In theory, diesel engines and gasoline engines are quite similar. They are both internal
combustion engines designed to convert the chemical energy available in fuel into
mechanical energy. This mechanical energy moves pistons up and down inside cylinders. The
pistons are connected to a crankshaft, and the up-and-down motion of the pistons, known as
linear motion, creates the rotary motion needed to turn the wheels of a car forward.
The major difference between diesel and gasoline is the way these explosions
happen. In a gasoline engine, fuel is mixed with air, compressed by pistons and ignited by
sparks from spark plugs. In a diesel engine, however, the air is compressed first, and then
the fuel is injected. Because air heats up when it's compressed, the fuel ignites.
Both diesel and gasoline engines convert chemical energy from fuel into
mechanical energy through a series of explosions. The way these explosions happen is the
major difference between these two engines.
2. Spark plug
Diesel engines have no spark plug. They need high compression ratios to generate
the high temperatures required for fuel auto ignition (the higher the cetane number, the
better the ignition).
3. Compression
Compresison is much higher with a diesel engine (14:1 to 25:1) than a gasoline
engine (8:1 to 12:1). Gasoline engines use lower compression ratios to avoid fuel auto
ignition (engine knock). Higher compression ratios lead to higher thermal efficiencies and
better fuel economies.
4. Fuel
Diesel and gasoline engines are the major sources of power used in motor
vehicles. Both are internal combustion engines but differ fundamentally in terms of their
fuel–air mixture preparation and ignition, and the fuels they use: diesel fuel is composed
of petroleum fractions with a higher boiling range than those of gasoline.
Diesel fuel is heavier than gasoline (because it’s made up of large molecules). It
atomizes differently due to a different density and viscosity. And its flash point and
autoignition temperatures are significantly higher. And given these, the converse can also
be applied. Gasoline is lighter and flashes at a lower temperature than diesel.
Means the diesel fuel will prematurely ignite in the diesel engine, which can lead
to engine damage. Gasoline contamination can also damage the fuel pump and mess up
diesel injectors. This happens because of a drop in lubrication. Simply speaking, gasoline
is a solvent while diesel is an oil.
Disadvantage
s
Relatively large engine size and
Limited lifespan
mass
Comparatively high initial
Lower thermal efficiency
purchase cost
Detonation (knocking or "ping") becomes
Comparatively high service and
serious concern in high compression
repair costs
engines
Lower resale value (primarily do to limited Fuel dilution is a major concern,
lifespan and lower desirability in certain not well suited for stop-and-go
realms) driving or long periods of idling
Fuel volatility (greater safety concerns w/
Limited max engine speed
storage and filling)
Greater payload (not trailer weight) in truck Extensive, if not somewhat
applications do to lower engine weight burdensome emissions control
system (modern engines)
Ethanol in gasoline can be detrimental to Not all fuel stations carry diesel
fuel systems (Federal mandates in the fuel (although it is not
U.S.A. require that all on-highway gasoline particularly difficult to find
be blended with ethanol) diesel fuel in any locality)
1. Gasoline Terms
The following qualities are needed by gasoline to provide soft engine work.
Flammable
Simultaneous combustion in the combustion chamber with little knocking.
Volatile
Gasoline must be able to form steam easily to provide an air-fuel mixture correctly
when turning on the engine which is still cold
No oxidation and cleansing
A little change in quality and changes in shape during storage. In addition, gasoline
must prevent precipitation in the intake system.
2. Characteristics of a gasoline engine
High speed and great energy
Easy to operate
Perfect combustion
Generally used for passenger cars, small truck vehicles, and so on.
The quality of gasoline can be determined based on the number of beats it causes which is
expressed by octane numbers. If gasoline has a high octane value, then good quality
gasoline, and vice versa.
3. How to calculate octane values are used two types of compounds, namely :
n-heptane (straight chain alkanes)
isooktana (branch chain alkanes).
4. Advantages
Common fuel (easily available)
More convenient for shorter periods
Starts up immediately
Improves mobility of smaller generating sets
Relatively light compared to diesel generating sets
Quieter engines compared to diesel engines
Longer lifespan of the engine compared to natural gas (dry combustion)
5. Disadvantages
Extremely flammable
Short shelf life: approx. 12 months
Relatively expensive compared to diesel
Higher consumption
Storage of considerable quantities is dangerous. Max. 50L storage is allowed
Possibly unavailable during power failure
Risk of clogging the conduits after long downtime. Gasoline affects the carburetor
6. Apperance
Easily evaporates at normal temperature.
Colorless, translucent, and smelly.
Has a low flash point (-10 to -15 degrees Celsius).
Has a low density (0.71 to 0.77 kg / l)
Can dissolve oil and rubber.
Produces large amounts of heat (9,500 to 10,500 kcal / kg)
Slightly leaving soot after being burned.
Diesel
Diesel Used as fuel for diesel engines in motorized vehicles such as buses, trucks, trains and
tractors.
1. Producing steam
Seal the industrial output
Burning stone
Do metal heat
Lubrication power
Solar also functions as a lubricant for injection pumps and nozzles. Therefore, it must
have a good lubricating power.
Solar viscosity
Diesel fuel must have adequate viscosity so that it can be sprayed by the injector.
Sulfur content
Sulfur damages the use of engine components, and the sulfur content of diesel fuel
must be as small as possible.
Stable
Does not change in quality, does not easily dissolve during storage.
Intake stroke – intake valve opens, air in, piston goes down
Compression stroke – piston goes up, air compressed (heated in excess of 540°C)
Combustion stroke – fuel is injected (right time), ignition, piston goes down
Exhaust – piston goes up, pushes exhaust through the exhaust valve
Advantages
Disadvantages
Greater power