In Eicher (A unit of TMTL) two types of diesel engine are produced i.e.

Air cooled diesel engine and water cooled diesel engine.

INTRODUCTION:In case of Internal Combustion engines, combustion of air and fuel takes place inside the engine cylinder and hot gases are generated. The temperature of gases will be around 2300-2500C. This is a very high temperature and may result into burning of oil film between the moving parts and may result into seizing or welding of the same. So, this temperature must be reduced to about 150-200C at which the engine will work most efficiently. Too much cooling is also not desirable since it reduces the thermal efficiency. So, the object of cooling system is to keep the engine running at its most efficient operating temperature. Most internal combustion engines are fluid cooled using either air (a gaseous fluid) or a liquid coolant run through a heat exchanger (radiator) cooled by air. There are two types of engines i.e. air cooled and liquid cooled engines. Liquid cooled engines use a mixture of water and other chemicals like anti freeze and rust inhibitors; whereas, air cooled engines use air but no water or other chemicals to cool themselves. In all combustion engines, a great percentage of the heat generated (around 44%) escapes through the exhaust, not through either a liquid cooling system or through the metal fins of an air-cooled engine (12%). About 8% of the heat energy finds its way into the oil.

AIR COOLED ENGINE:Air cooled system is generally used in small engines say up to 15-20 kW and in aero plane engines. In this system fins or extended surfaces are provided on the cylinder walls, cylinder head, etc. Heat generated due to combustion in the engine cylinder will be conducted to the fins and when the air flows over the fins, heat will be dissipated to air. The air comes either by natural convection (e.g., a motorcycle) or by forced air (e.g., air-cooled VW or Porsche engine). An air cooled engine must have fins to transfer heat and the housing must provide for air flow across the fins. The amount of heat dissipated to air depends upon: (a) Amount of air flowing through the fins. (b) Fin surface area. (c) Thermal conductivity of metal used for fins.

Fins

Cylinder

Advantages of Air Cooled Engine:1) 2) 3) 4) Radiator/pump is absent hence the system is light. In case of water cooling system there are leakages, but in this case there are no leakages. Coolant and antifreeze solutions are not required. This system can be used in cold and hot environmental weather temperatures, where if water is used it may freeze. 5) There is the possibility of working at higher temperatures. 6) Low Maintenance. No need to change coolant. 7) Air-cooled engines are simpler, lighter and easier to maintain. 8) Many motorcycles use air cooling for the sake of reducing weight and complexity. 9) Air cooled engines are generally speaking more reliable and sturdier. 10) Air-cooled engines are fuel efficient, affordable and require lesser engine space than that of liquid cooled engines.

Disadvantages of Air Cooled Engine:1) Comparatively it is less efficient. 2) It is used in aero planes and motorcycle engines where the engines are exposed to air directly. 3) Air cooling is less efficient due to the low heat capacity of air so these engines suffer from hot spots which reduces power, increases emissions and shortens their life.

WATER COOLED ENGINE:In this method, cooling water jackets are provided around the cylinder, cylinder head, valve seats etc. The water when circulated through the jackets, it absorbs heat of combustion. The cooled water is again recirculated through the water jackets. A water-cooled engine uses liquid coolant and a radiator to provide the cooling action of the engine. Water cooling is commonly used for cooling automobile internal combustion engines and large industrial facilities such as steam electric power plants, hydroelectric generators, petroleum refineries and chemical plants. The main mechanism for water cooling is convective heat transfer. Water cooling system mainly consists of: (a) Radiator, (b) Thermostat valve, (c) Water pump, (d) Fan, (e) Water Jackets, and (f) Antifreeze mixtures

Advantages of Water Cooled Engine:1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Uniform cooling of cylinder, cylinder head and valves. Specific fuel consumption of engine improves by using water cooling system. If we employ water cooling system, then engine need not be provided at the front end of moving vehicle. Engine is less noisy as compared with air cooled engines, as it has water for damping noise. The water jacket around an engine is also very effective at deadening mechanical noises, which makes the engine quieter. 6) Much Cooler engine compared to air-cooled ones. 7) Water cooled engines are more performant and clean. 8) They can obtain higher power for the same weight as air cooled engine. 9) Water cooling also permits more flexibility in engine architecture and installation since there isn't a need to duct cooling air directly to the cylinders. 10) Liquid cooled ones are easy to operate (better riding experience) but certainty of liquid spilling out is high.

Disadvantages of Water Cooled Engine:1) 2) 3) 4) It depends upon the supply of water. The water pump which circulates water absorbs considerable power. If the water cooling system fails then it will result in severe damage of engine. The water cooling system is costlier as it has more number of parts. Also it requires more maintenance and care for its parts. 5) Water accelerates corrosion of metal parts and is a favourable medium for biological growth. 6) More maintenance than air-cooled. Need to change coolant/top up/flush every now and then or when necessary.