Industrial Engines Blog

How Industrial Engines Help Maximise Engine Efficiency

Qiana Smith

February 22, 2024

The History Of Diesel Engines 

In 1893, the first diesel engine was invented by Rudolph Diesel, but unfortunately after tests were carried out, it was deemed unsuccessful. After evaluating, he decided to focus and maximise engine efficiency.

Four years later, after many improvements and tests, the first successful diesel engine was created and showed 26.2% efficiency. 

Whilst you may think that 26.2% is quite low for efficiency but this was a revelation back in the 1800’s, particularly because the popular steam engine at the time was only 16.2% efficient!

Since the creation of this particular engine, the diesel engine has tremendously come on and efficiency has continuously increased. But how does an industrial engine help towards maximising efficiency? And how can you maximise engine efficiency?

Timeline Of Diesel Engines 

Rudolph Diesel patents the compression ignition engine
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Rudolph Diesel patents the compression ignition engine

1893

Rudolph Diesel produces the first Diesel engine
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Rudolph Diesel produces the first Diesel engine

1897

Alfred Buchi patents the turbocharger
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Alfred Buchi patents the turbocharger

1905

Frederick Lamplough patents a unit injector
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Frederick Lamplough patents a unit injector

1911

Common rail fuel systems first used by Vickers for their submarine engines
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Common rail fuel systems first used by Vickers for their submarine engines

1916

Robert Bosch improves fuel pump design
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Robert Bosch improves fuel pump design

1927

Clessie Cummins convinces companies to use Diesel engines in their fleets
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Clessie Cummins convinces companies to use Diesel engines in their fleets

1930s

Clessie Cummins patents the engine compression brake
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Clessie Cummins patents the engine compression brake

1965

Detroit Diesel introduces the Series 60, the first enfine with a complete electronic control system
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Detroit Diesel introduces the Series 60, the first enfine with a complete electronic control system

1987

Catepillar introduces the Hydraulically Actuated Electronically Controlled Unit Injector (HEUI)
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Catepillar introduces the Hydraulically Actuated Electronically Controlled Unit Injector (HEUI)

1993

Bosch introduces the electronic unit injector
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Bosch introduces the electronic unit injector

1994

Denso produces the first electronic high-pressure common rail system
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Denso produces the first electronic high-pressure common rail system

1995

EPA emissions drive manufacturers to high pressure common rail systems
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EPA emissions drive manufacturers to high pressure common rail systems

2000s

Diesel particulate filters used to meet EPA emissions
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Diesel particulate filters used to meet EPA emissions

2007

Selective catalytic reduction introduces to meet EPA emissions
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Selective catalytic reduction introduces to meet EPA emissions

2010

What Makes Industrial Engines So Efficient?

The vast majority of industrial engines are in fact diesel powered and this is a strong contributing factor to the efficiency of these engines. 

Like modern cars, diesel powered industrial engines are far more efficient due to how the energy is produced. A diesel engine uses a four-stroke combustion cycle in order to operate. This cycle is:

  • Intake Stroke: Air enters the cylinder via an intake valve, causing the pistons to move down. 
  • Compression Stroke: As the pistons move up, they compress the air inside the engine.
  • Combustions Stroke: Fuel is then injected into the trapped air and ignited at a specific time, forcing the pistons to go down again. 
  • Exhaust Stroke: As the pistons come back up, the exhaust which was created  during the combustion process is pushed out and that is where the power comes from.

Because of this very carefully thought-out design of the diesel engine, they have become one of the most efficient of all combustion engines. In fact, modern diesel vehicles are twice as efficient as petrol-powered vehicles. Diesel Engines maximise engine efficiency, resulting in longer range and more power.

Due to diesel engines being far more fuel efficient on fuel usage compared to petrol engines, this means that you can get almost twice as far in an industrial diesel-powered vehicle. This means less filling up and further distances or longer hours in operation – perfect for industrial vehicles whilst working! Learn how to maximise engine efficiency on your industrial engine today!

One of the fascinating features of an industrial diesel engine is the turbocharger fitted! The use of a turbocharger delivers increased air to the engine which makes the process of mixing fuel and air much more efficient in the combustion chamber and therefore causing better combustion and lower emissions. 

Another feature which you can find in an industrial diesel engine is the intercooler. Similar to its name, the intercooler increases the density of the air and oxygen, which thereby produces a much greater efficient combustion process, helping to maximise engine efficiency.

In turn, you will be receiving better power output, higher fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. Just another reason for industrial engines aiding in maximum efficiency!

Therefore, an industrial diesel engine is capable of squeezing more power out of each fuel puff, as well as diesel having much greater contents than petrol, allowing it to go further. 

And to top it off, these tough engines often run cooler and need less maintenance, making them the reliable workhorses of the industrial world!

Different Variants Of Diesel Engines For Industrial Vehicles

When it comes to industrial diesel engines, there are two main engines, the two-stroke, and the four-stroke. Starting with the four-stroke diesel engine, this is the calmest of the two engines and is often described as being a well-oiled machine, taking time with each step. 

To begin with, the air gets sucked into the engine and is then compressed. The compressed air then gets ignited with a shot of diesel and is then pushed out and converted to power. All of this is performed in a harmonic four-beat process. 

These engines are the reliable workhorses, providing power to generators and other industrial vehicles which require steady, consistent, and durable power. 

Then we move on to the powerhouse of engines. All of the movements to create the power for the vehicle is done in two swift moves by fitting two cycles into each piston movement. 

By creating this sudden surge of power from two quick cycles, this provides the industrial vehicle with a raw power boost, making this perfect for vehicles which require quick bursts of power such as construction equipment and other construction vehicles. 

The Advantages of Industrial Engines Being Diesel

Nearly all industrial engines are diesel powered. This is due to a number of reasons, however the main factor is to do with the fuel efficiency which packs a punch. 

Imagine getting an extra 30-50% mileage from your car. That’s the kind of fuel efficiency diesel engines provide to their users. 

They squeeze more power out of every drop of fuel, and this is down to one very smart trick – compressing air until it’s super-hot, then injecting diesel that ignites on its own. This lets them extract more energy from each puff. Plus, diesel fuel itself packs a denser energy punch than petrol, meaning you need less to go the distance, therefore being more economical and efficient. 

In conclusion, industrial engines have maximised complete efficiency by optimising the use of the amazing diesel and to variants of engines whilst we keep up with the ever-changing times, engineers will continue to push the boundaries with advanced materials, cleaner burning technologies, and perhaps even venture into the world of electric vehicles. 

Who knows, maybe the next chapter will see diesel engines working hand-in-hand with electric motors, creating hybrid beasts that combine the best of both worlds.

Maximise Engine Efficiency

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Maximise Engine Efficiency

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