1. Chemical Energy to Thermal Energy: The diesel fuel stored in the fuel tank contains chemical energy. When the fuel is injected into the engine's cylinders, it mixes with compressed air and is ignited by the high temperature and pressure created by the engine's compression stroke. This combustion process converts the chemical energy of the fuel into thermal energy, resulting in a rapid increase in temperature and pressure within the cylinders.
2. Thermal Energy to Mechanical Energy: The high temperature and pressure gases produced during combustion push the pistons downward, generating mechanical energy. The pistons are connected to a crankshaft through connecting rods, converting the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion.
3. Mechanical Energy to Rotational Motion: The crankshaft's rotational motion is then transferred to the transmission. The transmission has gears with different ratios, allowing the driver to select the appropriate gear for the desired speed and load conditions. The transmission sends the engine's power to the wheels, which rotate and propel the car forward.
4. Mechanical Energy to Electrical Energy: In modern diesel cars, some of the mechanical energy from the engine is also used to generate electrical energy. This is done by connecting the engine to an alternator, which converts mechanical energy into alternating current (AC) electrical energy. The alternator supplies electricity to the car's electrical system, including the lights, ignition, fuel injection system, and other electronic components.
Overall, the energy flow in a diesel car involves the conversion of chemical energy stored in the fuel into thermal energy, which is then converted into mechanical energy to power the car's movement and electrical energy to support the car's various electrical systems.
