The advantage of this design is that it can achieve a higher level of efficiency than a homogeneous charge engine. This is because the richer fuel mixture in the stratified charge burns more completely, resulting in less wasted heat. Additionally, the leaner fuel mixture in the stratified charge helps to reduce emissions.
Stratified charge engines are typically used in high-performance engines, such as those found in sports cars and racing cars. However, they are also becoming more common in passenger cars as a way to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Here is a more detailed explanation of the working principle of a stratified charge engine:
1. The fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke.
2. The fuel forms a stratified charge, with richer fuel mixture in some areas of the chamber and leaner fuel mixture in others.
3. The spark plug ignites the richer fuel mixture.
4. The flame front propagates through the richer fuel mixture, burning it completely.
5. The leaner fuel mixture is then burned by the exhaust gases from the richer fuel mixture.
This process results in a higher level of efficiency than a homogeneous charge engine. This is because the richer fuel mixture burns more completely, resulting in less wasted heat. Additionally, the leaner fuel mixture in the stratified charge helps to reduce emissions.
Stratified charge engines are more complex to design and build than homogeneous charge engines. However, they offer the potential for significant improvements in fuel economy and emissions.
