Verbrenner

Verbrenner is the common German term for internal combustion engines (Verbrennungsmotoren). They generate mechanical work by burning fuel with air inside cylinders, producing high-pressure gases that push pistons connected to a crankshaft. The most common designs are spark-ignition engines (Otto cycle) that run on gasoline and compression-ignition engines (Diesel cycle) that run on diesel. A less widespread variant is the Wankel rotary engine, which uses a rotor instead of pistons.

Operation typically involves a sequence of intake, compression, combustion and expansion, and exhaust. In a Diesel engine, fuel is injected into hot compressed air and auto-ignites. In petrol engines, a spark plug ignites a premixed air-fuel mixture. The resulting expansion drives the piston, turning the crankshaft and delivering useful work.

Fuel and emissions: Typical fuels are gasoline, diesel, and biofuels. Thermal efficiency is limited by thermodynamics and engine design; modern engines improve efficiency through turbocharging, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and hybridization. Post-combustion treatments such as catalytic converters and particulate filters reduce emissions of NOx, CO, hydrocarbons and soot, while carbon dioxide emissions reflect the carbon content of the fuel.

Role and transition: Verbrenner powertrains power most cars, trucks, ships and some aircraft today, though electrification and alternative propulsion are expanding. Many regions plan to reduce or phase out new internal-combustion vehicle sales in favor of zero-emission technologies, while existing fleets continue to operate with ongoing efficiency and fuel alternatives.

History and scope: Development began in the late 19th century with engineers such as Nikolaus Otto and Gottlieb Daimler; since then the technology has evolved to power transport, industry and stationary machinery.

See also: internal combustion engine, Otto cycle, Diesel engine.