Engine Type: everything you need to know

How Are Engines Classified?

In this era, we all depend on machines for our basic everyday tasks be it household machinery, a car, or an RC (Remote Control) car. But do you ever imagine how all these machines operate? Well! Keep in mind that all such machines require an engine that allows a machine to operate by converting energy into motion.

Such engines can be categorized based on various considerations.

i) Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

Almost all types of engines that you interact with, such as those found in cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, boats, and even RC models, use internal Combustion Engines. As the name suggests, they burn fuel internally. Thus, the resultant explosions then force the components to turn the wheels and blades, allowing them to perform the required task.

Let’s explore the types of engines. These engines can be grouped in three main ways:

• By the way they function through cycles.

• By the kind of fuel they use.

• By Cylinder layout

Types Based on Working Cycle

Types based on Fuel Utilized

Types based on cylinder layout

ii) External Combustion engine

Now, if we talk about an external combustion engine, then as the name suggests, it burns the fuel outside. This heat is then used to move parts inside it. Let's discuss the two types of EC engine mostly widely known.

i) Steam Engine: They are one of the earliest used types of engines. They create steam from boiling water, and then the steam pushes a piston or turns a wheel. Think of the steam rising from a kettle and creating motion rather than just rising. In the past, steam engines powered boats, trains, and even factories.

ii) Stirling Engines: Instead of steam, this type of engine uses sealed gas that expands when warm and contracts when cool. The engine runs using a continual back-and-forth motion.

It is the Stirling engine’s ability to use virtually any heat source that is most impressive, even the sun! Because of this, they are frequently found in submarines that require quiet and efficient running engines as well as in solar power systems.

iii) Jet and Turbine engines

After learning how engines move cars and power tools, it's now time to understand how airplanes soar through the sky and how rockets are launched into outer space. Jet, Turbine, and Rocket engines are the three main types of engines that provide thrust ( force to move things through air).

i) Turbojet: A turbojet engine pulls air in through the designated intake. As it goes through the rest of the engine, it gets compressed, receives some fuel, and the mixture is burned in the combustion chamber.

The result is gas bursting through the back, and thrust is created, which propels the jet similarly, like how a released balloon moves rapidly as it goes through the air.

• Used in: Military jets and high-speed aircraft

• Key benefits: Designed to be lightweight and withstand supersonic speeds.

ii) Turbofan: A turbofan is the most common jet engine of today and continues to be used widely. It is similar to a turbojet; however, it has a large fan at the front.

The fan moves air in two different ways; there is some that occurs through the engine core and some that is bypassed. The bypassed air helps add additional thrust while also cooling and muffling the engine.

• Used in: Commercial airliners like Boeing and Airbus.

• Key benefits: Quieter and more fuel-efficient, compared to turbojets.

iii) Turboprop: A turboprop engine combines a jet turbine and a traditional propeller. The jet turbine is used to spin a shaft that turns the propeller, which in turn, pulls the aircraft forward. While slower than turbojets and turbofans, these are exceptional for short-haul flights and fuel-efficient travel.

• Used in: Regional and cargo aircraft

• Best for: Lower speeds and shorter distances

Educational and DIY Engines – Learning by Doing

If you are an engine enthusiast, then be happy, as it’s possible to build any kind of engine model at home. The joy is bound to be doubled when you learn that there are DIY Engine Kits available in the market. These kits make learning hands-on and enjoyable.

We at engineDIY offer multiple models at affordable prices. All you need to do is follow the instruction module and build the parts together. That’s all! And would be glad to share some of our collections with you:

• ENJOMOR V12 is the crown jewel of many enthusiasts out there. It’s a gasoline-powered V12 engine that functions fully and permits a view of the twelve cylinders moving in perfect timing. For those who like supercar engines, this gives the same vibes as supercar engines do.

• TOYAN 4-stroke: For starters, we recommend the TOYAN 4-Stroke Engine. The kit comes equipped with teaching aids and instructions showcasing steam engines. It demonstrates all stages of the 4-stroke cycle – intake, compression, power, and exhaust. Hence, it is ideal for learners and hobbyists.

• SEMTO L2 is an intricately designed twin-cylinder model, which is one of the most interesting builds and small in shape. It allows the user to see both power and movement in engines with several cylinders.

• The RETRO Steam Engine Kit tells a story of steam engines. The model speaks volumes about how early machines were powered beautifully.

• Jet Turbine Models provide genuine ignition and airflow simulation! They are exceptional for learning the fundamentals of aerospace.

With these kits from EngineDIY, anyone can bring engineering right onto their desks, whether they are educators, learners, or simply fans of engines.

FAQs related to types of engines

i) What are the main types of engines?

Engines are primarily categorized as internal or external combustion and electric engines. Their difference comes from the method used to generate power. For instance, internal ones burn fuel inside, external ones outside, and electric engines rely on batteries or motors.

ii) Which engine is best for cars?

Most cars come equipped with 4-stroke internal combustion engines, particularly gasoline or diesel. They provide great performance, maintaining a reasonable amount of fuel consumption and longevity for daily driving.

iii) What’s the difference between a V8 and an inline-4 engine?

The V8 engine carries 8 cylinders arranged in a V shape, which provides increased power. Inline-4 comprises 4 cylinders arranged in a straight line, which makes it lighter and more compact. It is also more fuel efficient than a V8 engine.

Conclusion

In short, whether you come across a car, truck, gardening moving tools, or even RC cars, keep in mind that all operate on a specific type of engine. These engines basically convert energy from fuel into motion. We have covered various types of engines throughout the article for your understanding.

If you’re interested in building an engine model at home to boost your creativity or help in education, then contact us at enginediy. We provide advanced, comprehensive models of whether V8 model engine kit, the steam engine kit, or the V12 model engine at affordable prices.