×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Reciprocating engine deterioration at altitude

Reciprocating engine deterioration at altitude

Reciprocating engine deterioration at altitude

(OP)
Hello everyone,

Is anyone aware of how the output of turbocharged reciprocating engines deteriorates with the site elevation?
I am using std atmosphere figures and at 400 m the reduced air density will certainly lower the massflow entering the the cylinders, and I am wondering how engine manufacturers claim to maintain power output at higher elevations.

Regards
 

RE: Reciprocating engine deterioration at altitude

turbocharged engines are maintaining air mass flow rates at higher altitudes; thus, maintaining engine output power. basically, the turbocharger is compressing atmospheric air before entering the cylinder. there are altitude limitations and recommend obtaining performance data from engine mfg.

good luck!
-pmover

RE: Reciprocating engine deterioration at altitude

kkanel,

The manufacturer will match the turbocharger to the conditions to ensure the best performance.
A good rule of thumb is that output will drop by 1% for every 100m increase in altitude, so you are looking at a 4% drop in output.
Hope that helps.

RE: Reciprocating engine deterioration at altitude

Hi Kkanel,
Some Turbochargers has got a mechanism called waste gate mechanism. At sea level it will by-pass most of the exhaust gases and when the altitude increases (atmospheric pressure drcreases)most of the exhaust gases will pass through the turbocharger turbine and turbocharger will give more mass of air so that to compensate the density reduction. So that constant power output is maintained throughout the altitude range specified.

KMPillai

RE: Reciprocating engine deterioration at altitude



Hi

Suggest you also check out ISO 3046/BS5514/DIN 6271.

Generally there is no derate for the altitudes you have

Ed

RE: Reciprocating engine deterioration at altitude

At the level indicated (400m) you should not notice any different in the engin performances.
Some years ago I travaled for few weeks in Tibet at 4,700 meters and the car had to be adupted to the low air (we have to do it too...)

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources