Question

Illustrate three different types/forms of energy generated in an internal combustion engine.
Categories them as “useful” or “waste” energy.

Answer 1

Internal combustion engines are the devices involving process of compression and expansion in the subsequent strokes.

internal combustion engines, involves burning of a Fuel which develops enough heat energy to move the piston so as to obtain work.

therefore, the first energy involved is the Chemical Energy of Fuel which is a useful energy which gets converted into Heat Energy when ignited via Spark Plug( In SI engines) or excess air compression (in CI Engines). So the next amount of energy involved is Heat Energy.

Now ,this heat energy is converted into mechanical work as movement of piston is transferred to connecting rod which in turn is transferred to crankshaft. So the third form of energy is the mechanical energy in the form of Useful work in movement of the vehicle. But a part Of heat energy is wasted in the form of losses through cylinder walls, Leakages and in the form of exhaust gasses.

So, the energies involved are

1.Chemical energy of fuel- Useful

2.Heat Energy- A part of it is wasted

3.Mechanical energy- Useful Work