Experimental Study of Energy Balance for Air-Cooled DI Diesel Engines Operating in Hot Climates

The effects of various loads and climatic conditions, as well as the engine’s characteristics on the thermal balance and a modification of the engine air-cooling system are presented. Thermal balance tests were conducted for engine thermal efficiency, heat loss through the exhaust gases, heat loss to the cooling air and unaccounted losses (i.e. heat lost by lubricating oil, radiation). While performance tests were in respect to the brake power, specific consumption was tested at different loads, and at ambient air temperature. The analysis of the statistics, and the experimental measurements, reveal interesting aspects of the engine heat transfers. A modification of the cooling system by adding fins at the engine inlet is carried out in order to reduce the thermal charge on the fourth cylinder.