10 Best Tips on how to Enhance the diesel engine performance

how to Enhance diesel engine performance

Enhancing diesel engine performance is more straightforward than many might think. This article delves into four pivotal areas to optimize diesel engine efficiency. Plus, we’ll share valuable insights on boosting its performance.

Addressing these areas boosts engine efficiency and serves as a refresher for Engineers, reinforcing their understanding of essential procedures.
I will refrain from using excessively technical language throughout this post, only using academic terminology where it is necessary to make a point. The objective is to present a practical, understandable manual.

The goal is to provide a hands-on, easy-to-grasp guide. You’ll have a lucid understanding of methods to elevate Marine Diesel Efficiency by the end.
Drawing from my extensive 44-year journey in the Operation and Maintenance of Marine Diesel Engines, I can attest to the dynamic and rewarding nature of the field. One of its most exhilarating aspects? Seeing immediate results from your efforts.

Let us start the topic now.

Before delving deep into our main topic, let’s briefly touch upon the following essential factors concerning the market demand for Diesel engines:

• The need for high-engine power
• Emphasis on low specific fuel oil consumption
• Preference for reduced propeller speed
• The desire for minimal cylinder oil consumption
• Lower SFOC with partial charge air
• Flexibility in meeting emission standards
• Ease in adjusting engine parameters
• Injection pressure that remains unaffected by engine RPM.

Engine Performance parameters

Peak Pressure measurement

Peak pressure represents the pinnacle of pressure achieved within an engine cylinder during its firing phase. Professionals employ a specialized tool known as a peak pressure indicator to gauge this paramount pressure in substantial two and four-stroke engines. This device is meticulously designed to capture the zenith of cylinder pressure. At its core, the indicator boasts a non-return valve seamlessly embedded within a durable stainless steel frame. Complementing its design are a union nut, a precision pressure gauge, and a user-friendly handle.

To ensure the integrity and longevity of these components, they’re securely housed within a robust wooden instrument box. This careful packaging protects the equipment and ensures that measuring peak pressure is accurate and efficient, a testament to the blend of engineering precision and user-centric design.

Indicator Card Measurement

The indicator diagram serves as a graphical display illustrating the fluctuations in gas pressure inside an engine cylinder concerning the piston’s position. An indicator diagram machine crafts this visual representation. Engineers use indicator diagrams to evaluate the performance of individual engine units. By analyzing these diagrams, they can determine the engine’s overarching efficiency and performance. This method emphasizes the importance of capturing accurate readings, as these diagrams form the foundation for understanding and optimizing engine health and functionality.

Digital Pressure Monitoring by DPI

DPI, or Digital Pressure Indicator, represents a modern approach to overseeing an engine’s power and overall performance. This electronic method offers a sophisticated means to capture the intricacies of cylinder performance. Engineers can seamlessly track and chart these variations using DPI, presenting them in an understandable graphical format. This visual representation, distilled from raw data, allows for a more intuitive understanding of the engine’s state.

This clear insight provides a foundation for timely decision-making and precise corrective actions. In an era increasingly reliant on digital solutions, DPI stands out as a tool that marries technology with the tangible, ensuring engines operate at optimal efficiency while simplifying the monitoring process for professionals.

Intelligent Combustion Monitoring

Intelligent combustion monitoring stands at the forefront of tools designed to oversee diesel engine performance. This system measures the combustion pressure consistently and simultaneously across all cylinders, regardless of load conditions.

Continuous surveillance safeguards the engine by pinpointing deviations from the original manufacturer’s operational conditions. These conditions adhere to the performance curve established during the factory acceptance test.

By referencing these performance curves, users can set load-dependent alarm thresholds. The system promptly triggers an alarm if parameter values breach these set limits. This immediate alert system ensures timely interventions, bolstering the engine’s health and prolonging its operational lifespan. With technology’s aid, intelligent combustion monitoring offers a blend of precision and proactive maintenance, underscoring the importance of modern solutions in engine care.

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

When we measure engine performance and log the EPD (Engine Performance Data), it becomes possible to pinpoint any discrepancies in engine functioning. The EPD test captures crucial data points like exhaust temperatures, peak pressures, compression pressures, fuel index, governor loading indicator position, and charge air pressure and temperatures. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate tracking and optimization of engine health and performance.

Understanding these parameters is pivotal for maintaining the engine’s longevity and ensuring optimal operation. Each data point offers insights into different aspects of the engine’s condition. For instance, exhaust temperatures can indicate combustion efficiency, while variations in peak pressures might hint at irregularities within the combustion chamber.

Regularly monitoring and analyzing these parameters facilitates proactive maintenance. Instead of reacting to issues after they manifest, engineers can anticipate potential problems and address them in their early stages. This extends the engine’s lifespan and contributes to more efficient fuel consumption and reduced operational costs.

Logbook monitoring

Regularly updating and maintaining a logbook can be invaluable over time. Every entry acts as a snapshot of the engine’s health at a particular moment. By charting these data points, engineers can discern patterns, detect anomalies, or predict potential issues before they escalate.

Furthermore, integrating electronic logbooks can offer more advanced analytics and automation capabilities in the digital transformation era, ensuring every crucial detail is noticed. Automated reminders, alerts, and predictive maintenance recommendations can emerge from this data, providing engineers with a comprehensive overview at their fingertips.

Yet, even with technological advancements, the foundational importance of diligently recording information in a logbook remains unchanged. Whether for troubleshooting, routine checks, or compliance with safety and operational standards, a well-maintained logbook is a tool and a testament to an engineer’s commitment to excellence.

Emission from Engine

After combustion, engines release exhaust fumes. The color of this exhaust can reveal insights into engine performance, pinpointing issues like incomplete fuel combustion, lube oil presence in the exhaust, or water leaks within the combustion system.

Furthermore, understanding the nuances of exhaust color can be a vital diagnostic tool for engineers. A black or dark exhaust often indicates incomplete combustion and inefficient fuel burn. Blue-tinted smoke indicates the burning of lube oil, possibly due to worn seals or rings. Meanwhile, white smoke can signify the presence of water or coolant in the combustion chamber, suggesting a potential leak or gasket failure.

Regularly monitoring the exhaust’s appearance and being attuned to any changes can lead to early detection of issues, allowing for timely interventions. Addressing these concerns promptly can prolong engine life, optimize fuel efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

Moreover, with growing environmental concerns and stricter emission regulations worldwide, ensuring engines produce cleaner exhaust has never been more crucial. This helps reduce the environmental footprint of engines and ensures compliance with international maritime and environmental standards.

In essence, the exhaust emitted from an engine tells a story. By interpreting this narrative accurately, engineers can ensure the engine operates at its peak, guaranteeing efficiency, longevity, and adherence to environmental standards.

Parameters to Measure Engine Performance

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

FAQ on “how to Enhance diesel engine performance”

Blog Conclusion

Optimizing the performance of a diesel engine is an art that marries technical knowledge with proactive maintenance. One can achieve peak diesel engine performance by closely monitoring vital parameters, understanding the engine’s unique requirements, and staying abreast of technological advances. As engines power us forward, it’s our responsibility to ensure they operate at their best, offering efficiency, reliability, and longevity. Investing time and care into performance enhancement techniques ensures smoother operations and contributes to a more sustainable and efficient future in diesel engines.