Effects of Emissions from Unburned Hydrocarbons under Cold Start Term Paper

Effects of Emissions from Unburned Hydrocarbons under Cold Start - Term Paper Example The present research seeks to critically investigate the potential effects of emissions from unburned hydrocarbons under cold start. Emissions from unburned hydrocarbons under cold start are a serious problem in many diesel and gasoline automotive engines that is generally characterized by generation excessive extra emissions of pollutants. The problem particularly occurs in the initial few minutes of starting an engine when it still cold and has not achieved its optimal operating temperature, thereby resulting in inefficient and incomplete combustion. A cold start is common, as weather conditions in most climates will naturally be at a lower temperature than the typical operating temperatures of an engine. Additionally, extra emissions related to cold start may also occur when one ignites the engine of an abandoned or inactive vehicle for a significant amount of time (Raja and Arasu, 2014). While a number of previous studies have focused on the phenomenon of the extra emissions related to the conditions of cold start, little is known about the, magnitude of its potential effects. In the event of cold start, the engine compression is higher as the lack of heat makes ignition more difficult. Secondly the low temperatures cause engine oil to become more viscous, making it difficult to circulate. Similarly, the air becomes denser and affects the air-fuel ratio, which in turn affects the flammability of the mixture.