Comparative Study of the Economics of Batch and Continuous Lubricant Supply Processes in Internal Combustion Engines

This study presents a comparative analysis of the economics of batch and continuous lubricant supply process strategies in internal combustion engines (ICEs). A phenomenological model based on mass balance equations was developed to describe the dynamics of lubricant precursor depletion, film formation, and film removal under both supply strategies. The results demonstrate that the continuous supply system achieves a steady-state condition that ensures stable film thickness and a significant reduction in lubricant consumption compared with the batch strategy. Sensitivity analyses reveal that both the kinetic constant and the film removal rate strongly influence lubricant make-up requirements, defining a feasibility region for process operation. Under supercritical conditions, the batch strategy exhibits rapid precursor overconsumption; in contrast, the continuous strategy maintains minimal excess. The findings suggest that continuous lubrication process strategy can substantially improve economic and environmental performance in ICEs when properly designed and operated within feasible kinetic and mechanical limits.