Brian wrote: > OK all you "engineers" out there, What would you suggest is the efficiency > of the modern.1950+ diesel engine as found in a canal boat and by efficiency > I mean the amount of useful energy derived from the fuel discounting heat > used for space or water heating. Brian, if you mean how much of the fuel energy is turned into real work at the flywheel end of the crankshaft of the engine then I think its in the low 40% region. The other energies that are released are heat (to the cooling system, the exhaust and to the air) and noise (into the exhaust and the air). Then you have internal and parasitic losses, friction, windage in the crankcase as the crank revolves, similarly for all the external rotating components, alternator,water pump and lubrication system drive losses, losses due to the valve train loading etc etc. If you go beyond the end of the crankshaft through all the similar losses throughout the whole drive train you'd be horrified at just how little of your fuel actually is turned into useful propulsive work. There have been many advances over recent years, particularly in the automotive field which have improved efficiency, hence the improving fuel consumption, and reduced emissions of the modern car (not completely due to engine efficiency improvement it has to be said). I wouldn't, therefore, say that a 1950's design of engine could be considered modern, now. Many of the latest improvements will eventually work their way through the industrial engine design and then into canal boats engines because of industrial customer demand for fuel efficiency, and legislative requirements forever driving down emissions, even in the industrial field. HTH Roger
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