Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Conventional engine technology. Volume II. Status of diesel engine technology

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5229636
The engines of diesel cars marketed in the United States are examined. Prominent design features, performance characteristics, fuel economy and emissions data are compared. Specific problems, in particular those of NO/sub x/ and smoke emissions, are discussed along with the effects of increasing dieselization on diesel fuel price and availability, current R and D work and advanced diesel concepts. The study generally concludes that diesel cars currently have a fuel economy advantage over gasoline engine powered cars. Many of the inherent diesel drawbacks (noise and odor) have been reduced to a less objectionable level. An equivalent gasoline engine driveability has been obtained with turbocharging. Diesel manufacturers see a growth in the diesel market for the next ten years. Uncertainties regarding future emission regulation may inhibit future diesel production investments. With spark ignition engine technology advancing in the direction of high compression ratios, the fuel economy advantages of the diesel car is expected to diminish. To retain its fuel economy lead, the diesel's potential for further improvement must be used.
Research Organization:
Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AI01-80CS50194
OSTI ID:
5229636
Report Number(s):
JPL-PUB-81-65-Vol.2; ON: DE82011544
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English