Diesel Engine
An internal-combustion engine in which the fuel is injected into the cylinder near the end of the compression stroke and is ignited by the heat of the compressed air in the cylinder.
Advantages:
- Burn less fuel than a petrol engine performing the same work.
- No high-tension electrical ignition system.
- Can deliver much more of their rated power on a continuous basis than a petrol engine.
- Diesel fuel is considered safer than petrol in many applications.
- Generate less waste heat in cooling and exhaust.
- Carbon monoxide content of the exhaust is minimal.
Disadvantages:
- Weight.
- Cost.
- Noise, although this has been mostly solved in modern diesel engines.
Historical Notes
- August 10 1897 Diesel built his first working prototype
- 1892 Rudolf Diesel patents the Diesel engine.
See also: Cold Filter Plugging Point, Compression Ignition, Diesel Particulate Filter, Diesel, Rudolf, Glow Plug, Internal Combustion Engine, Semi Diesel Engine, White Smoke.
Subjects: Automotive Engines