UNIT-02 (Introduction to I.

C Engine and Electric Vehicles)

1. What do you understand by heat engine?

Heat Engine: Heat engine is a device which transforms the chemical energy of a fuel into thermal
energy and utilizes this thermal energy to perform useful work. Thus, thermal energy is converted to
mechanical energy in a heat engine.
2. Differentiate between I.C engine & E.C engine.
When the combustion of fuel takes place inside the cylinder then it is called as internal combustion
engine. Example: Automobile engine
When the combustion of fuel takes place outside the cylinder then it is called as external combustion
engine. Example: Steam engine
3. Give the classification of I.C engine.
According to Number of Strokes : (a) Four stroke engine (b) Two stroke engine
According to method of igniting the fuel: (a) Spark ignition engines (b) Compression ignition engine
According to thermodynamic working cycle:
(a) Otto cycle engine (b) Diesel cycle engine (c) Dual cycle engine
According to type of fuel used: (a) Petrol engine (b) Diesel engine (c) Gas engine
According to number of cylinders: (a) Single cylinder engine (b) Multi cylinder engine
4. What are the basic components of internal combustion engine?
(i) Cylinder: It is the main part of the engine inside which piston reciprocates to and fro.
(ii) Cylinder head: The top end of the cylinder is covered by
cylinder head over which inlet and exhaust valve, spark plug
or injectors are mounted.
(iii) Piston: Transmit the force exerted by the burning
of charge to the connecting rod
(iv) Piston rings: These are housed in the circumferential
grooves provided on the outer surface of the piston.
Compression ring is upper ring of the piston which provides
air tight seal to prevent leakage of the burnt gases into the
lower portion. Oil ring is lower ring which provides effective
seal to prevent leakage of the oil into the engine cylinder.
(v) Connecting rod, crank and crank shaft: The combination
of connecting rod, crank and crank shaft converts the
reciprocating motion of the piston into circular motion of the
crank shaft in the working stroke. The smaller end of the connecting rod is connected with the piston by
gudgeon pin and bigger end of the connecting rod is connected with the crank with crank pin and the
crank at the other end is connected with the crank shaft.
(vi) Crank case: It houses cylinder and crankshaft of the IC engine and also serves as sump for the
lubricating oil.
(vii) Spark plug or fuel injector: Spark Plug is used to create a spark in the compressed air fuel
mixture in petrol engine whereas injector is used to inject the diesel in the compressed air in diesel
engine.
(viii) Inlet and exhaust valve: Intake valve is used for intake of air fuel mixture and exhaust valve is
used for exhaustion of combustion waste.
5. What are the common terminologies used in I.C engine?
Terminology used in IC engine:
1. Cylinder bore (D): The inner diameter of the working cylinder is known as cylinder bore.
2. Piston area (A): The area of circle of diameter equal to the cylinder bore and given by: Area = (π/4) x D2
3. Stroke (L): It is the distance travelled by the piston from one extreme position to other extreme position.
Stroke length = 2 x Crank radius

4. Dead centre: (a) Bottom dead centre (BDC): Bottom Dead Centre is the position of the piston when it is
at the very bottom of its stroke.
(b) Top dead centre (TDC): Top Dead Centre is the position of the piston when it is at the
very top of its stroke.
5. Swept volume (Vs): The nominal volume generated by the working piston when
travelling from the one dead centre to next one and given as, Vs=A × L
6. Clearance volume (Vc): the nominal volume of the space on the combustion side of the piston at the top
dead centre.
7. Cylinder volume (V): Total volume of the cylinder. V= Vs + Vc
8. Compression ratio (r): The ratio of total cylinder volume to clearance volume is called the compression
ratio (r) of the engine

6. Explain the working principle of 4 stroke SI (petrol) engine with diagram and also its
thermodynamic cycle.
(1) Suction or Intake Stroke:
 Suction stroke 0→1 (Fig.) starts when the piston is at the top dead centre and about to move downwards.
 The inlet valve is assumed to open instantaneously and at this time and the exhaust valve is in the
closed position
 Due to the suction created by the motion of the piston towards the bottom dead centre, the charge
consisting of fuel-air mixture is drawn into the cylinder.
 When the piston reaches the bottom dead centre the suction stroke ends and the inlet valve closes
instantaneously
 (2) Compression Stroke:
 The charge taken into the cylinder during the suction stroke is compressed by the return stroke of the
piston 1→2, (Fig.)
 During this stroke both inlet and exhaust valves are in closed position.
 The mixture which fills the entire cylinder volume is now compressed into the clearance volume.
 At the end of the compression stroke the mixture is ignited with the help of a spark plug located on the
cylinder head.
(3) Expansion or Power Stroke:
 The high pressure of the burnt gases forces the piston towards the BDC, (stroke 3→4) (Fig.)
 Both the valves are in closed position.
 Of the four-strokes only during this stroke power is produced. Both pressure and temperature decrease
during expansion.
(4) Exhaust Stroke:
 At the end of the expansion stroke the exhaust valve opens instantaneously and the inlet valve remains
closed
 The pressure falls to atmospheric level a part of the burnt gases escape.
 The piston starts moving from the bottom dead centre to top dead centre (stroke 5→0), Fig. and sweeps
the burnt gases out from the cylinder almost at atmospheric pressure.
 The exhaust valve closes when the piston reaches TDC.
7. Explain the working principle of 4 stroke CI (diesel) engine with diagram and also draw its
thermodynamic cycle.
(a) Suction Stroke:
 In the suction stroke piston moves from TDC to BDC.
 Air alone is inducted during the suction stroke.
 During this stroke inlet valve is open and exhaust valve is closed, (Fig.)

b) Compression Stroke:
 In this stroke piston moves from BDC to TDC.
 Air inducted during the suction stroke is compressed into the clearance volume.
 Both valves remain closed during this stroke, Fig.
 c) Expansion Stroke:
 Fuel injection starts nearly at the end of the compression stroke.
 The rate of injection is such that combustion maintains the pressure constant in spite of the piston
movement on its expansion stroke increasing the volume. Heat is assumed to have been added at
constant pressure.
 After the injection of fuel is completed (i.e. after cut-off) the products of combustion expand.
 Both the valves remain closed during the expansion stroke
(d) Exhaust Stroke:
 The piston travelling from BDC to TDC pushes out the products of combustion.
 The exhaust valve is open and the intake valve is closed during this stroke, Fig.
 The ideal p - V diagram is shown in Fig.
8. Explain the working principle of 2 stroke SI (petrol) engine with diagram.
1. Upward Stroke
 During upward stroke, the piston moves upward from the bottom dead centre to top dead centre.
 Due to upward movement of the piston, a partial vacuum is created in the crankcase and a new charge
(air and petrol mixture) is drawn into the crankcase through the uncovered inlet port.
 The compression of the air petrol mixture in the combustion chamber of the cylinder takes place.
 The exhaust port and transfer port are covered when the piston is at the top dead centre position.
 The compressed charge is ignited in the combustion chamber by a spark given by the spark plug.

2. Downward Stroke
 As soon as the charge is ignited the hot gases compress the piston which moves downward, rotating the
crankshaft thus doing the useful work.
 During this stroke, the inlet port is covered by the piston and the new charge is compressed in the
crankcase.
 Further downward movement of the piston uncovers first the exhaust port and then the transfer port and
hence the exhaust starts through the exhaust port.
 As soon as transfer port is open, the charge through it is forced into the cylinder. The charge strikes the
deflector on the piston crown, rises to the top of the cylinder and pushes out most of the exhaust
gases. The piston is now at the bottom dead centre position.
9. Explain the working principle of 2 stroke CI (diesel) engine with diagram.
1. Upward Stroke
 During upward stroke, the piston moves upward from the BDC to TDC.
 Due to upward movement of the piston, a partial vacuum is created in
the crankcase and air is drawn into the crankcase through the inlet port.
 The compression of the air takes place in the combustion chamber.
 The exhaust port and transfer port are covered when the piston is at the
top dead centre position.
2. Downward Stroke
 As soon as the diesel is injected the hot gases after combustion forced the piston
which moves downward, rotating the crankshaft thus doing the useful work.
 During this stroke, the inlet port is covered by the piston and the new
air is compressed in the crankcase.
 Further downward movement of the piston uncoversfirst the exhaust
 port and then the transfer port and hence the exhaust starts through the
exhaust port.
 As soon as transfer port is open, the air through it is forced into the cylinder.
The air strikes the deflector on the piston crown, rises to the top of the
cylinder and pushes out most of the exhaust gases.
10.Differentiate between SI (petrol) and CI (diesel) engine.

S.No Petrol engine Diesel engine

1 The petrol engine works on the basis of the The diesel engine works on the basis of the
Otto cycle. diesel cycle.

2 In petrol engines, the mixture of fuel and In diesel engines, the compression of air
air takes place first, followed by its takes place first, followed by the addition of
compression. diesel into the hot air.

3 In petrol engines, the cause of ignition is In diesel engines, the cause of ignition is the
the electric spark so called as spark ignited heat produced by the compression of air so
engines called as compression ignited engines.

4 The compression ratios of petrol engines The compression ratios of diesel engines are
are low. The approximate compression high. The approximate compression ratio in
ratio in petrol engines ranges from 6 to 10. diesel engines ranges from 10 to 20.

5 The noise produced by petrol engines is The noise produced by diesel engines is
less. comparatively high.

6 The running cost of petrol engines is high. The running cost of diesel engines is low.

7 The noise produced by petrol engines is The noise produced by diesel engines is
less. comparatively high.

8 Petrol engines are widely used for light- Diesel engines are widely used for heavy-
duty applications. duty applications.
Examples: Scooters, cars, and machines. Examples: Heavy vehicles and trucks.
11.Differentiate between 4 stroke and 2 stroke engine.

S. No Four stroke engine Two stroke engine

1 It has one power stroke for every two It has one power stroke for each revolution
revolutions of the crankshaft of the crankshaft.

2 Turning moment is not so uniform so Turning moment is more uniform then four
heavier flywheel is required stroke so lighter flywheel is required

3 Engine is heavier and bulkier Engine is lighter and more compact

4 Lesser cooling and lubrication required More cooling and lubrication required due
due to less wear and tear to high wear and tear

5 It contains valves for intake and exhaust It has no valves only ports

6 Thermal efficiency is higher Thermal efficiency is higher

7 Initial cost is high Initial cost is less

8 Applications: Buses, Trucks, Aero- Applications: Scooters, Mopeds,

planes Motorcycles

12.Explain the scavenging process in IC engines.

Scavenging is the process used in IC engines in which the burnt gases are forced or pushed to
atmosphere from the engine cylinder by using the inlet pressure of fresh air. If the burnt gases inside the
engine cylinder are not completely exhausted then already burnt gases will be compressed again during
the compression stroke and the temperature of air fuel mixture to exceed the maximum and the fuel can
burn before the power stroke, so this tends to abnormal combustion and causes the knocking
phenomenon.
13. What do you understand by electric vehicle? Also explain the different components of electric
vehicle?
Electric vehicle: A vehicle that is fully or partially propelled by electric motors, using energy stored in
rechargeable batteries is called electric vehicle.
Components of electric vehicles: The main components of electric vehicles are:
(i) Traction battery pack: The function of the battery in an electric car is as an electrical energy storage
system in the form of direct-current electricity (DC). If it gets a signal from the controller, the battery
will flow DC electrical energy to the inverter to then be used to drive the motor. The type of battery used
is a rechargeable battery that is arranged in such a way as to form what is called a traction battery pack.
There are various types of electric car batteries. The most widely used is the type of lithium-ion
batteries.
(ii) Power inverter: The inverter function is to change the direct current (DC) on the battery into an
alternating current (AC) and then this alternating current is used by an electric motor. In addition, the
inverter on an electric car also has a function to change the AC current when regenerative braking to DC
current and then used to recharge the battery.
 (iii) Controller: The main function of the controller is as a regulator of electrical energy from batteries
and inverters that will be distributed to electric motors. While the controller itself gets the main input
from the car pedal and the pedal setting will determine the frequency variation or voltage variation that
will enter the motor, and at the same time determine the car’s speed.
(iv) Electric traction motor/Generator: Because the controller provides electrical power from the
traction battery, the electric traction motors will work turning the transmission and wheels. Some hybrid
electric cars use a type of generator-motor that performs the functions of propulsion and regeneration.
(v) Transmission: The transmission transfers mechanical power from the electric traction motor to
drive the wheels.
(vii) Charge port: The charge port allows the vehicle to connect to an external power supply in order to
charge the traction battery pack
(vi) On board Charger: Onboard charger is used to convert the AC supply received from the charge
port to DC supply
(viii) Thermal cooling system: This system maintains a proper operating temperature range of the
engine, electric motor, power electronics, and other components.
14.Explain the working principle of electric vehicle?
When the car pedal is pressed, then controller takes and regulates electrical energy from batteries and
inverters. With the controller set, the inverter then sends a certain amount of electrical energy to the
motor (according to the depth of pressure on the pedal).Electric motor converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy (rotation). Rotation of the motor rotor rotates the transmission so the wheels turn and
then the car moves.

15.What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicle?

Advantages of Electric Vehicles:
(i) Eco-friendly: Because electric vehicles do not utilize fuel for combustion, there are no emissions or
gas exhaust thus driving an electric car can help contribute to a cleaner environment.
(ii) Renewable energy source: Electric vehicles run on renewable power, whereas conventional
automobiles function on the combustion of fossil fuels, which reduces the world’s fossil-fuel stocks.
(iii) Less noise and smoother motion: Driving an electric car is significantly smoother and they
produce less noise.
 (iv) Cost-effective: Electricity is far less expensive than fuels such as gasoline and diesel, which are
subject to regular price increases. When solar electricity is utilized at home, battery recharging is cost-
effective.
(vi) Low maintenance: Because electric cars have fewer moving components, wear and tear is reduced
when compared to traditional auto parts. Repairs are also simpler and less expensive than combustion
engines.
(vii) Government support: Governments throughout the world have granted tax breaks to encourage
people to drive electric vehicles as part of a green program.

Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles:

(i) High initial cost: Electric vehicles continue to be quite expensive, and many buyers believe they are
not as inexpensive as traditional automobiles.
(ii) Charging station limitations: People who need to travel long distances are concerned about finding
adequate charging stations in the middle of their journey, which are not always accessible.
(iii) Recharging takes time: Unlike conventional automobiles, which require only a few minutes to
replenish their gas tanks, charging an electric vehicle takes many hours.
(iv) Limited options: Currently, there aren’t many electric car models to pick from in terms of
appearance, style, or customized variations.
(v) Less driving range: When compared to conventional automobiles, electric vehicles have a shorter
driving range. Electric cars can be convenient for short-distance travel but are inconvenient for long-
distance travel.

16.What are the different batteries used in electric vehicles?

The following four batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles:
(i) Lithium-ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are preferred due to their high energy per unit mass
compared to other batteries. They also have the advantages of a high power-to-weight ratio, energy
efficiency, high-temperature performance, and low self-discharge.
(ii) Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries: Nickel-metal hydride batteries are more often used in hybrid cars,
where they are usually charged from the internal combustion engine. However, their drawbacks include
high costs, high self-discharge, high heat emission at high temperatures.
(iii) Lead-Acid batteries: These are the oldest type of EV batteries. As a mature technology, lead acids
are inexpensive, safe, and reliable. However, they suffer from high weight, low specific energy and
shorter lifecycle.
(iv) Ultra-capacitor batteries: Ultra-capacitors are usually used to increase the power when the car
accelerates and climbs a hill. They also assist in regenerative braking. Ultra-capacitors also help to
balance load power as a secondary energy storage system.
17. What are the different types of electric vehicles? Explain.
Types of electric vehicle:
There are three types of electric vehicles categorized by the amount or degree that electricity is used as a
source of power.
1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
2. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)
3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
 1. Battery Electric Vehicles 2. Hybrid Electric Vehicles 3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicles

These vehicles are powered
only from an electric battery so
called as full electric vehicle.
These cars do not have any
internal combustion engine.
These vehicles have an electric
battery and an internal
combustion engine so called as
hybrid electric vehicle. The
electric battery is charged using
the internal combustion engine.
These hybrid vehicles have both
an electric battery and an
internal combustion engine and
the electric battery is recharged
from a plug so called as Plug-in
hybrid vehicle.

18.What do you understand by hybrid electric vehicle? Also explain the different drive trains in
hybrid electric vehicle.
Hybrid electric vehicles: These are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric
motors, which uses energy stored in batteries. A hybrid electric vehicle cannot be plugged in to charge
the battery. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion
engine.
Drive train: It is the collection of components that deliver power from a vehicle’s engine or motor to
the vehicle’s wheels.
Two types of drive train used in hybrid vehicle:
(i) Series hybrid drive train
(ii) Parallel hybrid drive train
(i) Series hybrid drive train: In series hybrid system, the electric motor, battery and the IC engine are
connected in a series. In this arrangement, the IC engine acts as an on-board generator that charges the
battery, which in turn moves the motors to drive the car.

(ii) Parallel hybrid drive train: In a parallel hybrid system, the motor is connected in parallel, which
means the electric motor can not only support the engine when added boost is needed but also drive the
vehicle independently in pure electric mode for a certain distance depending on the battery capacity.
19.What are the different chargers used in electric vehicles?
The electric vehicle chargers are divided in three categories: (i) Level 1 charging (ii) Level 2 charging
(iii) Level 3 charging
(i) Level 1 charging
Level 1, also known as trickle charging, is 120V charging using a standard electrical outlet. It is most
useful for vehicles that will be parked for long periods of time in a residential setting. Most automakers
almost always include a level 1 charger with the sale of an EV, which can easily be plugged into a
standard outlet in your home garage.
Range per hour (RPH): Approx. 5-8 km per hour of charge
Charging time: 16 hours (ideally overnight) to fill up an 130 km battery
Location: Residential
(ii) Level 2 charging
Level 2 is the most common and the most useful type of charging station, as they can work up to 6 times
faster than Level 1 Chargers. In fact, most public charging stations are level 2. They are 240V volts and
can have a rating between 12 - 80 amps.
Range per hour (RPH): Approx. 32 - 96 km per hour of charge
Charging time: 3.5 hours to fill up a 130 km battery
Location: Residential & Commercial use

(iii) Level 3 charging (DC fast charging)

DC Fast charging provides the fastest charge currently available, utilizing over 480V! They consist of
charging networks, similar to gas stations.
Range per 20 minutes: 96 - 160 km per hour charge
Charging time: Can typically recharge a car to 80% in around 30 minutes.
Location: Commercial only

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