Diesel cycle simulator using Python

Skills or knowledge: Diesel cycle working and effects of various parameters

Software or programs used: Python programming

Project: Diesel cycle simulator creation using python code and analyzing the effects of various parameters on the Diesel cycle.

Diesel cycle: It is the air standard power cycle for the compression ignition or diesel engines.

1. Isentropic compression

2. constant pressure heat addition

3. isentropic expansion and

4. constant volume heat rejection.

Formulae and assumptions:

Ideal gas assumption is used for the gas PV=RT.

Compression ratio: V1/V2 = initial volume of compression / final volume of compression.

Cutoff ratio (r cutoff) = volume after heat addition / volume before heat addition .

Heat addition (Q) = Cv(Tf-Ti).

Efficiency = Work done/ heat added.

Analysis and results:

The study was done by changing one parameter at a time and fixing all other parameters of the cycle and analyzing the effect of that parameter on the output.

(1) Effect of cutoff ratio :

The effect of the cut-off ratio is studied. The reduction of the cut-off ratio from 1.7 to 1.5 increases the work output and the efficiency of the cycle.

(2) Effect of y (specific heat ratio ) :

The effect of y(gamma) specific heat ratio is studied. The increase in the value of y from 1.3 to 1.4 increases the work output and the efficiency of the cycle.

(3) Effect of heat added to the cycle :

The effect of heat added to the cycle is studied. The increase in the value of heat addition causes an increase in the maximum temperature of the cycle and the work output also increases. But the thermal efficiency of the cycle decreases.

Conclusion:

The Diesel cycle simulator was created using python code. The effect of various parameters (cutoff ratio, specific heat ratio and heat addition ) on maximum cycle temperature, work done and thermal efficiency has been studied.