1. What is Indicated Thermal Efficiency?

Indicated Thermal Efficiency is given by the ratio of indicated power generated by the engine to the power generated by the combustion of the fuel. It represents how effectively an engine converts the chemical energy in fuel into mechanical work.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Indicated Thermal Efficiency formula:

Where:

• \( IDE \) — Indicated Thermal Efficiency (%)
• \( IP \) — Indicated Power (Watt)
• \( m_f \) — Mass of Fuel Supplied per Second (kg/s)
• \( CV \) — Calorific Value of Fuel (J/kg)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of fuel energy that is converted into useful mechanical work within the engine cylinder.

3. Importance of Indicated Thermal Efficiency

Details: Indicated Thermal Efficiency is a crucial parameter for evaluating engine performance and fuel economy. Higher efficiency indicates better utilization of fuel energy and reduced energy waste.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter indicated power in watts, mass flow rate in kg/s, and calorific value in J/kg. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between indicated and brake thermal efficiency?
A: Indicated thermal efficiency considers power developed in the cylinder, while brake thermal efficiency considers power available at the engine output shaft after accounting for mechanical losses.

Q2: What are typical values for indicated thermal efficiency?
A: For internal combustion engines, indicated thermal efficiency typically ranges from 25% to 40%, depending on engine type and operating conditions.

Q3: How can indicated thermal efficiency be improved?
A: Efficiency can be improved through better combustion chamber design, optimized fuel injection, improved air-fuel mixing, and reduced heat losses.

Q4: What factors affect indicated thermal efficiency?
A: Factors include compression ratio, air-fuel ratio, combustion efficiency, ignition timing, engine speed, and load conditions.

Q5: Why is calorific value important in this calculation?
A: Calorific value represents the energy content of the fuel, which is essential for determining how much energy is available for conversion to mechanical work.