Applications of diesel engines in vehicles and industrial generators have been increasingly high over the years. However, the gasoline (petrol) engine can somehow serve some purposes of this so-called diesel engine of higher cost.
Let me remind you, that diesel engines vary from gasoline engines from their combustion process to the efficiencies they offer. In a diesel engine, air and fuel are infused in different stages and it compresses just the air at a higher ratio.
A diesel engine compresses at a ratio of 14:1 up to 25:1, whereas in a gasoline engine, the compression ratio is between 8:1 and 12: The very high temperature in the engine is much higher than the temperature attained in a gasoline engine.
At peak temperature and pressure, diesel that is let into the engine ignites on account of the extreme temperature. Our purpose here today is to examine generally the applications of diesel engines leading to their advantages. Previously, some article was published on Diesel engine checkout!
Diesel engines are commonly used as mechanical engines, power generators, and mobile drives. They find widespread use in locomotives, construction equipment, automobiles, and countless industrial applications.
Industrial diesel engines and diesel-powered generators are highly used in construction, marine, mining, hospital, forestry, telecommunications, underground, and agricultural applications. Learn about the difference between diesel engines and petrol engines here!
Applications of diesel engines
The following are applications of diesel engines.
Passenger Cars.
Diesel is quite known for larger trucks, bigger cars, and now smaller bigger cars like the superminis. Smooth operation, as well as high low-end torque, are deemed important for passenger cars and small commercial vehicles.
The use of electronically controlled fuel injection has improved smooth torque generation, making the manufacturer produce high-end luxury vehicles with diesel engines.
Passenger car diesel engines usually have between three and ten cylinders, and a displacement ranging from 0.8 to 5.0 litres. Modern powerplants are usually turbocharged and have direct injection.
Locomotives.
Diesel locomotives appeared first in 1913, built for continuous operation, and may require the ability to use poor quality fuel in some situations. Some locomotives use a two-stroke diesel engine, but many modern diesel locomotives are designed for diesel-electric locomotives.
The diesel engine is used to power an electric generator that in turn powers electric traction motors with no mechanical connection between the diesel engine and traction.
Diesel engines have eclipsed steam engines as the prime mover on all non-electrified railroads in the industrialized world.
Watercraft.
The requirements for marine diesel engine varies, based on their application. mass usage of the diesel engine in the military and medium-size boats are suitable for medium-speed four-stroke diesel engines.
These engines usually contain up to 24 cylinders and have power outputs in the one-digit Megawatt region. Diesel engines for lorries may be used on small boats. while, large ships use extremely efficient, low-speed two-stroke diesel engines.
They can reach efficiencies of up to 55%. Unlike most regular diesel engines, two-stroke watercraft engines use highly viscous fuel oil. Submarines are usually diesel-electric.
Stationary diesel engine.
Stationary diesel engines are commonly used for electricity generation, but also for powering refrigerator compressors, or other types of compressors or pumps.
Usually, these engines run permanently, either with mostly partial load or intermittently, with a full load. Stationary diesel engines powering electric generators that put out alternating current, usually operate with an alternating load but fixed rotational frequency.
This is due to the mains’ fixed frequency of either 50 Hz (Europe) or 60 Hz (United States). The engine’s crankshaft rotational frequency is chosen so that the mains’ frequency is a multiple of it.
For practical reasons, this results in crankshaft rotational frequencies of either 25 Hz (1500 per minute) or 30 Hz (1800 per minute).
Non-road diesel engine.
The applications of non-road diesel engines are common for construction equipment. It offers better usability such as fuel efficiency, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
However, high power output and quiet operation are negligible. Therefore, mechanically controlled fuel injection and air-cooling are still very common.
The common power outputs of non-road diesel engines vary a lot, with the smallest units starting at 3 kW, and the most powerful engines being heavy-duty lorry engines.
Aviation.
The applications of diesel engines in aircraft existed before World War ll. However, in the late 1970s, there has not been any applications of the diesel engine in aircraft.
In 1978, Karl H. Bergey suggested that “the likelihood of a general aviation diesel in the near future is remote.” In recent years (2016), diesel engines have found use in unmanned aircraft (UAV), due to their reliability, durability, and low fuel consumption.
Advantages of diesel engines
Advantage 1: Diesel Fuel Economy
Diesel vehicles can travel 20% to 35% farther on a single gallon of fuel than similarly-sized gasoline vehicles. Diesel fuel economy comparison with biodiesel also reveals that low-sulfur diesel can be the superior option.
For example, B100 biodiesel in particular is around 7% less efficient than diesel, according to the US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. However, B20 biodiesel is roughly equivalent to regular diesel in its potential for fuel efficiency.
What is the fuel efficiency of diesel? One limited comparison of passenger vehicles by The Motley Fool showed diesel is 29% more efficient on the highway and 24% more efficient in the city.
For commercial vehicles, diesel is the best option available in areas without natural gas or hydrogen infrastructure, and even in those areas, diesel may still be preferred.
Advantage 2: Diesel Engines Require Less Maintenance
If you’re wondering “do diesel engines have more problems,” the answer is that they have less. There are fewer overall parts in a diesel engine than a gasoline engine, meaning less components to break or need repair.
As one example, diesel engines do not have spark plugs. This leaves less room for electrical failures and reduces the need for maintenance and upkeep by the owner. Less waste is produced and cost-savings are achieved!
What is the main problem with diesel engines? By many accounts, overheating. Diesel engines are powerful and get put to hard use in all environmental conditions. But with just a little regular maintenance, Cummins Inc. advanced diesel engines are up for any challenge.
Advantage 3: Diesel Powers High Torque
What are the performance benefits of a diesel engine? Diesel engines deliver better acceleration, towing, and hauling potential than their gasoline counterparts. This is because within a diesel engine, the piston rises to the top of the cylinder, while in a gasoline engine it stops short.
Diesel engines compress more air faster, delivering more power to get work done. Features like a turbocharger allow extra air to enter a diesel engine so it can deliver on horsepower as well. Cummins is focused on turbochargers for medium and heavy-duty diesel engines to improve efficiency and achieve cost savings.
Advantage 4: Diesel Engines Have a Long Lifespan
Diesel engines are built tough to handle high compression and hard work. That means they last a long time as well.
That is all for this article, where the applications of diesel engines is explained. I hope it was helpful, if so, kindly share with others. Thanks for reading, see you around!