Advantages of Compression Ignition Diesel Engines

09 Jul Advantages of Compression Ignition Diesel Engines

Technological innovation and advancements have resulted in the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) which has helped shape the dynamics of the world. There are numerous advantages of compression ignition diesel engines which many of us probably wouldn’t even know of. Enhancements and refinements to engine design, including new parts and even full subsystems have been introduced so as to meet the increasingly stringent emission legislations specifically targetting carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide output. The production of polluting substances generated by internal combustion engines depend on the structure of the engine as well as the engine management system which is primarily liable for the conduct of the engine and the emission concentrations.

According to the mode of combustion activation, internal combustion engines can be classified as Spark Ignition (SI) or Compression Ignition (CI) engines. Between them, the most notable difference between Spark Ignition (SI) and Compression Ignition (CI) engines is the type of fuel used. In SI engines, petrol or gasoline is used as fuel, thereby those engines are also widely known as petrol engines. For CI engines, diesel is instead the fuel used. Comparatively, diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines, especially since diesel as a fuel source can produce more power per unit volume – there, we already have one of the most foundational advantages of compression ignition engines!

What is a Compression Ignition Diesel Engine?

A compression ignition diesel engine is also commonly known as the diesel engine and it is named in honour of its inventor, Rudolf Diesel. As opposed to an SI engine, the CI engine has the capacity to ignite spontaneously if the air inside the cylinder is made hot enough through compression. Compression Ignition engines and Spark Ignition engines each have their own set of advantages – we aim not to argue that compression ignition diesel engines are “best” since this depends on individual needs and priorities. Instead, we try to share the advantages of adopting the compression ignition combustion process and perhaps shed some light on why compression ignition diesel engines are still widely used today.

Advantages of Compression Ignition Diesel Engines

In this CI vs SI engine debate, comparisons are typically explained through advantages each engine type has over the other. Since compression ignition engines are used in all kinds of applications catering to a wide range of industries, there must be convincing and important advantages in using a compression ignition diesel engine.

CI engines have higher Mechanical Efficiency

The CI diesel engine has a higher mechanical efficiency as it avoids pumping losses at part load. It does not need to manage the intake of air as it is operated with a heterogeneous mixture, thus the control of the load can be managed by the quantity of fuel injected into the cylinder.

CI engines have higher Thermodynamic Efficiency

With a higher compression ratio in CI engines as compared to SI engines, CI engines have a higher thermodynamic efficiency since more work is done with each expansion stroke.

CI engines bring higher Fuel Conversion Efficiency

CI engines operate with a relatively low proportion of fuel to air ratio (what we call “lean”). The ratio of specific heats is higher, thereby resulting in a higher fuel conversion efficiency. Ultimately, we observe lower fuel consumption and lower emissions of carbon dioxide.

CI engines have higher Volumetric Efficiency

Cylinders of a diesel engine can be built bigger and this leads to less heat losses for engines with similar power as compared to the SI equivalent. Neither having to throttle the air intake nor having to suffer from energy losses due to heating up of the intake manifold, CI engines have shown higher volumetric efficiency.

Using turbochargers to increase engine power output

Naturally aspirated CI diesel engines have a lower power density as the engine takes in atmospheric air at a surrounding pressure to support its combustion cycle. To compensate, a turbocharger, which is a mixture of a turbine and compressor system, can be built into the engine. This forcefully pushes more air into the cylinder so that more fuel can be ignited in the same volume.

Getting spare parts for your Compression Ignition Diesel Engine

The advantages of compression ignition diesel engines are indeed interesting to note.  Through technological innovation, enhancements to the combustion process to extract more power has led to greater fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.  Furthermore, motor efficiency also improves, thereby delivering more power and torque such that more work can be done more efficiently.

Sealand Turbo-Diesel Asia is a leading supplier of common rail, fuel injection, and turbochargers for the diesel engine, bringing together leading brands and cutting-edge technology. For optimal efficiency and power, buying genuine and brand-new pumps, parts, and spares, will deliver the optimal performance and give you the peace of mind. For any products that you may require, please drop us a message and our experienced sales team will be happy to assist.

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DISCLAIMER: This blog provides general information and should not be taken as technical advice. The information presented may not be complete or up to date. As every situation is unique, you should always consult a trained diesel fuel injection professional to advise specifically on your case.

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