Comparative first- and second-law parametric study of transient diesel engine operation

A computer model is developed for studying the first- and second-law (availability) balances of a turbocharged diesel engine, operating under transient load conditions. Special attention is paid to the direct comparison between the results from the two laws, for various operating parameters of the engine. The model simulates the transient operation on a degree crank angle basis, using a detailed analysis of mechanical friction, a separate consideration for the processes of each cylinder during a cycle (“multi-cylinder” model) and a mathematical model of the fuel pump. Experimental data taken from a marine duty, turbocharged diesel engine, located at the authors’ laboratory, are used for the evaluation of the model's predictive capabilities. The first-law (e.g., engine speed, fuel pump rack position, engine load, etc.) and second-law (e.g., irreversibilities, heat loss and exhaust gases) terms for the diesel engine cylinder are both computed and depicted in comparison, using detailed diagrams, for various engine operating parameters. It is revealed that, at least for the specific engine type and operation, a thermodynamic, dynamic or design parameter can have a conflicting impact on the engine transient response as regards energy and availability properties, implying that both a first- and second-law optimization is needed for best performance evaluation.