Understanding engine configuration

The engine configuration outlines the basic operating principles used to classify internal combustion engines. Most engines that exist work using small controlled explosions to power a vehicle. So, what are the things to know about the engine configuration?

Knowing the various engine configurations is quite confusing but understanding this article will help you to distinguish. The engines have been classified based on the following stated below:

Based on the number of strokes

Two-stroke engine

In two-stroke engines, the piston moves twice to produce the power stroke. That is one stroke upward from the BDC to the TDC and the other downward from the TDC to the BDC.

Four-stroke engine

The piston moves four times in this engine configuration. That is two upward and two downward movements in a single combustion cycle.

Six-stroke engine

Engines with six-stroke have greater advantages over two and four-stroke as they increase fuel efficiency, reduce mechanical complexity, and reduce emissions. These engines are divided into two groups based on the number of pistons that contribute to the six strokes.

Based on design

Reciprocating engine

Reciprocating engines have one or more pistons, helping to convert pressure into a rotating motion. The pistons are placed inside the cylinders, resulting in gas combustion when fuel and air are ignited.

Wankel engine

The Wankel engine is known as a rotor engine, as it converts pressure into a rotating motion. It is mostly found in racing cars, and It works using an eccentric rotary system. This engine configuration is simpler, smoother, and more compact. It produces more power pulses per revolution.

Based on the ignition method

Compression ignition engine

These engine configurations do not work with a spark plug but obtain its ignition from the compressed air. A diesel engine is a good example of this engine due to the fact that it works by compressing air.

The compression ignition engine offers great advantages as it reduces parasitic load on the engine and higher thermodynamic efficiency.

Spark ignition engine

This engine configuration uses a spark plug in order to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture. A petrol engine is a good example of this type of engine as it can only run on bioethanol, methanol, hydrogen, etc.

Based on the number of cylinders

Single-cylinder engine

A single-cylinder engine is known for its lightweight, compact, and outstanding weight-to-power ratio. It consists of a single-cylinder connected to the crankshaft. It is often found on motorscooters, motorcycles, go-karts, and dirt bikes.

Double-cylinder engine

Just as it is being named, it consists of a two-cylinder, which is also connected to the crankshaft just like the single-cylinder engine.

Multiple-cylinder engine

These engine configurations are designed to achieve higher revolutions per minute (RPM) without struggling and offer excellent ability to neutralize imbalances. Multiple-cylinder engines have more than two cylinders. It can be either three, four, six, twelve, or sixteen. Good examples of this engine are either compression or spark ignition engine, 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine.

Based on the arrangements of the cylinder

Vertical engine

In these engine configurations, the arrangements of the cylinders are vertical.

Horizontal engine

The cylinders are horizontally arranged.

V-engine

The pistons are aligned with the cylinders in two banks. It shows a V shape when viewed from the top. The purpose of the V shape is to prevent vibration and balancing issues.

W-type engine

The W engine configuration is made for 16 and 12-cylinder engines. The cylinders are arranged in 3 rows, forming a W shape.

Opposed cylinder engine

Engines with opposed cylinders have excellent balancing and run smoothly because the connecting rod and the piston run identically. The cylinders are placed in opposite directions.

Based on the types of fuel used

Diesel engine

Diesel serves as the main source of power

Petrol engine

It uses petrol and air during the combustion cycle

Related Article

• Car Engine Cylinder Configurations
• Understanding V8 Engine In Automobiles
• Understanding V6 Engine
• V6 and V8 Engine: What is the difference and which is better
• How Much Does a Car Engine Weigh?

That’s all for this article where we discussed about the engine configuration. Hope it was helpful. If so, kindly share. Thanks for reading.