Advancing Sustainable Propulsion: A Holistic Examination and Optimization of a Six-Cylinder Compressed Air Radial Engine Design

This paper delineates the conceptualization and examination of a radial engine comprising six cylinders powered exclusively by high-pressure compressed air, rendering it an environmentally friendly, zero-pollution propulsion system. The engine harnesses the pressure energy inherent in compressed air to drive the reciprocating motion of pistons within the cylinder configuration, thereby generating mechanical output. The strategic integration of six cylinders not only ensures the requisite engine balance but also augments overall efficiency.

Each pair of cylinders, constituting two in total, features pistons positioned 180 degrees apart in opposing phases. Upon introduction of compressed air into the cylinder, the piston initiates movement from Top Dead Center (TDC) to Bottom Dead Center (BDC), propelled by the pressure energy of the compressed air. Upon reaching BDC, the exhaust port opens, allowing expanded air to exit. This cyclical process unfolds across all six cylinders, sustaining a continuous power generation phase.

The design of the six-cylinder compressed air engine adheres to a standard crankcase using CATIA V5. Employing ANSYS WORKBENCH 14.0, a Finite Element Method is employed to conduct stress analysis. This analysis illuminates stress magnitude variations at critical locations within components such as the piston, crankcase, and connecting rod. Subsequent to the analysis, the dimensions of these components are optimized based on the obtained results.

The stress analysis and optimization of the six-cylinder compressed air engine, focusing on critical components like the piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft, revealed a satisfactory level of safety and reliability. Leveraging tools such as CATIA V5 and ANSYS Workbench 14.0, the study meticulously considered material properties, ensuring a robust analysis that affirms the components' durability under various mechanical loads.

The paper further delves into practical implications by proposing the fabrication of the designed engine for physical testing. This move from theoretical analysis to practical validation underscores a commitment to translating innovative designs into tangible, functional prototypes. Additionally, the study's broader implications resonate with the urgent need for environmentally sustainable technologies. In addressing pollution and fossil fuel depletion concerns, the compressed air engine emerges as a promising innovation. The paper advocates for the engine's potential as an alternative fuel source for automobiles, presenting a tangible solution for sustainable transportation. Despite these promising aspects, the paper remains cognizant of the necessity for ongoing research to solidify the compressed air engine's commercial and technical viability, emphasizing the importance of sustained exploration and development in realizing its full potential.