D a v i d , P r i n c e s s B e l l e M a r i e R . 2 0 1 3 - 2 5 7 9 6

T o l e d o , G a b r i e l l e Y . 2 0 1 3 - 6 8 0 9 4

W F B W W

Compare and contrast electromechanical motors and combustion engines in terms of (i)

operation and (ii) application. Which technology is more important in present day society?

Electromechanical motors and combustion engines are two of the most utilized machines

that converts one form of energy to mechanical energy. Combustion engines are engines that

convert chemical energy to mechanical energy through combustion of a fuel while

electromechanical motors are motors that convert electrical energy to mechanical energy.

There are two types of combustion engines used today namely, the spark ignition engine

cycle and the compression ignition or diesel engine cycle. These two types of engine way of

supplying and combustion differs from each other. “In a spark ignition engine, the fuel is mixed

with air and then inducted into the cylinder during the intake process. After the piston

compresses the fuel-air mixture, the spark ignites it, causing combustion. The expansion of the

combustion gases pushes the piston during the power stroke. In the diesel engine, only air is

inducted into the engine and then compressed. Diesel engines then carry out combustion by

spraying the fuel into the hot compressed air at a suitable, measured rate” (“Internal Combustion

Engine Basics”). On the other hand, electromechanical works by generating force within the

motor from the interaction between the magnetic field and winding currents of the motor.

Both machines are useful to the transportation industry although combustion engines are

more commonly used. Combustion engines run some of the large electric generators that power

electrical grids. It is also used to power small devices like lawnmowers, string trimmers, chain

saws, leaf blowers, and pressure washers. Applications of series wound motor range from cheap

toys to automotive applications. Fixed speed applications of shunt wound motor are automotive

windscreen wipers and fans. Train and automotive traction are applications of separately excited

motors.

Both technologies are useful in today’s society but we believe that electric motors are

more important since it has lesser contribution to pollution unlike combustion engines that can

greatly contribute to air pollution.

References:“Internal Combustion Engine Basics.” Energy.gov. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, 22 November

2013. Web. 26 November 2015.“Electric Drives - DC Motors (Description and Applications)” Electropaedia. Woodbank Communications Ltd, n.d.

Web. 26 November 2015.