Integrated Simulation Framework for Assessing Turbocharger Fault Effects on Diesel-Engine Performance and Operability

Abstract

Turbocharged diesel engines are extensively used in marine vessels, both as propulsion engines and as generator sets. The engines operation in the hostile marine environment results to performance degradation having a negative effect on the economics of the marine vessel's operation both in terms of fuel consumption and maintenance. This paper presents a turbocharged 4-stroke diesel engine simulation framework based on one-dimensional calculations and analysis. The framework is suitable for turbomachinery and heat exchanger components fault simulation predicting both turbocharger and diesel engine performance and operability. Meanline models were used in conjunction with beta lines method for generating accurate and detailed compressor and turbine performance maps, coupled with a single zone closed-cycle diesel engine model for generating engine performance characteristics. The simulation framework modules are adjusted and validated against measured data. Following specific faults are simulated utilizing physical consistent parameters such as blade friction and thickness based on relevant literature data. Overall system simulation and operation analysis is carried out assessing operability and performance parameters. Analysis results show a significant reduction in engine performance, especially in case of both turbo-components being fouled (22% power reduction), in contrast with the heat exchanger fouling where the power reduction is about 1%.

A Marine Turbocharger Retrofitting Platform

“…The validation has been extensively described in another publication of the group of the authors (Ntonas et al). [12].…”

“…For original turbocharger operation analysis, having measured and using as input the original T/C geometry, in combination with the available shop trials data, the calculation of turbocharged diesel engine operation is performed [12]. The calculated and the measured specific fuel consumption against engine power are presented in Figure 4 for five different operating points (Load: 25, 50, 75, 100 and 110%).…”

“…model, as well as the entire turbocharged diesel engine, has been performed. The validation has been extensively described in another publication of the group of the authors (Ntonas et al) [12]. The platform is applied to a retrofitting test case for a diesel engine operating in the field.…”

A novel methodology for marine dual fuel engines sensors diagnostics and health management

“…The in-range faults were detected by the second fault detection level by considering localised models where the respective data points were clustered by Gaussian mixture models with an expectation maximisation algorithm. Ntonas et al 11 developed a framework for turbomachinery and heat exchanger components fault simulation for predicting both turbocharger and diesel engine performance and operability by developing a marine four-stroke diesel engine simulation model validated against measured data.…”

Performance In-Live of Marine Engines: A Tool for Its Evaluation

“…All these techniques, which are actually very effective, currently have the limit of providing for the offline processing of the data obtained in the monitoring and subsequent adjustment of the engine. However, numerous studies [8][9][10][11][12] have demonstrated the possibility of simulating engine operation with remarkable precision.…”