Dieselmotors

Diesel motors, or diesel engines, are internal combustion engines that operate on the diesel cycle. They compress air to a high temperature and then inject fuel, which self-ignites, converting the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical work. Diesel motors are known for high thermal efficiency and strong torque at low speeds, and they are widely used in transportation, industry, and power generation.

Most modern diesel engines are four-stroke with direct fuel injection and turbocharging. They use high compression ratios, typically 14:1 to 25:1, and rely on compression ignition rather than a spark plug. Fuel is delivered by a common-rail or unit-injection system, allowing precise control of injection timing and duration. They can be naturally aspirated or turbocharged and may include intercooling.

History and development: Rudolf Diesel introduced the concept in the 1890s and built the first practical diesel engine soon after. The technology became widely adopted in ships and later in road transport and industry as efficiency and durability improvements continued through the 20th century.

Applications: Diesel engines power most heavy-duty road vehicles (trucks, buses), ships and submarines, locomotives, construction equipment, and stationary generators. Smaller units are used in generators and solar-diesel hybrid systems.

Emissions and environmental aspects: Diesel engines emit CO2, NOx, and particulates. Modern engines employ aftertreatment such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction to meet emissions standards. Ongoing research focuses on efficiency, alternative fuels, and electrified powertrains.

Notable makers: Common brands include Cummins, Caterpillar, Scania, MAN, Volvo, Detroit Diesel, Yanmar, Wärtsilä, and Mitsubishi engines, which serve different sectors worldwide.