Aim
The aim of the experiment is to compute the thermal efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine.
Introduction
The electric work output of the engine was easily determined by the electric generator which is connected to the combustion engine. The experiment measures the air and fuel intake for a range of electric loads. These measurements are used to compute the engine efficiency over a series of loads. Reciprocating engines are widely applied in trucks, ships, light aircraft and power generators. The compression ratio of the engine is determined by clearance volume and the displaced volume (Okuda et al. 26).
r= Vmax/Vmin
The fuel line of the petrol generator was filled. The engine was started, and the drop in fuel consumption for each electric load condition was measured and tabulated. The electric load was varied by using the light bulb on the load meter. Air intake velocity was measured using anemometer for each load (Okuda et al. 26). Also, the temperature of the piston casting and the inlet air temperature were measured. The air inlet diameter was also measured and tabulated
Results and Discussion
Rate of fuel consumption = 2.454545455X 0.73722= 1.8095 g/min
Engine efficiency= 1- 1/{r(k-1)}
r= 6 and K= 1.2
Therefore the engine efficiency = 1- 1/{6(1.2-1)}
= 1-(1/60.2)= 0.30117
Conclusion
The fuel consumption and electric load of the combustion engine exhibit a direct relationship. The electric output of the engine is directly proportional to the input fuel consumption of the engine. The more electric load is generated, the more fuel is consumed.
Works Cited
Okuda, Mitsugu, et al. "Internal combustion engine." U.S. Patent No. D685,820. 9 Jul. 2013.
