Performance of an Internal Combustion engine by heat balance sheet
This article gives an overview of the performance of an Internal Combustion engine (ICE) by using a heat balance sheet which is nothing but an energy balance principle as per the first law of thermodynamics. The heat produced during combustion is balanced in different ways.
I C Engine means Internal Combustion Engine. The petrol engine or diesel engine of an automobile we come across daily is an example of an IC Engine. The purpose of the IC Engine is to produce the power or rotation of the shaft(flywheel) at an expense of fuel (petrol, diesel, or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)). Thus, we can say that the IC Engine is a prime mover. Each machine works based on its construction and working principle along with necessary requirements. Therefore, it becomes necessary to assess the performance of a machine that is in operation. The assessment gives us an idea for further modification, update, or rejection.
The IC Engine performance is generally taken from the heat balance sheet. Like the balance sheet, it will contain the credit (heat supplied) and debit (utilized) heat during the operation of an engine.
The main components of this heat balance sheet are:
The balance sheet contains 100 % heat credit as heat produced by the complete combustion of the fuel during a cycle. This heat liberated from the combustion will be distributed to the four energy debits mentioned above. This is an example of a principle of energy conservation or the law of thermodynamics.
Mass of water x specific heat of water x temperature rise of water = Mass of exhaust gas x specific heat of gas x temperature loss of exhaust gas.
Thus, Credit = Debit 1 + Debit 2 + Debit 3 + Unaccounted heat losses
The heat of combustion = Heat carried away by cooling water + Heat carried away by exhaust gases + Heat equivalent to brake power + unaccounted heat losses
Typically, 1/3 of the heat is utilized to obtain useful work and thus, the efficiency of an IC engine is approximately 33 %. The other 67 % may be contributed to heat loss in the cooling medium, Heat carried away by exhaust gases and unaccounted heat losses. Thus, we can say that useful work obtained from an IC engine is only 1/3rd of the total heat produced. Thus, the exergy of an IC engine is about approximately 33 %. The lost work or energy of an IC engine is approximately 67 %. The useful work can be increased if we reduce the heat losses other than the brake power output.Conclusion
So, the Heat balance sheet is the method by which a performance of an I C Engine can be measured during operation as well as testing the newly assembled I C Engines.
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