Introduction
In engines used in vehicles, generators, and machinery, there are two popular configurations: horizontal and vertical. Every orientation comes with its own benefits and uses, which make them appropriate for various needs. In this blog post, we will explore horizontal engines and vertical engines in depth, examining their design, functionality, benefits, and uses.
Horizontal and vertical engines are identified by the line of stroke. If the line of stroke of an engine piston is vertical, then it is a vertical engine. The line of stroke of the horizontal engine is horizontal.In a reciprocating type of engine, primary and secondary forces of the reciprocating parts exist.These forces act along the line of stroke and depend on the crank position. These primary and secondary forces combine together and give maximum force to the engine crank when the crank is at TDC. Note that the primary and secondary forces increase with the square of the crank rpm.
Horizontal Engine
Design and Functionality
- In line with their name, the horizontals are crafter with cylinders that are in sequence with each other. This design allows having a lower center of gravity and hence making them well-suited for applications where the affecting factors of stability and space are important. As a rule, these engines are very broad and rather low they are in comparison to the vertical engines.
- The layout of a horizontal engine consists of crankshafts and camshafts aligned horizontally, which enables a wide ratio. This layout opens up not only repair services but also allows for the maintenance of parts that are readily accessible and placed at appropriate elevation.
Advantages
- The amount of horizontal engines horizontal kept the stress on the low center of gravity, which is excellent for equipments that need stability, so they can playfully be used in turf cutter, go-karts and industrial machinery.
- Although they are highly space-useful in terms of heights, getting engines are vertically applicable and well fit those programs where the vertical space is the limitation.
- Working with or over the horizontal type of engines is easier than with the vertical counterparts by replacing the crank and shaft and pistons.
- Since the stroke of the engine piston is horizontal in a horizontal engine, the inertial forces of the reciprocating parts, i.e. primary and secondary forces combine together and give an impulse to the chassis frame of the vehicle.If the cylinder head is towards the front of the vehicle, then a driving impulse is obtained from the engine.
- It should be clear that when the piston is at BDC, then the impulsive force is the difference (not sum) between the primary and the secondary forces. When the piston is at TDC, both these forces combine together and increase the impulsive force.
- The net result is that the excessive impulsive force slides the engine forward on a smooth floor, when the running engine is placed on the floor.Thus an engine having horizontal stroke tends to push forward the moped or the scooter by its impulsive forces.
Disadvantages
- The crankcase cannot be used for storing lubricating oil for splash lubrication.Therefore petrol lubrication system is used in the two-stroke cycle engine and pressure lubrication system is used in four-stroke cycle horizontal engine.
- In the horizontal engine, weight of the piston is carried by the cylinder liner. This causes excessive wear at the lower side of the piston and cylinder liner where the cylinder liner gives support to the piston.
- The lubricating oil, which dribbles from the bearings does not return to the crank case but is thrown out by centrifugal forces. This cause more consumption of lubricating oil in a horizontal engine.
Applications
- Lawnmowers and garden equipment
- Small generators and compressors
- Go-karts and recreational vehicles
- Industrial machinery and equipment
Vertical Engines
Design and Functionality
- Vertically orientated engines run cylinders vertically as well as craft the crankshaft and camshaft directionally. The propeller shaft, along with the crankshaft, will often protrude from the bottom, which causes a narrower footprint of the vertical engine compared to horizontal engines. Apart from rocket engines, vertical engines can be successfully used under particular circumstances when the saving of area and easy installation are of utmost importance.
- The provision of a room for the vertical orientation of components in these engines can result in difficulties of accessibility for repairs and maintenance especially in tight spaces. Meanwhile, the design advancements have managed to mitigate various obstacles related to accessibility.
Advantages
- Horizontal engines have this particular advantage of saving space as they can simply be packed or mounted vertically. This makes them perfect for any small applications that operate from limited horizontal space like in lawnmowers, pumps or generators.
- Unlike traditional engines with their longer and wider configuration, vertical engines are typically much smaller and their vertical orientation makes the installation in different kinds of equipment and machinery much faster and easier.
- Furthermore, commonly the placement of engine vertically will ensure air circulation around it during operation, which in turn prevents overheating.
- The vertical engine has vertical stroke of the piston. The crankcase is at the bottom and stores lubricating oil for splash lubrication.
- The lubricating oil which dribbles from the bearings and other engine parts is collected in the crankcase and then reused after filtering.
- The weight of the piston is carried by the crank. Therefore, the weight of the piston does not wear the cylinder liner during motion.
Disadvantages
- In a vertical engine the primary and secondary forces caused due to inertia of the reciprocating
parts combine together and produce tensile dynamic stresses on the foundation bolts. - This gives vertical vibrations to the vehicle chassis frame, which can be felt by the passengers sitting in the vehicle. Also, the foundation bolts may get fatigue failure.
Applications
- Lawnmowers and garden equipment
- Pumps for collecting and irrigation.
- Small generators and compressors
- These power machines are found on all type of vessels.
Conclusion
There are both crosswise machines and up-n-down machines engines with their own unique types and advantages for different goals and purposes of the machine and equipment that they power. A horizontal engine has advantages in terms of stability and simplicity of servicing thus, a vertical engine is much easier in terms of space-saving and installation. Enlightening yourselves with these differences can help to determine the best way to position the engine within your project, for different apps.