. Second, an ignition by the heat of compression or compression ignition.
A spark ignition system works through the use of a spark plug. The spark plug
provides a high-voltage electrical discharge between two electrodes, which ignites the air
and fuel mixture. On the other hand, combustion in a compression ignition system occurs
due to high temperature in the cylinder caused by high compression.
Development of an Advanced Spark Ignition System Instructional Trainer at DIET
The basic components of an ignition system consist of a battery, ignition coil, ignition
switch, spark plug, distributor, condenser, dynamo, battery, and associated switches and
wiring.
Spark Plug
and Spark
Spark Plug. The spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion
chamber. It is a device for the high voltage current to jump and ignite the charge.
Based on the presentation posted by KIT-Kalaignar Karunanidhi Institute of
Technology (2022), the ignition system produces about 30,000 volts of spark across
the spark plug. This high-voltage spark is distributed to the spark plug sequentially
once the piston is near on top dead center (TDC). Further, each spark plug consists
of a threaded outer shell with an outside electrode, insulator, and a copper gasket.
Typically, the gap settings of the spark plug should be between 0.5 mm and 0.85 mm
otherwise, the component will not work efficiently.
Dynamo. The dynamo keeps the battery fully charged, and supplies direct
current for ignition, light, and other electrical accessories.
Battery. The battery is the main source of power that supplies the whole
system. Lead acid type of battery is commonly used for internal combustion engines
for tractors and automobiles. The battery consists of plates, separators, electrolytes,
a container, and a terminal wire.
Switching Devices and Wires. The switching device triggers the ignition coil,
while the wires distribute spark throughout the system.
There are several types of the ignition system. Two of which are the Conventional
Ignition System and the Electronic Ignition System. The working principle of Conventional
Ignition systems works on the mutual electromagnetic induction principle and is further
divided into two: The Battery or Coil ignition System and the Magneto Ignition System.
The battery ignition system definitely requires a battery to supply current in the
primary circuit, hence, battery maintenance is necessary, including recharging whenever it
gets discharged or a replacement. In terms of size, this system occupies more space, unlike
the magneto system, which is very compact. Contrary to the battery ignition system, the
magneto ignition system does not need a battery, thus, no battery maintenance problems
are expected. However, the quality of the spark during starting is poor due to low speed. In
contrast, the battery ignition system has a good quality spark even at a low speed.
The working principle of an electronic ignition system is that the timer, either a Hall
effect sensor or pulse generator, transmits electrical pulses to ECU, which turns off the
primary winding's current flow. As for a breaker point ignition system, a high voltage is
consequently induced in the secondary winding and distributed to the spark plugs and starts
the combustion process in the chamber or cylinder. Afterwards, the ECU enables the
primary circuit to receive current so that it can prepare for the next cycle. The other few
types of commonly used timers in electronic ignition are pulse generators, Hall effect
switches, Optical switches, and Capacitor Discharge methods (Yousef, 2022).
Some common problems in ignition systems are difficulty starting the engine,
engine misfires, and worn components. A complete or partial failure of an ignition system
can be prevented by following the recommended maintenance by the manufacturers and
engine experts. The following maintenance is recommended (what-when-how.com, n.d.):
2. Lubrication System
Lubricant is an oil fluid made from animal fat, vegetables, and minerals. However, a
lubricant made of animal fat is observed to be not suitable for engine use as it becomes
waxy and gummy, it does not stand the heat. Meanwhile, vegetable lubricant is extracted
from seeds, fruits, and plants. Some common kinds of vegetable lubricants are cotton seed
oil, olive oil, linseed oil, and castor oil, which are used in small engines. Further, the most
popular lubricant for engines and machines is the mineral lubricant that is obtained from
crude petroleum. But the most suitable for IC engines is petroleum lubricants.
Oil pan. It serves as oil storage while the engine is off. The oil pan can hold 4
to 6 quarts of oil.
Pickup Tube. It is a passageway of the oil that transports oil from the oil pan
to other parts.
Oil Pump. A gear-type pump driven by the camshaft is used to force oil into
the oil pipe.
Oil Filter. It filters out and removes the dirt and debris of the oil.
Spurt Holes and Galleries. These are the holes present in engine parts that
allow the oil to coat the bearings and cylinders.
Sump. After the lubrication process, the excess oil is collected in the sump
and waited to be used in the next operation.
2.2. Types of Lubrication System
In a forced feed system, the lubricant is directly pumped into all moving parts of the
engine through a lubricating oil pump. This pump is a gear or vane pump that is driven by
the camshaft. The oil first enters the main gallery by means of a pipe or channel. Then, the
oil passes to the bearing through holes towards other parts of the engine that requires
lubrication. The lubrication of the timing gear is separated. Consequently, the excess oil from
the cylinder head will flow back to the crankcase. This system is usually used in a high-
speed multi-cylinder engine in tractors, trucks, and automobiles (Chouhan, 2020).
A splash system of lubrication is limited to small engines or single cylinders only. The
distribution of lubricants is not widely extended to the critical components of an engine.
Contrastingly, the forced feed system is way better than splash due to the additional
pressure applied, which makes the oil reach all the essential moving parts that need
lubrication. This helps in efficient lubrication of engine components and hence in achieving
better engine performance.
Some problems that may encounter regarding the lubrication system are the
malfunction in pressure and the amount of lubricant dispensed in the system. Once the
pressure is low or no pressure at all, the system may have leakage, or the lubricant has
thinned out. Conversely, if the pressure is high, there may be a clogged in-line filter, or the
flow apportioning units are incorrect. This may lead to an increase in the amount of lubricant
dispensed. In addition, if the amount of lubricant decreases, the pump may be worn out, or
there must be a change in operating speed.
Regular lubrication maintenance of engine parts helps to prevent clogs in the system.
The filtration components of the lubrication system, such as filters, screens, and strainers
should be regularly cleaned and replaced. More importantly, visual inspections should be
done from time to time to ensure that no leakage is happening. Otherwise, the engine must
be repaired to prevent serious problems. Thus, some maintenance of the lubrication system
is provided below (fluidlinesystem.net, n.d.).
Frequently clean the lubrication reservoir but never use cotton or fiber rags.
Replace the filter and clean the screen annually or if necessary.
The pressure filter should be replaced annually.
Inspect the hose or piping for possible holes and cracks.
Check the tightness of the connections but do not over-tight.
Only recommended lubricants should be used. Lubricants with additives that could
clog filters or flow apportioning devices should be avoided.
Seek a check-up of the lubrication system from an authorized expert.
3. Cooling System
As the engine works to convert chemical and thermal energy to mechanical energy, a
high amount of heat is produced and released. Typically, the temperature reached up to
1600°C. For the record, about 40% of the total heat produced is emitted to the atmosphere
via exhaust, and 30% is the heat removed by the cooling system. Roughly only 30% is used
to produce useful power. In line with that, the cooling system is present in an engine to
maintain the optimum temperature of the engine. It also protects the component of the
engine from overheating. The cooling system also helps to maintain the lubricating property
of oil inside the engine.
Radiator Cooling Fan
Coolant Thermostat
Hose Valve
Sample of a Cooling System at DIET
Water pump (Centrifugal Pump). It draws the cooled water from the bottom
of the radiator and delivers it to the water jackets surrounding the engine.
Fan. The fan is mounted on the water pump shaft. It is driven by the same
belt that drives the pump and dynamo.
Water Jacket. It refers to passages cored out around the engine cylinder as
well as around the valve opening.
Hose Pipe. It is the passageway of the fluid that allows circulation from the
radiator to an internal part of the engine back to some associated components.
In an air cooling system, the engine heat is removed by means of the atmosphere
while the engine is working. The design of the system is intended for air contact. For
instance, the cylinder has fins to increase the area of air of contact for speedy cooling. Also,
the flywheel has blades projecting from its face acting like a fan. It harnessed the air through
a hole in the cowling and directed it around the finned cylinder.
The water-cooling system uses water as a medium to cool the engine. Simply, the
fluid circulated inside the cylinders to absorb heat from the cylinder walls. Then, the heated
water is conducted through a radiator to remove the heat a cool the water. One of the
methods that involve water is the forced circulation system. As cited in eagri.org (n.d.), “a
water pump is used to force water from the radiator to the water jacket of the engine. After
circulating the entire run of the water jacket, water comes back to the radiator where it loses
its heat by the process of radiation. To maintain the correct engine temperature, a
thermostat valve is placed at the outer end of the cylinder head. Cooling liquid is bypassed
through the water jacket of the engine until the engine attains the desired temperature. The
thermostat valve opens and the by-pass is closed, allowing the water to go to the radiator.”
An air cooling system has a simple design and construction, which is why it is more
compact and lighter in weight. It does not have other components such as water jackets,
radiator, water pump, thermostat pipes, and hoses, thus, the maintenance in the system is
lesser. However, during the process of the air cooling system, the distribution of cooling is
uneven, and the temperature is generally high during the operation (Chouhan, 2020). In
addition, the noise level in this system is higher the general performance is considered less
efficient. On the contrary, the water cooling system is more efficient as it has a higher rate of
heat transfer. It can also be used in heavier operations. More so, the thermal conductivity is
greater in this system, and the water is easily available. On the other hand, this system
requires more attention in cleaning and maintenance because corrosion might easily occur
inside the radiator or pipe, or storage. It may also malfunction after the long run due to the
scaling heat transfer rate (Dey, n.d.).
Some common problems in cooling systems are radiator leakage, water pump
failure, poor lines and connections, and thermostat failures. Once these issues arise,
immediately check the system to prevent serious problems. The maintenance of the air
cooling system is done by cleaning the passage of air and removing accumulates using a
stiff brush or compressed air. When a separate fan is provided, the belt tension is to be
checked and adjusted if necessary. For the water cooling system, assure that only clean and
fresh water must be used to fill in the radiator. The tension of the fan belt should be checked
regularly because a loose belt may cause overheating. Conversely, if the belt is very tight, it
may cause wear on the pulley of the pump and dynamo. It is also necessary to keep the oil
and grease away from the belt. And the bearing of the water pump should be lubricated
regularly.
Conclusion
Saif, M. (2022). Ignition System: Types, Parts, Working [PDF]. The Engineers Post.
https://www.theengineerspost.com/types-of-ignition-system/
Yousef (2022). Electronic Ignition System: Diagram, Working, Advantages [PDF]. The
Engineers Post.
https://www.theengineerspost.com/electronic-ignition-system/