The influence of engine and vehicle constructions to fuel consumption and air pollution

Doctoral Thesis / Dissertation , 2018 , 89 Pages , Grade: 3.91

Electrotechnology

This work analyses and explains the influence of engine and vehicles constructions to fuel the consumption and emission of harmful gases.

The work states how new innovations, mostly personal vehicles, contribute to increased air pollution and some innovations which contribute to the reduction of air pollutions, which are ignored in the interest of car manufacturers and their profit they make keeping technology as it is.

It is quite explicit, that most of the innovations made on recent manufactured cars are simply done to attract buyers as such modifications improve the vehicle’s performances but do not contribute to green environment. Several examples are stated where it is clearly explained how some existing technologies can be used to reduce the emission of harmful gases as well as some suggestions of modified technologies which would also contribute to the reduction of air pollution.

Table of Contents

1. Historical context of motor vehicle technology and development of Innovations

1.1 Engines

1.1.1 Otto engines

1.1.1.2 Octane in Gasoline or Petrol fuel

1.1.1.3 Ignition timing

1.1.1.4 Engine head and valve train

1.1.1.5 Test methodology

1.1.1.6 Conclusion of this chapter

1.1.1.7 Engine wasted power by valve train load

1.1.1.8 Test methodology

1.1.1.9 Conclusion of this chapter

1.1.1.10 Electrical consumers cause increased emission of harmful gases

1.1.1.11 Test methodology

1.1.1.12 Conclusion of chapter 1.1.1.10

1.1.1.13 Air conditioning causes increased pollution

1.1.1.14 Test methodology

1.1.1.15 Conclusion of chapter 1.1.1.13

1.2 Transmissions

1.2.1 Manual gearbox and clutch

1.2.2 Automatic gearbox

1.2.3 Test methodology

1.2.4 Conclusion of chapter 1.2.2

1.2.5 Vehicle wheels geometry

1.2.6 Test methodology

1.2.7 Conclusion of chapter 1.2.5

1.3 Vehicles drag koeficient

1.3.1 Test methodology

1.3.2 Conclusion of chapter

1.4 Tires

1.4.1 Test methodology

1.4.2 Conclusion of chapter 1.4

Research Objectives and Core Themes

This dissertation investigates the impact of various engine and vehicle design choices on fuel consumption and the emission of harmful pollutants. The central research objective is to identify how technical "innovations," often prioritized for performance or manufacturer profit, inadvertently increase environmental degradation, and to propose alternative modifications that could significantly reduce global automotive emissions.

• Analysis of internal combustion engine inefficiencies and valve train design.
• Evaluation of transmission types and their correlation with fuel consumption.
• Impact of vehicle aerodynamics and drag coefficients on environmental output.
• Investigation into auxiliary energy consumers, such as air conditioning and lighting.
• Assessment of tire pressure and steering geometry as factors in mechanical drag.

Excerpt from the Book

1.1.1.4 Engine head and valve train

In this chapter we shall discuss about innovations which have been made on engines to increase its performances but not paying much attention to pollution. As previously explained, engines design reached satisfactory level. Such designed engines with today known modifications which can further reduce emission of harmful gases would produce enough power to drive the personal vehicles sufficiently well. Knowing that, all over the world, vehicle’s speed is restricted to 80 Miles even on highways, it is absolutely senseless to manufacture powerful high performance cars. As driving such vehicles with drastically limited speed does not make sense, these cars should be highly taxed. Namely, most of today’s cars could be perfectly run by engines with a half of power then they have. Reducing power and using today’s technology means cutting fuel consumption by almost fifty percent and thus pollution also. How owning the personal vehicle is in most cases a prestige, demand for performance cars on world’s market is great, regardless of limited use of their performances. Therefore, where demand exists there is a profit. Where the profit is high, law is tolerant. Until eighties law was quite tolerant regarding high fuel consumption and emission of harmful gases. Thus, car manufacturer used all efforts to design powerful engines and compete with competition.

Summary of Chapters

1. Historical context of motor vehicle technology and development of Innovations: Provides an overview of the evolution of automotive engineering and the trade-offs between innovation, performance, and environmental impact.

1.1 Engines: Analyzes the fundamental operation of internal combustion engines and specific mechanical limitations that influence pollution levels.

1.2 Transmissions: Examines how different gear systems and clutch configurations contribute to engine load and wasted energy.

1.3 Vehicles drag koeficient: Explores the role of aerodynamics and body styling in overcoming air resistance to improve fuel efficiency.

1.4 Tires: Investigates how tire maintenance, pressure, and geometry influence rolling resistance and consequently, fuel consumption.

Keywords

Internal combustion engine, fuel consumption, harmful gases, emissions, valve overlap, transmission efficiency, automotive aerodynamics, drag coefficient, engine power, valve train, tire pressure, environmental pollution, automotive innovation, torque converter, steering geometry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this dissertation?

The research focuses on the relationship between automotive engineering design choices and their direct impact on fuel consumption and environmental pollution.

What are the main thematic fields covered?

The work covers engine design, transmission systems, vehicle aerodynamics, and maintenance factors like tire pressure.

What is the central research question?

The study asks how existing automotive technologies could be modified to reduce emissions if environmental impact were prioritized over performance and short-term profit.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The author uses a mix of theoretical analysis based on physics and practical comparisons of vehicle specifications and performance data.

What does the main body of the work address?

It addresses specific mechanical components—such as valve trains, torque converters, and cooling systems—and analyzes how their current designs maximize power at the expense of efficiency.

What keywords characterize the research?

Key terms include internal combustion engine, fuel efficiency, emission reduction, automotive aerodynamics, and mechanical drag.

Why does the author argue that high-performance vehicles are unnecessary?

The author notes that most modern vehicles are restricted by legal speed limits, making extreme engine power redundant and environmentally harmful.

What is the conclusion regarding "valve overlap"?

The author concludes that high-performance valve overlap significantly contributes to unburned fuel being expelled through the exhaust, increasing harmful emissions.

How do electrical consumers affect fuel consumption?

Auxiliary systems like daytime running lights and air conditioning draw significant engine power, which the author argues is an overlooked source of global emission increases.

• Grade: 3.91
• Author: Radovan Marin (Author)
• Publication Year: 2018
• Pages: 89
• Catalog Number: V513276
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346159779
• ISBN (Book): 9783346159786
• Language: English
• Product Safety: GRIN Publishing GmbH