After a century of development, internal combustion engines have become the engines of various large machinery. The history of internal combustion engine development is a process full of innovation and technological progress. The following are the key processes of its development:
1. Initial stage:
The origin of internal combustion engines can be traced back to the late 19th century. In 1860, French engineer Etienne Lenoir invented the first practical gas engine, which was an internal combustion engine with no compression, electric ignition, and lighting gas, with a thermal efficiency of approximately 4%.
2. Development of gasoline engines:
In 1883, German engineer Gottlieb Daimler successfully created the first vertical gasoline engine, characterized by light weight and high speed, particularly suitable for the requirements of transportation machinery. Between 1885 and 1886, gasoline engines were successfully used as a power source for automobiles, greatly promoting their development.
3. The birth of diesel engines:
In 1892, German engineer Rudolf Diesel invented the compression ignition internal combustion engine (diesel engine), which achieved a thermal efficiency of 26%. The emergence of diesel engines has opened up new avenues for the development of internal combustion engines and gradually become the main power choice for heavy vehicles and mechanical equipment.
4. Technological progress and innovation:
At the beginning of the 20th century, with the rapid development of the automotive industry, internal combustion engines became the main power source for automobiles. Henry Ford introduced the concept of assembly line and mass-produced the Ford Model T, driving further improvements in internal combustion engine technology.
5. Improvement of thermal efficiency:
Through continuous innovation in technologies such as high expansion combustion, efficient fuel injection, low resistance friction, and low noise control, the thermal efficiency of diesel engines in China has exceeded 53%, and the thermal efficiency of gasoline engines has also reached 44%.
6. Environmental impact and carbon neutrality:
The internal combustion engine industry has made outstanding contributions in energy conservation and emission reduction. Faced with the national "dual carbon" strategy, the next stage of emission regulations, and fuel consumption limits, how the internal combustion engine industry can drive green development through innovation has become an important issue. The task of internal combustion engine technology in the new era is to adapt to the major needs of national economic and social development, with the development goals of fuel saving, carbon reduction, cleanliness, and zero carbon.
7. Diversified energy structure:
Internal combustion engines can not only burn traditional gasoline and diesel, but also use zero carbon fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. This flexibility will enable internal combustion engines to still hold a place in the future energy structure.
The development of internal combustion engines is not only a technological advancement, but also a response to environmental impact and energy transition. With the continuous emergence of new technologies, internal combustion engines are developing towards greater efficiency and environmental friendliness.
