different types of fuels used in ic engines

After the piston compresses the fuel-air mixture, the spark ignites it, causing combustion. In a spark ignition engine, the fuel is mixed with air and then inducted into the cylinder during the intake process. Spark ignition gasoline and compression ignition diesel engines differ in how they supply and ignite the fuel. The cycle includes four distinct processes: intake, compression, combustion and power stroke, and exhaust. Most of these are four-stroke cycle engines, meaning four piston strokes are needed to complete a cycle. There are two kinds of internal combustion engines currently in production: the spark ignition gasoline engine and the compression ignition diesel engine. Ultimately, through a system of gears in the powertrain, this motion drives the vehicle’s wheels.

The expanding combustion gases push the piston, which in turn rotates the crankshaft. The engine consists of a fixed cylinder and a moving piston. The engine then partially converts the energy from the combustion to work. In an internal combustion engine (ICE), the ignition and combustion of the fuel occurs within the engine itself.

How Does an Internal Combustion Engine Work?Ĭombustion, also known as burning, is the basic chemical process of releasing energy from a fuel and air mixture.

They can also be combined with hybrid electric powertrains to increase fuel economy or plug-in hybrid electric systems to extend the range of hybrid electric vehicles. Along with gasoline or diesel, they can also utilize renewable or alternative fuels (e.g., natural gas, propane, biodiesel, or ethanol). Internal combustion engines provide outstanding drivability and durability, with more than 250 million highway transportation vehicles in the United States relying on them.

Different types of fuels used in ic engines