The Diesel Story (1952)

Summary

This script narrates the evolution of heat engines, highlighting the transition from steam to internal combustion engines. It details the development of the atmospheric gas engine, the four-stroke cycle, and the emergence of the diesel engine with its higher efficiency. The script also discusses the adaptation of diesel engines for various applications, including marine use and high-speed engines, emphasizing the continuous innovation and improvements that have made diesel engines the most efficient and versatile heat engines in the world.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The script discusses the evolution of heat engines and their impact on society, starting with the use of wind and moving towards more reliable forms of energy.
• 🌬️ Early heat engines were primarily steam-powered, utilizing coal and water, and were fundamental to the Industrial Age, operating day and night consuming large amounts of coal.
• 🔥 The discovery of heat as a driving force for engines led to the development of the atmospheric gas engine by Otto and Langen in 1860, which used gas as a power source.
• 🚫 Early internal combustion engines were temperamental and had limited power output, which initially could not compete with the established steam engines.
• 🔄 Otto's adaptation of the four-stroke cycle theory in 1877 led to the creation of a practical internal combustion engine, the auto silent gas engine, which was a precursor to modern engines.
• 🛢️ The discovery of petroleum introduced a new source of power, leading to the development of the gasoline engine, which was easier to handle and ideal for motor vehicles.
• 🏭 Acro Stewart's hot bulb oil engine, built in 1890, was designed for stationary power plants and used heavier petroleum fuel, gaining a reputation for reliability.
• 👷 Rudolph Diesel's vision for a more efficient engine led to the development of the diesel engine, which was based on the principles of high compression and air as the working medium.
• 💡 Diesel's engine utilized air blast injection to atomize fuel for combustion, a principle similar to a perfume atomizer, but faced challenges with high pressures and fuel delivery.
• ⚙️ By 1897, the diesel engine had achieved a reliability and efficiency of 27%, significantly higher than other engines of the time, and entered regular production by the turn of the century.
• 🚢 The diesel engine's success extended to marine use, with the first oceangoing diesel ship, the Candia, marking a new era in the shipping industry.
• 🛻 The development of airless injection in the 1920s allowed for the creation of lighter and more powerful engines, suitable for high-speed applications like submarines.
• 🌐 Today, diesel engines are produced in various sizes and types worldwide, from medium-speed engines for trains to miniature engines for models, showcasing their versatility and efficiency.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of developing heat engines?

The primary purpose of developing heat engines was to harness a reliable source of power to make machines do some of the work, thereby improving the efficiency of various industrial processes.

What was the significance of the steam engine in the Industrial Age?

The steam engine was significant as it was the foundation of the new Industrial Age, working day and night to pump, drive, and turn machinery, and consuming thousands of tons of coal each day.

Why were early internal combustion engines not as powerful as steam engines?

Early internal combustion engines were temperamental and their power output was too limited due to the challenges of burning fuel inside the cylinder, which prevented them from challenging the power of steam engines.

What was the key innovation of the four-stroke cycle theory?

The key innovation of the four-stroke cycle theory was the establishment of a practical and efficient sequence of operations: induction, compression, power, and exhaust, which became the basis for all modern four-stroke engines.

How did the discovery of petroleum influence the development of internal combustion engines?

The discovery of petroleum introduced a new, easy-to-handle source of power that led to the rapid development of the internal combustion engine, particularly the gasoline engine, which was ideal for use in motor cars.

What was unique about the hot bulb oil engine designed by Acro Stewart in 1890?

The hot bulb oil engine was unique because it used a vaporizer or hot bulb to heat gases, which then passed into the working cylinder. It ran on heavier petroleum fuel and was known for its reliability and ability to run for long periods at a constant speed.

Why was Rudolph Diesel convinced that a higher efficiency engine could be built?

Rudolph Diesel was convinced that a higher efficiency engine could be built because he believed in four principles: completely moving away from the steam engine, internal combustion, using air as the working medium, and highly compressing the air for maximum expansion.

What was the main challenge faced by the first experimental diesel engine?

The main challenge faced by the first experimental diesel engine was the high pressures inside the cylinder, which required an exact quantity of oil fuel to be sprayed finely and accurately through a dense wedge of compressed air.

How did the diesel engine improve in efficiency by the time of its regular production?

By the time of regular production, the diesel engine had an efficiency of 27%, which was far higher than any other engine of the day, due to improvements in engineering methods and the adoption of the air blast injection method.

What adaptation allowed diesel engines to be used in marine work?

The adaptation of the two-stroke cycle for large high-power engines allowed diesel engines to be used in marine work, as it provided more power for a given engine size and was more suitable for the demands of the marine industry.

What was the significance of the development of airless injection for diesel engines?

The development of airless injection was significant because it allowed for a more precise and efficient fuel delivery system, enabling the construction of lighter and more powerful engines suitable for high-speed applications such as trucks, tractors, and small boats.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 The Dawn of Heat Engines and Industrial Revolution

This paragraph introduces the historical shift towards utilizing heat as a power source to mechanize labor, leading to the birth of new industries and towns. The first practical heat engines were steam engines, which were pivotal during the Industrial Age, operating continuously and consuming vast amounts of coal. A byproduct of coal, gas, was repurposed for lighting, heating, and as a power source in atmospheric gas engines. However, these early internal combustion engines faced limitations in power output and reliability compared to steam engines. The paragraph also discusses the evolution of engines, including the four-stroke cycle developed by Otto, which significantly advanced the practicality of internal combustion engines.

05:00

🚀 Advancements in Internal Combustion Engines and Diesel's Vision

The second paragraph delves into the progress made in heat engine development during the 19th century, outlining the four main types in use: oil engines, steam engines, gas engines, and gasoline engines, each with varying efficiencies. It highlights Rudolph Diesel's innovative approach to engine design, focusing on higher efficiency through internal combustion, air as the working medium, and high compression for maximum expansion. Diesel's principle was inspired by the pneumatic match or fire piston, leading to the development of the compression ignition engine. The first experimental diesel engine faced challenges with fuel injection under high pressure but eventually demonstrated its potential with a significantly higher efficiency than other engines of the time.

10:12

🛳️ The Evolution of Diesel Engines in Marine and Industrial Applications

This paragraph discusses the commercialization and adaptation of diesel engines in various applications, including electric generators and marine propulsion. The first oceangoing diesel ship, the Candia, marked a milestone in the maritime industry, leading to a widespread adoption of diesel engines in shipping. The development of the two-stroke cycle allowed for more power output from larger engines, while the need for smaller, faster engines led to advancements in airless injection systems, overcoming the limitations of the Air Blast method. The paragraph emphasizes the continuous innovation and the broad range of applications for diesel engines, from submarines to various land and sea vehicles.

15:13

🏗️ The Modern Diesel Engine: A Legacy of Innovation and Efficiency

The final paragraph celebrates the modern diesel engine as the most efficient and versatile heat engine, tracing its development back to the pioneering work of Acro Stewart and the scientific understanding of heat. It acknowledges the contributions of engineers and petroleum technologists in refining the diesel engine for various uses, from transportation to power generation. The narrative underscores the importance of research and experimentation in achieving the high-speed, lightweight, and reliable engines that are commonplace today, reflecting the legacy of innovation in the field of engine technology.

Keywords

💡Heat Engine

A heat engine is a mechanical device that converts heat into mechanical work. It is central to the video's theme as it discusses the evolution of heat engines and their impact on the Industrial Age. The script mentions the first practical heat engines were steam-powered, highlighting their foundational role in the development of new industries and towns.

💡Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution refers to the period of rapid industrialization that began in the late 18th century. The video script discusses how the invention and development of heat engines marked a significant shift in this era, changing the way people lived and worked by enabling machines to perform tasks previously done by humans.

💡Steam Engine

A steam engine is a type of heat engine that uses steam as its working fluid. The script describes steam engines as the foundation of the new Industrial Age, operating day and night and consuming vast amounts of coal, which underscores their importance in the era of industrialization.

💡Internal Combustion Engine

An internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel occurs within the engine itself, rather than externally. The video script details the development of early internal combustion engines, such as the atmospheric gas engine, and how they eventually led to more efficient and powerful engines like the diesel engine.

💡Four-Stroke Cycle

The four-stroke cycle is a series of four consecutive piston movements within the cylinder of an engine. The video script explains the four-stroke cycle as a principle adapted by Otto to create a practical internal combustion engine, detailing the steps of induction, compression, power, and exhaust.

💡Petroleum

Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is a fossil fuel that became a significant source of power with the development of the internal combustion engine. The script mentions the discovery of petroleum as a new source of power that led to the rapid development of engines like the gasoline engine.

💡Diesel Engine

A diesel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses compression ignition to ignite the fuel. The video script highlights the diesel engine's higher efficiency compared to other engines of its time, detailing its development and the challenges Rudolph Diesel faced in proving its viability.

💡Efficiency

Efficiency in the context of engines refers to the percentage of energy from the fuel that is converted into useful work. The script discusses the varying efficiencies of different engines, such as steam, oil, gas, and gasoline engines, and how the diesel engine significantly surpassed them with its 27% efficiency.

💡Two-Stroke Cycle

The two-stroke cycle is an engine cycle that completes a power stroke and an exhaust stroke in only two movements of the piston. The video script explains how the adoption of the two-stroke cycle allowed for larger, high-power engines, which was a key development for marine applications.

💡Airless Injection

Airless injection is a fuel delivery system that does not use air to atomize the fuel. The script describes the development of airless injection as a significant advancement, allowing for lighter and more powerful engines, which was crucial for the creation of high-speed diesel engines.

💡Marine Application

Marine application refers to the use of engines in ships and other watercraft. The video script recounts the story of the first oceangoing diesel ship, the Candia, and how its successful voyage marked the beginning of a widespread adoption of diesel engines in the maritime industry.

Highlights

The invention of the heat engine revolutionized industries and led to the construction of new towns to serve them.

The first practical heat engines were steam engines, which were the foundation of the Industrial Age.

Coal was the primary fuel source in the 19th century, with gas as a valuable byproduct for lighting and heating.

The atmospheric gas engine, patented by Otto and Langen in 1860, marked a shift towards internal combustion engines.

Otto's adaptation of the four-stroke cycle theory led to the creation of a practical internal combustion engine.

The discovery of petroleum provided a new source of power, leading to the development of the gasoline engine.

The hot bulb oil engine, designed by Acro Stewart in 1890, was used for driving stationary power plants.

The efficiency of early engines was low, with the steam engine at 6% and the gasoline engine at 12%.

Rudolph Diesel's innovative ideas led to the development of an engine with higher efficiency, using air as the working medium and high compression.

Diesel's engine utilized the principle of the pneumatic match or fire piston for internal combustion.

The first experimental diesel engine was built in Augsburg, Germany, in 1893, showcasing high thermal efficiency.

By 1897, the diesel engine achieved an efficiency of 27%, significantly higher than other engines of the time.

The diesel engine's success in marine applications began with the launch of the Candia, an oceangoing diesel ship.

The two-stroke cycle allowed for a working stroke for each revolution, increasing power output for large engines.

The development of airless injection marked a significant advancement in diesel engine technology, enabling lighter and more powerful engines.

Diesel engines are now used in a wide range of applications, from trains and trucks to marine vessels and agricultural machinery.

The modern diesel engine is recognized for its efficiency and reliability, a testament to the contributions of past engineers and scientists.

Transcripts

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for most of us living means working so

to get the most out of life men looked

for a way of making machines do some of

their work wind was one answer but it

was not always

reliable they turned to another form of

energy and discovering that heat could

drive machines they opened up a great

new reservoir of reliable power new

industries were born and New Towns built

to serve them the arrival of the heat

engine changed the whole way of life for

people in many parts of the

world the first practical heat engines

were driven by steam fed on coal and

water they were the foundation of the

new Industrial Age day and night they

worked pumping driving turning consuming

each day thousands of tons of

coal during the 19 century coal was by

far the best fuel available it also

yielded a valuable byproduct gas for

lighting and

heating but this gas was now used for

another purpose as a source of power in

the so-called atmospheric gas engine

patented by aotto and Langan in 1860

for years men had been trying to do away

with boilers and to burn fuel inside the

cylinder now C gas made this possible

but these early internal combustion

engines were temperamental and their

power output was too limited to

challenge the power of the steam

engine it was not until

1877 when Otto adapted the principles of

the fourstroke cycle theory of the

French scientist bod Russia that are

really practical internal combustion

engine was built the auto silent gas

engine as it was known was the

Forerunner of all modern four stroke

engines first stroke

induction a mixture of gas and air is

drawn into the

cylinder second stroke

compression third stroke power

the mixture is ignited and expands

driving the Piston

outwards four stroke

exhaust with the discovery of petroleum

a new source of power was born and the

internal combustion engine developed

rapidly similar in principle to the gas

engine the gasoline engine had the

advantage of utilizing an easy to handle

fuel thus it was ideal for use in the

motorc car

in contrast to the gasoline engine

another type of internal combustion

engine was built in 1890 designed by

Acro Stewart this machine was used for

driving stationary power plants it ran

on a heavier petroleum Fuel and was

known as the hot bulb oil

engine the engine comprises a vaporizer

or hot bulb from which the hot gases

pass through a narrow passage into the

working cylinder

in the cylinder is a piston joined by a

connecting rod to the

crankshaft and a heavy

flywheel before starting the vaporizer

is heated by a blow lamp to high

temperature the fly wheel is then turned

over by

hand pure air is sucked into the working

cylinder and the oil fuel is spr sprayed

into the hot

bulb during the second stroke air and

vaporized fuel are mixed together and

compressed the high temperature in the

vaporizer causes combustion and the

Piston is forced outward by the

expanding

gases finally the burnt gases are

expelled from the

cylinder once the engine was running the

heat retained in the hot bulb was enough

to ensure combustion

and the blow lamp was no longer

necessary these simple engines could run

for long periods at a constant speed and

they gained a wide reputation for

reliability the 19th century saw

enormous progress in the development of

heat engines of all kinds and towards

its close there were four main types in

general use the oil engine with hot bulb

vaporizer the steam engine which was

still considered Supreme for a wide of

uses the gas engine for stationary power

plant and the rapidly improving gasoline

engine all these engines worked on the

same basic principle of turning heat

into

work but in each case the amount of heat

turned into work was small the

efficiency was

low 6% for the average steam

engine 10 % for the oil

engine 177% for the gas

engine and 12% for the gasoline

engine looking at these facts Rudolph

diesel was certain that it should be

possible to build an engine with a very

much higher efficiency from the start he

was convinced of four things he must get

away from the steam engine

entirely combustion must take place

inside the the cylinder air not steam

must be the working

medium and finally the air must be

highly compressed so as to permit the

greatest possible

expansion he remembered the pneumatic

match or fire

piston a small cylinder usually made of

wood or glass into which a closely

fitting piston or plunger could be

inserted the head of the Piston was

recessed so as to hold a piece of dry t

when the air in the cylinder was highly

compressed it became so hot as to cause

the tender to

ignite the fire piston gave a clue to a

practical means of securing combustion

inside the

cylinder

compression

ignition diesel adapted this principle

to the internal combustion engine and

described the cycle for the first time

in 1892

a downward stroke of the Piston pure air

is sucked into the

cylinder the air is then compressed to

the point where it reaches the

temperature necessary for

combustion fuel is introduced into the

compressed air owing to the high

temperature it takes fire and produces

heat which is turned into

work during the four stroke the spent

gas are forced out of the

cylinder the first experimental engine

was built at Augsburg in Germany during

1893 most people were convinced that no

machine would work at the high pressures

which diesel insisted were necessary for

combustion and essential for high

thermal

efficiency for

this engine never ran under its own

power one of the main problems facing

diesel arose from the high pressures

inside the

cylinder an exact quantity of oil fuel

had to be sprayed finely and accurately

through a dense wedge of compressed

air it was found that the f Fu pump by

itself could not do the job effectively

so an air pump was added which could

blow the fuel into the combustion

chamber the principle was similar to

that of a perfume atomizer the method

was known as Air Blast

injection by

1894 a completely new and redesigned

engine had been built and preparations

were complete for the first trial run

on

compression ignition was a practical way

of securing combustion and an engine

could be made to work on this

cycle by 1897 the first reliable engine

had completed its tests limitations in

engineering methods had made some

modific

necessary nevertheless the engine had an

efficiency of

27% far higher than any other engine of

the day

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by the turn of the century the diesel

engine was in regular production the

first models built under license were

large single cylinder units with a

maximum speed of less than 200

revolutions per minute manufacturers in

various countries made some

modifications to the original design and

a few horizontal engines were were built

these were reminiscent of actroid

Stewart's earlier engine but with much

higher compression and no hot

B the diesel was ideal for driving

electric generators with the rapid

expansion of electrical power there was

a demand for larger engines with more

than one cylinder with the development

of more power engineers soon realized

that the diesel could be adapted for

marine

work by 1912 the first oceangoing diesel

ship had been built

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the Candia of 7,400 tons was built at

Copenhagen by berme and

Wayne her maiden boys to Bangkok created

a sensation in the Marine World and

marked the beginning of a close

association between the diesel engine

and the Sea within a few years hundreds

of new vessels fitted with these engines

were to be launched from shipyards all

over the world

today one ship in every four is diesel

driven the success of the marine diesel

was due partly to the adoption of the

two-stroke cycle for large high power

engines during the first stroke the air

inside the cylinder is highly

compressed injection then takes

place toward the end of the power stroke

the burnt gases surg from the cylinder

and and are replaced by the incoming

charge of pure

air the first stroke is the same as the

compression stroke in the for cycle

engine the second stroke combines

power exhaust and

induction and completes the cycle

the advantage of the two-stroke cycle is

that it allows a working stroke for each

Revolution and therefore delivers more

power for a given engine

size but more power was not the only

requisite there was a demand for smaller

and faster engines for certain purposes

comparatively light engines for

submarines had been built before

1920 but the Air Blast injection system

was cumbersome inefficient and unsuited

to high speeds there seemed to be a

limit to progress in this

direction during the 20s however a new

system of airless injection was

perfected and the Air Blast method was

superseded The socalled Jerk type pump

meters an exact quantity of fuel which

is delivered at high pressure and broken

into a fine spray at the injector nozzle

the injection pulse is synchronized with

the engine

speed the development of precision

airless injection was a landmark in

diesel history here at last was the

opportunity to build an engine which

would be light as well as

powerful 10 years of hard work and

patient research were necessary before

the highspeed engine could go into

regular production these engines are

more sensitive than the low speed types

and a great deal of work on combustion

problems and the development of new

fuels and lubricants was

necessary then there were other aspects

for example trucks tractors and small

boats fitted with high-speed diesel

engines may have to work in regions with

temperature well below zero practical

tests of starting and running at these

low temperatures were carried out in

special

Laboratories this is only one example of

a vast field of search and experiment

which lies behind the production of the

Modern

Diesel today engines of all types and

sizes are in large scale production

throughout the world mediump speed

engines for Express trains small

highspeed engines for trucks and

buses diesels for tractors and

bulldozers and agricultural

machines miniature engines for model

cars and model aircraft

huge double acting types for generating

electrical power and for driving ships

two stroke and fourstroke engines for

100

uses the diesel has always had a

reputation for efficiency and

reliability like every other machine it

owes much to the past to Acro Stewart

whose early work laid the foundation for

the solid injection engine to the

Pioneers who discovered how to turn heat

into work to the scientists who learned

about the nature of heat to the

engineers who have adapted their

theories to practice and to the

petroleum technologists who have

constantly developed new and better fues

and

lubricants it is through their work and

knowledge that we have the Modern Diesel

the most efficient and most versatile of

all heat engines

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