10 Best Tips on how to Enhance the diesel engine performance

how to Enhance diesel engine performance

It is not difficult to improve the performance of your diesel engine. However, there are a few key things that you need to do in order to achieve the best results. In this blog post, we will look at the four main areas that you need to focus on How to Enhance the diesel engine performance. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to improve the diesel engine performance.

 Apart from improving efficiency, it will also help refresh Engineers’ knowledge and understand various critical procedures.

In this post, I will avoid more theoretical terminology. I will use the academic language where it is essential for a better understanding of the topic. An explanation will be practical and straightforward to understand and follow. After reading the post, readers will be clear about the methods of improving Marine Diesel Efficiency.

With my 44 years of experience in the Operation and Maintenance of Marine Diesel Engines, I found the field is so challenging and exciting that the results are instantly available.

Let us start the topic now.

Before we get into the subject, we shall discuss in brief the following 

Important factors market requirement of Diesel engines.

1. High Engine Power
2. Low specific Fuel oil Consumption
3. Lower Propeller speed
4. Lower Cylinder Oil Consumption.
5. Lower SFOC at part charge air
6. Flexibility for Emission
7. Easy adjustment of parameters
8. Injection pressure is independent of Engine RPM.

Engine Performance parameters

Peak Pressure measurement

Peak pressure is the maximum pressure developed inside the engine cylinder when the cylinder is firing. The peak pressure is measured with the help of a peak pressure indicator that measures the maximum cylinder pressure of large Two and four stroke Engines. A peak pressure indicator features a non-return valve integrated in to a stainless steel body, a union nut, a pressure gauge and a handle. All the parts are stored safely in to a wooden instrument box.

Indicator Card Measurement

Indicator diagram is a graphic representation of gas pressure changes inside the cylinder of a piston engine w.r.t. the position of the piston. An indicator diagram is drawn by means of a indicator diagram machine. Indicator diagrams are taken to assess the performance of each unit of the engine. It is based on the indicator diagram that the overall performance of the engine is assessed.

Digital Pressure Monitoring by DPI

 DPI is an electric mode to monitor the power and performance of the Engine. With DPI, the variation in the Cylinder performance can be plotted and interpreted in graphical form to take corrective action.

Intelligent Combustion Monitoring

Intelligent combustion monitoring is a powerful tool for monitoring diesel engine performance. The combustion pressure is measured continuously and in parallel in each cylinder under all load conditions.

Continuous monitoring can protect an engine and detect any deviation from the OEM running conditions according to the performance curve recorded during the factory acceptance test.

Load-dependent alarm limits can be set by using the performance curves. An alarm will be generated when a parameter value exceeds the alarm limit.

Engine control parameters monitoring

This is the static tuning of an engine, in which valve timing, tappet clearances, Fuel injection timing, Vane opening angles in Variable turbocharger type, and lambda control are checked and corrected as per the OEM recommendations to achieve the best possible combustion efficiency. 

Engine parameters

By measuring the Engine performance and recording the EPD of the Engine, we can detect the deviation in the engine performance. In the EPD test, we record the Exhaust temperatures, peak pressures, compression pressures, fuel index, governor loading indicator position, charge air pressure, and temperatures.

Logbook monitoring

 Recording and comparing readings is the best, most accessible method to assess the engine performance. Usually, log books are ignored. Any professional engineer will go through the log book readings to ascertain the cause of the breakdown in an engine.

Emission from Engine

 Engine emit exhaust smoke after the combustion. The colon of the exhaust will indicate the engine performance and the problems related to fuel combustion, Lube oil being carried in the exhaust, and water leakages in the combustion system.

These parameters are used to measure the Performance of the Engine.

Power

1. Indicated: – Is the Power produced by burning the Fuel inside the cylinder.
2. Brake:- Power available at the crankshaft
3. Friction – This is the difference between Indicated Power and Brake Power.

Fuel Consumption

1. Indicated Specific Fuel Consumption
2. Brake Specific Fuel Consumption

Efficiency

1. Mechanical Efficiency of Diesel Engine: – This is the ratio of brake Power to the indicated power.

1. Brake Thermal Efficiency: – This is the ratio of the power available at the shaft to the input Fuel Energy. Brake power divided by ( mass of fuel/second X Calorific value of Fuel)
2. Indicated Thermal Efficiency: – Is the ratio of Indicated Power to the input energy. {Indicated Power (kJ/s)} divided by Energy in Fuel per second (kJ/s).
3. Volumetric Efficiency: – (Breathing Ability of an Engine) Ratio of the actual volume of air into the air intake system to the volume displaced in the cylinder. ( Actual volume of the Iar sucked in divided by the swept volume )
4. Air Standard Efficiency:-Is the Efficiency of the thermodynamic cycle of the Engine.
5. Relative Efficiency:- is the ratio of thermal Efficiency of an actual cycle to that of the ideal process.

 Engine efficiency

Definition of Engine efficiency:- 

Thermal Efficiency Of Marine Diesel Engine

Thermal Efficiency: The ratio in % of Heat Converted into work to total Heat supplied.

Thermal Efficiency=heat converted into helpful work /total Heat supplied

The following factors limit the efficiency of a combustion engine.

• Heat loss in Exhaust
• Loss due to Incomplete Combustion.
• Pumping Losses: _ Power loss to overcome adverse power difference
• Heat Losses in the cooling system
• Losses due to more viscous oils.
• Compression ratio
• Valve timing problems
• Lost motion effects in driving chains
• Energy consumption by Auxiliaries like Water and Lube oil Pumps.
• Friction Losses
• Speed
• Fuel Injection Equipment

How to Increase Diesel Engine Efficiency

 Engineers can do nothing much on the design aspects of an Engine. Engineers can only take the following steps.

Improving Internal Combustion Efficiency

• Fuel Injection Timing: – Advance the Fuel injection timing at Low Loads and reduce speed with the same mean adequate pressure will increase efficiency even at the inferior quality of fuel.
• Introduction of Turbocharger increases the charge Air pressure and helps in better fuel combustion. This process increases efficiency by 6 to 8%.
• Stoichiometric fuel- Air mixture (A mixture of fuel and air Ratio with fair sufficiency air for complete oxidization of all energy in the accumulation.)
• Changing the Inlet Valve and exhaust valve opening and closing timing will affect an engine’s efficiency by 5%.
• Cutting off the cylinder by half during the cruising period will reduce the fuel consumption significantly.
• Inject the fuel directly to the engine combustion chamber, and air–fuel mixes per the combustion chamber’s shape. This phenomenon increases the efficiency by 10%
• Use the Correct Type of Lubricant .by By maintaining the correct viscosity prevents the friction losses in the moving parts and attributes to increase the efficiency.
• The following process will increase the efficiency of any Diesel Engine.
• Viscosity of the fuel oil should be correct.

Proper atomization of fuel– In this process, the fuel valve atomizes the fuel and breaks the fuel into small droplets. These tiny droplets of fuel will 

1. Will mix with the air and form a homogeneous mixture. This homogeneous mixture will burn adequately, and complete combustion will take place. Any complete combustion will increase fuel efficiency.
2. Ensuring the correct injection pressure with respect to compression pressure will help properly penetrate fuel deep into the combustion chamber. This process will help in proper uniform combustion inside the combustion chamber. Uniform combustion will help in increasing efficiency.
3. Providing the suitable turbulence of air and fuel mixture by the piston crown shape will help in the better swirling of mixture inside the combustion chamber and help in efficient fuel burning, increasing the efficiency of Engine.

Results of all the above processes can be seen as clear Exhaust. A clear exhaust indicates efficient burning of fuel and maximum possible heat energy conversion into mechanical energy.

If the smoke persists, then it will display the after-burning process and is also the cause of reducing the efficiency. Proper atomization and the correct amount of air with the right fuel timing will reduce the phenomenon of after burning.

Good quality fuel will reduce pre-flame combustion and uncontrolled combustion inside the combustion chamber during the ignition in the compression stroke.

Best Vibration Meter

This is one of the best vibration meters. The features of this meter are listed below

• Pen type Pocket Size instrument. LCD Display. Compact Size. It is light and easy to carry.
• It can measure acceleration, velocity and displacement.
• Simple Two Key Operations. Auto Power Off facility.
• Acceleration: 0.01-199.9m/s2(peak value). Velocity: 0.01-199.9mm/s (effective value). Displacement: 0.001-1.999mm (peak-peak value).
• Acceleration Frequency Response: 10 Hz-1 kHz. Velocity Frequency Response: 10Hz-1kHz. Displacement Frequency Response: 10 Hz-500Hz.

Best Marine Engineering Books

Troubleshooting and Repairing Diesel Engines

This hands-on guide shows, step by step, how to save time and money by learning to identify and fix virtually any diesel engine problem yourself. Thoroughly updated to cover the latest advances in diesel technology, Troubleshooting and Repairing Diesel Engines, Fifth Edition contains hundreds of drawings, schematics, and photographs to ensure success and avoid frustration. This fully revised classic resource equips you with all of the techniques you need to keep diesel engines running in top condition.
Inside, you’ll find:•Up-to-date coverage of biodiesel and green fuels •Step by step troubleshooting procedures •New engine repair procedures and tools •The latest turbocharging methods•Details on new diesel/hydrogen and diesel/methane engines

Diesel Generator Handbook

Diesel Generator Handbook meets the need for an authoritative reference work covering the range of mechanical and electrical topics embodied in the practical design and application of diesel generating plant. It will be particularly welcomed in many parts of the developing world where the diesel generator is basic to the electricity supply system.

The discussion covers, in fifteen chapters, the prime mover, power ratings, synchronous generators, load assessment, control principles and systems, switchgear and controlgear, standby power, fuels and lubricating oilss, installation and commissioning, noise reduction, and plant operation and maintenance.

The book thus caters for all who are concerned with the selection, specification, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of diesel-based generator systems: not only the practising plant or services engineers, but also non-specialist engineers and users. The young technician or trainee engineer who is embarking on a career in the supply industry will find this handbook an invaluable investment.

L L J Mahon, FIEE, FBIM, after an engineering apprenticeship with BTH in Rugby, gained over 30 years’ experience in the design, development, manufacture, installation and commissioning of both stationary and highly specialised mobile diesel generator plant for a range of applications.

Reeds Diesel Engine Troubleshooting Handbook

Most diesel engines will develop a problem at some point in their lives, but armed with the right knowledge a skipper needn’t worry.
The ReedsDiesel Engine Troubleshooting Handbook is a compact, pocket-sized guide to finding solutions to all of the most common engine problems, and many of the less common ones too. The perfect format for quick reference on board, this book will help skippers fix troublesome engines themselves, avoiding costly engineer fees if the problem is simple to sort out, or enabling an emergency patch-up for a more serious problem until they can get back to port.

Each topic addresses a particular engine problem, and gives clear step by step instructions with helpful colour photographs and diagrams showing exactly what to do. Straightforward and accessible, the Reeds Diesel EngineTroubleshooting Handbook should be an essential part of any skipper’s DIY toolkit – and perfect for slipping in the pocket.

Marine Diesel Engines: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair

If you own a small marine diesel engine that you depend on–at least occasionally–this book was written for you. Nigel Calder, a diesel mechanic of many years’ experience, a good writer, and perceptive teacher, has written a guide that is clear, logical, and acutally interesting. A boatowner born with a monkey wrench in his hand will find Marine Diesel Engines useful and agreeable; a mechanical illiterate will find it a godsend.

Here in nine extensively illustrated chapters is everything you need to keep you diesel engine running cleanly and efficiently–saving you a world of frustration, discomfort, and even peril, not to mention time-and-a-half weekend mechanics’ charges.

“One of the best books on marine diesels to appear in some time.”–Ocean Navigator

“The most up-to-date and readable book we’ve seen on the subject.”–Sailing World

“Even if you never intend to put a spanner near your engine, and know your mechanic’s home phone number by heart, this book deserves a place on any diesel-powered boat.”–Motor Boat & Yachting, London

“Clear, logical, and even interesting to read.”–Cruising World

Marine Engineer Password Log Book

This is a great gift for any Marine Engineer. The Gag Gift Pocket Log Book is perfect for holding your personal information. With a capacity of 400+ passwords, this log book is perfect for holding your important Marine Engineer secrets. The ISI Log is perfect for tracking your job progress and the Owned Emails Log is perfect for tracking your personal and professional emails. The Important Contacts (Address Book) Section has space for 90+ contacts and the Important Notes Section 137 pages is 6×9 inches small, which makes it easy to carry and store.

Introduction to Marine Engineering 

Introduction to Marine Engineering discusses machineries and related equipment in ships.
The book first gives an introduction to the kinds of ships and their machineries. The manuscript also discusses diesel engines. Gas exchange process; power measurement; compositions of two-stroke and four-stroke cycle diesel engines; starting air system; turning gear; and common marine diesel engines are described. The text also highlights steam turbines and boilers. Turbine construction, gearing, boiler arrangements, boiler operation, and coal-fired boilers are discussed. The book also looks at feed systems, pumps and pumping systems, fuel and lubricating oils and their treatment, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration.

World’s Greatest Marine Engineer-Two Year Planner

This 2022-2023 Monthly Calendar Planner includes a full 2 year from January 2022 to December 2023.
These calendars are great, very simple, and include a lots of space for notes or plans.
Keep an eye on important deadlines unique events reminders and even more in style

Book Details:

• 24-month pocket calendar 2022-2023.
• One month per every two pages spread.
• January 2022 – December 2023.
• 2022-2023 Yearly Overview.
• Contact Name, and Notes.
• Personal Information Pages.
• Plenty of space to jot down events, goals, or jobs to do throughout the week.
• Printed on quality paper.
• Size in 8.5x11in.
• Best for Christmas gift and New Year gift.

Marine engineers’ pocket book

Frequently Asked Questions

Blog Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our article on the How to improve diesel engine performance. This is a great place to start for any students who are interested in learning more about diesel engines! We hope you found the information in this article helpful, and we would love to hear from you if you have any further questions or comments. If you have any other topics you would like to see us cover, please let us know by visiting https://marinediesel.co.in/contact-us/. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, and we are always excited when one of our posts is able to provide useful information on a topic like this!