Assessment of Internal Combustion Engine Exergy Based on Theoretical Cycles and Experimental Data

Abstract

This work presents an experimental energy and exergy analysis for the operation of a multi-cylinder four-stroke direct injection turbocharged and intercooled commercial diesel engine. A simplified model of an extended thermodynamic cycle over compressor-intercooler-engine and turbine was adapted, and then being calibrated with engine dynamometric bench measurements. For two representative engine operation modes - rated power and maximum torque - at full load, second law terms were assessed in function of chemical diesel fuel availability. The result was an integrated method for a reliable assessment of availability losses, which becomes a useful tool to evaluate the further improvement of process efficiency and of the energy harvesting potential.