Automotive equipment is mainly equipped with standardized internal combustion engines (internal combustion engines), the design of which is focused on placement in the engine compartment. However, there is a great demand for power units of this kind in the segments of garden equipment, for manufacturers of snowplows, snowmobiles, etc. Moreover, the requirements for integration and operational parameters in such cases differ sharply from automotive standards. In this regard, a whole segment of general-purpose engines was formed with an optimized design, but with different technical characteristics.
Appointment of units
Like other types of internal combustion engines, general-purpose power plants are used to generate and convert thermal energy into mechanical energy. Due to the optimization of this process in the technical and structural respect, the developers were able to offer this product to a wide range of consumers. Among them are manufacturers of gardening, construction, road, cleaning, boat and sports equipment and machinery. For example, in the construction segment, a general purpose engine can be used to support the function of compressor equipment. At the same time, the unit itself does not necessarily have to be integrated into the compressor design. The connection is carried out in a separate order, and the internal combustion engine works as a stand-alone generator powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. Manufacturers of gardening equipment often use small-sized engines as part of lawn mowers, motor cultivators, pumping stations, irrigation machines , etc. The largest and most powerful units of this type are used as part of power plants, special equipment, and snowmobiles.
The device of general purpose engines
The principle of operation is the same as that of standard ICEs. Accordingly, the device provides a similar set of structural elements with a group of cylinders, bearings, a crank mechanism and a shaft. The differences are only in size, configuration of the arrangement of parts and additional equipment. As for the dimensions, these are mostly compact units. On the one hand, size optimization is caused by the limitations of the technical and operational process (small sizes of the target equipment), and on the other hand, by increased environmental requirements (especially for garden equipment).
In terms of configuration, general-purpose engines are more diverse than conventional motors for automobiles. Versatility is manifested in the fact that an aggregate of one form factor can be suitable for several groups of target equipment from a wide variety of segments. For more ergonomic operation and expanding the integration capabilities of this type of ICE, auxiliary equipment is used. It can be frame platforms, devices with handles, frames and supporting platforms with a running gear.
Varieties of general-purpose engine
The configuration of the layout of functional elements is one of the key signs of separation of models. So, according to the location of the crankshaft, general-purpose ICEs are classified as follows:
- With a horizontal shaft. Such devices are more often used in the manufacture of construction equipment. For example, this group includes ICEs that ensure the operation of vibrating plates, cutters and some waterjet machines.
- With a vertical shaft. The optimal solution for small equipment, which is often controlled by the operator on weight. General purpose engines with a vertical shaft include power plants for lawn mowers and garden trimmers. In such designs, the cutting blades are fixed to the crankshaft without intermediate mechanisms, which just allows to reduce the size and weight of the equipment.
The design of the shaft itself also varies. It may have a conical or cylindrical shape. The first option is preferable from the point of view of ergonomics of placement, but the second differs in universality of use in principle.
Specifications
Mostly we are talking about small-sized lightweight units, but even in this segment there are differences in the ranges of indicators in technical and operational parameters. For example, there is a popular engine segment with power from 8 to 13 liters. from. Such aggregates are just more often used in garden equipment. Within the cylinder volume of up to 1 liter, the force potential can reach 25 liters. from. These are air-cooled diesel units, which can be used in construction and transport equipment. The same general-purpose diesel engine with a spindle speed of about 1,500 rpm is well distributed in the niche of industrial and commercial equipment. Domestic units are mainly equipped with high-frequency four-stroke units powered by gasoline fuel. However, the use of different general-purpose internal combustion engines depending on the consumption resource should be discussed separately.
The use of gasoline engines
An extensive group of power plants that find their place in the household, industry and even energy. For example, gas generators can be used for stand-alone power plants, at a remote construction site as a backup power source or in the power supply of a private house. The most famous manufacturers of such ICEs are Robin-Subaru, Kipor, Green Field and Honda. They also produce decent drive mechanisms for motoblocks, snowmobiles, construction and agricultural machinery. A typical representative of the segment is the Honda single-cylinder engine in the CV 530 modification. The unit is characterized by an upper valve arrangement, the presence of air cooling and a vertical shaft. A significant difference between this installation and diesel analogues can be called a high degree of environmental friendliness.
Diesel engine application
Diesel equipment traditionally wins in terms of power, which allows it to be used in equipping professional road and boat equipment. It is also an attractive solution for autonomous power supply, and unlike gasoline units, such ICEs have a higher working life with similar cost indicators in terms of maintenance. The standard device of general-purpose diesel engines is demonstrated by the German three-cylinder Deutz TD226B-3D unit, which is also considered one of the most economical and environmentally friendly in its class. These characteristics just became possible due to the presence of a full power take-off system (45-60 hp) from the flywheel for radial or axial drive. To this can be added water cooling with direct fuel injection.
The use of electric motors
General-purpose electric motors have their advantages, which is reflected in their environmental friendliness, low noise and small size. Of course, they have the lowest indicator of productivity, but this nuance does not interfere with the full use of this equipment in motorcycles, the same lawn mowers, electric shears and chain saws. Innovative solutions in the segment of general-purpose engines are regularly demonstrated by Siemens, producing models from 0.06 to 1000 kW. In the assortment of the company you can find aluminum and cast iron structures that are suitable for a wide variety of operating conditions.
Conclusion
The concept of general-purpose ICE is due to the need for technological progress, which expands the use of power equipment. Against this background, the tasks of unification of such equipment are logically aggravated. But the versatility of engines has its drawbacks. They are expressed in high cost, low power and maintenance problems. On the other hand, the Chinese general-purpose engines "Lifan", for all its drawbacks, which are manifested in the context of comparison with the same German units, show an example of combining versatility and decent consumer properties. And this is not to mention the low cost of these products, which are initially included in the budget segment. In part, domestic general-purpose internal combustion engines from VTZ, YaMZ and Altai-diesel are famous for the same advantages.