Methods of Real-Time Parametric Diagnostics for Marine Diesel Engines

Abstract Using modern high-performance microcontrollers with wireless interfaces, built-in ADCs and low overall consumption, we develop a portable, real-time parametric diagnostic system for marine engines. The system is based on the use of modern Android/iOS gadgets that receive information from sensors via Bluetooth and then carry out the necessary calculations and display charts and data in real time. The system developed here uses a combination of a gas pressure sensor in the working cylinder and a vibroacoustic sensor, which expands the diagnostic capabilities of marine diesel engines under operating conditions. This solution allows for diagnosis of the fuel injection system, the valve train mechanism, and several other engine systems. In order to develop a portable diagnostic system for marine diesel engines, it is first necessary to solve the problem of analytically determining top dead centre (TDC), since such a system does not use special sensors for this. An algorithm for determining TDC is proposed here, based on an analysis of the measured pressure diagram rather than its derivative, which minimises the influence of digital and analogue noise. Our algorithm for determining TDC and subsequent data synchronisation is applicable in the absence of information about the actual compression ratio in the cylinder, which is a typical scenario for modern engines with variable valve timing. The algorithm also works under conditions of only approximate data on the charge air pressure, which are refined during the iteration process. A formula is proposed for determining the initial TDC position. Parameters for irregular operation of the engine are considered, and can be calculated in real time using time diagrams of pressure and vibration. Methods for expressly assessing the stability of the functioning of the main engine systems by monitoring and analysing a number of successive operating cycles are considered. To assess the unevenness of operation of the engine, a dispersion estimate of the deviations in the main parameters is used. To enable a comprehensive assessment of the engine stability in real time, the CII (cycle irregularity index) criterion is developed. The data processing methods described in this article provide an accurate estimate of the indicated power, due to the precise determination of TDC, thereby enabling an analysis of the stability of the operating cycles, optimal tuning of the engine systems, and monitoring of the results during operation.