Improving thermal efficiency by varying input parameters of a four stroke single cylinder S.I engine

Abstract

The use of automobiles is growing day by day and so does the need to improve efficiency in all stages. Thermal efficiency is a factor that is measured by work done by the heat supplied to it. For improving the efficiency of an S.I engine, the inlet air conditions were altered to support various parameters. Kirloskar TV1 variable compression engine was used to run the tests. Using a variable compression engine helps us to alter the compression ratio without stopping the engine by using the tilted cylinder arrangement. The engine can be run easily at variable load as well as rpm. The orifice was modified to equip the alterations and to run the tests. Atmospheric air contains moisture, and since this air gets inside the engine, initial test was based on to reduce this moisture content and alter the temperature of the air. Various conditions were taken into consideration on how to vary the inlet air parameters. Various modes were sequenced to test out the efficiency. Test 1 involved humidifying the inlet air. Test 2 involved cooling the inlet air. Test 3 involved dehumidifying the inlet air. Test 4 involved altering oxygen content in an inlet air, and test 5 involved a combination of cooling the inlet air and dehumidifying it. The engine was run at constant load and at variable rpm, and test 5 gave optimum results.