TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Ayala Boulevard, Cor. San Marcelino St Ermita, Manila 1000

ACTIVITY NO. 6
COMPARISON BETWEEN GASOLINE
ENGINE AND DIESEL ENGINE

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY III

PME8L-M

SUBMITTED BY:
Achavan, Lemuel T.
Atendido, Diony Jr. C.
Deroca, Mhark Deilan A.
Guevara, Llander O.
Nahibuan, Jhon Ashley N.
 ACTIVITY NO. 6
Comparison between Gasoline Engine and Diesel Engine

OBJECTIVE:
The activity aims to determine the difference between the gasoline engine and the diesel engine.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO):

At the end of the activity, the student shall be able to:
6.1) identify the features of the internal combustion engine.
6.2) determine the difference between the spark ignition engine and the diesel engine.

6.1 INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Internal combustion engines are a form of heat engine that creates power by burning fuel
inside a combustion chamber. It is commonly utilized in a wide range of applications such as autos,
motorcycles, boats, and small engines.

Fig.1 Parts of Internal Combustion Engine

Here are some vital features of an internal combustion engine:

6.1.1 Combustion Chamber - This is where the fuel-air combination is ignited and burnt,
releasing heat energy.
6.1.2 Piston - These are cylindrical components that move up and down inside the engine
cylinders. The pistons are connected to the crankshaft and their reciprocating motion converts the
pressure from the combustion into rotational motion.
6.1.3 Cylinders - These are the cylindrical chambers in which the pistons move. The number of
cylinders can vary depending on the engine design, such as inline, V-shaped, flat, or rotary engines.
6.1.4 Valves - The intake and exhaust valves control the flow of air and fuel into the combustion
chamber and the expulsion of exhaust gases. They open and close at precise times during the
engine's operation.
6.1.5 Spark Plugs - Found in gasoline engines, spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in the
combustion chamber, creating a controlled explosion that drives the piston down.
 6.1.6 Carburettor or Fuel Injector - These components are responsible for delivering the fuel
into the combustion chamber. Carburettors mix fuel with air, while fuel injectors directly spray
fuel into the combustion chamber.
6.1.7 Crankshaft - This component converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational
motion. It transfers the engine's power to the transmission, which further drives the wheels in
vehicles.
6.1.8 Cooling System - Internal combustion engines generate a significant amount of heat during
operation. A cooling system, typically consisting of a radiator, coolant, water pump, and hoses,
helps dissipate this heat and maintain an optimal operating temperature.
6.1.9 Lubrication System - To reduce friction and wear between moving parts, internal
combustion engines require a lubrication system. It circulates oil throughout the engine to lubricate
and protect various components.

6.2 SPARK IGNITION ENGINE VS. DIESEL ENGINE

6.2.1 Spark Ignition Engine - A spark ignition (SI) engine, also known as a gasoline engine or
petrol engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that uses spark plugs to ignite an air-fuel
mixture. It is the most common type of engine found in automobiles, motorcycles, and small power
equipment.

Fig.2 Spark Ignition Engine

6.2.1.1 Fuel Used: Spark Ignition (SI) Engine primarily use gasoline as their fuel source.
Gasoline is a volatile fuel that vaporizes easily, allowing it to mix readily with air for
combustion. Gasoline has a lower energy density compared to diesel fuel.
6.2.1.2 Fuel Distribution: Spark Ignition (SI) Engine typically use a fuel delivery system
that involves a carburettor or fuel injectors. In older carburetted engines, the fuel and air
are mixed together in the intake manifold before entering the combustion chamber. In
modern fuel-injected engines, fuel injectors spray fuel directly into the intake ports or
combustion chamber.
6.2.1.3 Combustion Process: Spark Ignition (SI) Engine, the air-fuel mixture is ignited by
a spark plug. The spark plug creates an electric spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture,
initiating combustion.
6.2.1.4 Minimum Capacity: Spark Ignition (SI) Engine typically have smaller minimum
capacities. They are commonly available in a range of capacities, starting from small
engines with displacements as low as a few hundred cubic centimeters (cc) for applications
like motorcycles and small power equipment.
6.2.1.5 Maximum Capacity: Spark Ignition (SI) Engine have smaller maximum capacities
compared to diesel engines. The upper limit of SI engine capacities is typically seen in
high-performance sports cars and large displacement engines for specialized applications.
These engines can have capacities ranging from a few liters to around 8-9 liters in some
extreme cases.
6.2.1.6 Application:
 Automobiles: SI engines are widely used in passenger cars, including sedans,
hatchbacks, SUVs, and sports cars. They offer good acceleration, high RPM
capabilities, and smooth operation, making them suitable for applications that
require quick throttle response and high-speed performance.
 Motorcycles: Many motorcycles are equipped with SI engines due to their
lightweight and compact design, higher RPM capabilities, and responsive
power delivery. SI engines are preferred for smaller and medium-sized
motorcycles.
 Small Power Equipment: SI engines are commonly used in small power
equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, generators, and gardening tools.
They provide reliable power output and are generally lightweight and easy to
handle.
6.2.1.7 Fuel Consumption: Spark Ignition (SI) Engine typically have higher fuel
consumption compared to diesel engines. Gasoline used in SI engines has a lower energy
density compared to diesel fuel, which means SI engines require a larger volume of fuel to
produce the same amount of energy. However, advancements in engine technology, such
as direct fuel injection and improved combustion efficiency, have helped reduce fuel
consumption in SI engines.
6.2.1.8 Fuel Cost: Gasoline used in SI engines tends to have a lower cost per gallon/liter
compared to diesel fuel in many regions. The cost of gasoline can vary depending on factors
like regional taxes, supply and demand, and crude oil prices. Gasoline prices may fluctuate
more frequently compared to diesel prices.
6.2.1.9 Brake Power Develop
6.2.1.9.1 Brake Power: SI engines typically develop higher peak brake power
compared to diesel engines of similar size and displacement. SI engines are
designed for higher RPM operation and can achieve higher power outputs due to
their ability to combust the air-fuel mixture rapidly. This characteristic makes SI
engines well-suited for applications that require high-speed performance, such as
sports cars and motorcycles.
6.2.1.9.2 RPM Range: SI engines have a wider and higher RPM range compared
to diesel engines. They can rev higher and deliver power at higher RPMs, allowing
for quick acceleration and high-speed operation. This attribute makes SI engines
suitable for applications where high RPM performance is essential.
6.2.1.10 Spark Ignition Engine Cycle: Otto Cycle
The spark ignition (SI) engine operates on the Otto cycle, which is a four-stroke
cycle consisting of the following stages:
 Intake Stroke: The piston moves from top dead center (TDC) to bottom dead center
(BDC) while the intake valve opens. This creates a vacuum in the cylinder, drawing
in the air-fuel mixture from the intake manifold.
 Compression Stroke: The piston moves from BDC to TDC, compressing the air-
fuel mixture. The compression raises the temperature and pressure of the mixture.
 Ignition and Combustion Stroke: Near the end of the compression stroke, the spark
plug produces an electric spark that ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture. The
combustion of the mixture generates high pressure and temperature, causing the
gases to expand rapidly. This expansion forces the piston down from TDC to BDC,
producing power that is transferred to the crankshaft.
  Exhaust Stroke: The piston moves from BDC to TDC while the exhaust valve
opens. This pushes the burned gases out of the cylinder into the exhaust manifold
or system. The cylinder is then ready for a new intake stroke.
The cycle then repeats, with the intake stroke drawing in a fresh air-fuel mixture and
the subsequent stages repeating in the same order.

Fig.3 Working Principle of Four Stroke Spark Ignition Engine

6.2.2 Diesel Engine - A diesel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that operates on the
principle of compression ignition. Diesel engines are known for their efficiency, durability, and
high torque output. They are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including heavy-
duty trucks, commercial vehicles, industrial machinery, marine vessels, and power generation.

Fig.3 Diesel Engine Structure

6.2.2.1 Fuel Used: Diesel engines use diesel fuel as their primary fuel source. Diesel fuel
has a higher energy density compared to gasoline. It is less volatile and requires higher
compression temperatures to ignite.
6.2.2.2 Fuel Distribution: Diesel engines use a fuel injection system for fuel distribution.
The fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber or pre-combustion chamber at
high pressure using fuel injectors. The fuel injection is timed precisely to deliver the fuel
into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke.
6.2.2.3 Combustion Process: Diesel engines do not rely on spark plugs for ignition. The
air is compressed within the combustion chamber during the compression stroke, raising
its temperature. Fuel is then injected directly into the combustion chamber, where it ignites
spontaneously due to the heat of compression.
6.2.2.4 Minimum Capacity: Diesel engines generally have larger minimum capacities
compared to SI engines. They are commonly available in capacities starting from a few
liters, commonly used in medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, industrial machinery, and
marine applications.
6.2.2.5 Maximum Capacity: Diesel engines have larger maximum capacities. They are
commonly available in capacities exceeding 10 liters and can go up to several hundred
liters for large marine and industrial applications, heavy-duty trucks, and power generation.
6.2.2.6 Application:
 Trucks and Commercial Vehicles: Diesel engines are extensively used in
heavy-duty trucks, commercial vehicles, and buses due to their high torque
output at low RPMs. They are known for their superior hauling power, fuel
efficiency, and durability, making them suitable for long-haul transportation
and heavy load applications.
 Industrial and Construction Machinery: Diesel engines are commonly found in
industrial and construction machinery such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers,
and stationary power generators. Their high torque characteristics and fuel
efficiency make them well-suited for heavy-duty applications that require
substantial power.
 Marine Applications: Diesel engines are widely used in marine vessels,
including commercial ships, yachts, and boats. Their ability to generate high
torque, fuel efficiency, and reliability make them suitable for marine
environments and long-range cruising.
 Power Generation: Diesel engines are often employed in power generation
applications, such as backup generators and primary power sources in remote
areas. They are valued for their fuel efficiency, robustness, and the ability to
operate for extended periods without refueling.
6.2.2.7 Fuel Consumption: Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency, particularly
at higher loads and low RPMs. Diesel fuel has a higher energy density, allowing diesel
engines to extract more energy per unit volume of fuel. Diesel engines can provide better
fuel economy compared to SI engines, especially in applications that require constant or
heavy loads, such as long-haul trucks and industrial machinery.
6.2.2.8 Fuel Cost: Diesel fuel is generally priced higher than gasoline per gallon/liter due
to factors such as higher refining costs and taxes. However, diesel fuel has a higher energy
content and better fuel economy, which can offset the higher price. Diesel prices can also
vary based on regional factors and market conditions.
6.2.2.9 Brake Power Develop
6.2.2.9.1 Brake Power: Diesel engines generally develop lower peak brake power
compared to SI engines of similar size. Diesel engines prioritize high torque output
at lower RPMs, which contributes to their excellent pulling power and low-end
grunt. While diesel engines may not produce as much peak power as SI engines,
they excel in applications that require substantial torque and pulling capability, such
as heavy-duty trucks and industrial machinery.
6.2.2.9.2 Low-End Torque: Diesel engines are known for their significant low-
end torque, allowing them to generate strong pulling power even at low engine
speeds. This characteristic makes diesel engines suitable for applications that
require high load-carrying capacity and good fuel efficiency at low RPMs.
 6.2.2.10 Diesel Cycle
The cycle of a diesel engine is known as the Diesel cycle, which is a thermodynamic
cycle that describes the operation of a typical diesel engine. The Diesel cycle consists of
the following stages:

Fig.4 Working Principle of Diesel Cycle

 Intake Stroke: The piston moves from top dead center (TDC) to bottom dead center
(BDC), drawing in air through the intake valve. Unlike spark ignition engines, no
fuel is introduced during the intake stroke.
 Compression Stroke: The piston moves from BDC to TDC, compressing the air in
the combustion chamber. The compression raises the temperature and pressure of
the air. Diesel engines typically have higher compression ratios compared to spark
ignition engines, which contributes to their higher efficiency.
 Fuel Injection and Ignition: Near the end of the compression stroke, fuel is injected
into the combustion chamber at a high pressure. The fuel injectors spray fine
droplets of diesel fuel into the hot, compressed air. As the fuel comes into contact
with the hot air, it ignites spontaneously due to the high temperature and pressure,
a process known as autoignition or compression ignition. The combustion of the
fuel creates a rapid increase in pressure, driving the piston downward.
 Power Stroke: The piston is forced down from TDC to BDC by the expansion of
the hot combustion gases. This downward motion generates power that is
transferred to the crankshaft.
 Exhaust Stroke: The piston moves from BDC to TDC while the exhaust valve
opens. The high-pressure combustion gases are expelled from the cylinder into the
exhaust manifold or system. The cylinder is then ready for a new intake stroke.
The Diesel cycle is characterized by the absence of a spark plug for ignition. Instead,
the fuel ignites due to the high temperature resulting from the compression of the air. This
compression ignition allows diesel engines to achieve higher efficiency and lower fuel
consumption compared to spark ignition engines.

REFERENCES:
 Heywood, J. B. (1988). Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals. McGraw-Hill Education.
 Pulkrabek, W. W. (2012). Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine. Pearson.
 Stone, R. (2013). Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines. Macmillan International Higher
Education.
 Taylor, C. F. (1985). The Internal Combustion Engine in Theory and Practice: Thermodynamics,
Fluid Flow, Performance. MIT Press.