Internal Combustion Engine:How I.C.Engine is different than Steam Engine

An internal combustion engine or steam engine is used to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. I.C Engine and Steam Engine are types of heat engines but the different classes of machines.

You have different ways to obtain energy. It can be obtained from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, nuclear, mechanical or heat also.

The energy produced by the internal combustion engine or steam can be transformed from one form to another. All engineering concerned better know this fact.

There are different methods that can be used for the transformation of energy. To use the different transformation methods you have to use different engines.

These engines are different in many ways hence here you will find some important differences only.

  • Important differences between Internal Combustion Engine and Steam Engine

01) The combustion of fuel (petrol or diesel), takes place inside the engine cylinder in case of an internal combustion engine.

While in a steam engine fuel is burnt in a boiler to raise the steam which in turn is used in the engine cylinder.

02) The working temperature and pressure inside the internal combustion engines are much higher than those in the steam engines.

03) Material with better resistance is required for I. C. Engine as there is a very high temperature and pressure to produce an internal combustion engine compared to a steam engine.

04) Stuffing box glands for connecting rods are avoided in an internal combustion engine because this is mostly a single-acting cylinder engine.

In a steam engine, stuffing box glands are required for the piston rod.

05) The efficiency of an internal combustion engine is as high as 35 to 40 % as compared to that of steam engines. Where steam engine has efficiency is near about 10 to 15%.

  • Advantages of internal combustion engine over the steam engine

01) I. C. Engine can be started instantaneously, in a steam engine boiler has to be fired and steam raised before the engine can be started.

02) It has a low weight-to-power ratio because of its compact design.

03) I. C. Engine has higher efficiency than a steam engine.

Besides this information, you are suggested to read something more from below engineering books

So, Here you find the Best Engineering Resources for further details

To get the more details about the topic, I further recommend reading

If you like the post, share it with your friends and also on social sites.

Recent Posts

Energy Conservation: 11 Proven Ways to a Better Energy Conservation

Energy conservation may be the best solution to fight the energy problems we are facing today. It will also help…

Geothermal Energy: 7 Things You Must Know About Earth’s Heat Energy

In engineering, geothermal energy definition is “The heat energy generated and stored in the Earth”. The prefix “Geo” is a Greek word, meaning…

Tidal Power: A Brand New Alternative Energy Source for Electricity Generation

Tidal power or tidal energy is an alternative energy source of hydropower from which you can generate electricity. As tidal energy doesn’t produce any…

Hydroelectric Energy: 10 Things You must Know About hydroelectricity

Hydroelectric Energy is almost all clean energy sources compared to all other renewable energy sources. Where Nuclear Power generates radioactive waste or wind energy generates…

Alternative Energy: A Detail Guide on Nuclear Power That You Must Read

There are some alternative energy sources available to cope with the increased demand for electricity. These alternative energy resources are…

Green Energy: Your Complete Guide on Wind Power to Generate Electricity

Green Energy means not the color of energy. Green energy is that source of renewable energy which you can use again and…