Performance and Exhaust Emission Studies of an Adiabatic Engine with Optimum Cooling

An attempt has been made to study the performance and exhaust emission studies of a diesel engine by insulating the combustion chamber using ceramic material attaining an adiabatic condition. The cycle average gas temperature and metal surface temperature are higher in adiabatic engine. Many researchers have carried out a large number of studies on LHRE (Low Heat Rejection Engine) concept.[7] In the case of LHR engines almost all theoretical studies predict improved performance but many experimental studies show different picture. An experimental investigation of the performance of a ceramic coated engine was carried out and the results were compared to the base engine. Piston top surface, cylinder head and liners of a multi cylinder vertical water cooled self-governed diesel engine were fully coated with Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ). The engine was run at an optimum water cooling condition with constant speed and variable load condition as observed in most urban driving conditions. During the experiment, various measurements like fuel flow, exhaust temperature, exhaust emission were carried out. The results indicate improved fuel economy and reduced pollution levels for the Thermal Barrier Coated (TBC) engine.