I.C. ENGINE AND STEAM ENGINE
Both I.C. engines and steam engines are basically heat engines and convert heat energy into mechanical energy. But L.C. engines are now widely used for this purpose due to some reasons. The class of service is the main factor in many cases. One of the outstanding uses is in the field of transportation. In many industries, farms, simplicity, and low cost of operation are the determining factors in the adoption of L.C. engines. The main differences between the LC. engine and steam engine are as follows :
1. In I.C. engines, the combustion of fuel takes place inside the engine cylinder, while in steam engines, the combustion of fuel takes place outside the cylinder.
2 The working temperatures and pressures in I.C. engines are much higher than those in steam engines.
3. Due to high temperatures and pressures, materials having better resistance are required for 1.C. engines.
4. LC. engines are single-acting. The piston is directly connected to the connecting rod. There is no piston rod and hence no stuffing box.
5. I.C. engines have high efficiency as compared to that of steam engines.
6. Steam engine requires a big boiler to store water for converting it into steam and a condenser to condense exhaust steam into water. But I.C. engines require only a small tank to store fuel, and there is no steam condenser in it.
7. L.C. engines are easy and quick to start and stop. Steam engines take time in lighting the fire and generating the steam.
8. I.C. engines are lighter and cheaper as compared to steam engines.
