Operating performance of a simple hydraulic dynamometer using vane pump

Abstract

To investigate engine performance in detail, a high-precision power-loading device is required. Many regions and countries need to develop sustainable engines and fuels, and so there is a demand for simple engine performance investigations. In this study, a simple hydraulic dynamometer using a vane pump for engine testing was developed and its operational performance was investigated. A single-cylinder diesel engine was used as the prime mover. The load on the prime mover was controlled by controlling the discharge flow rate. All tests were performed with the prime mover rotation speed set at 2400 rpm. Torque was obtained from the measured value of load cell value and an equation with the discharge flow rate and discharge pressure of the vane pump. The experimental results showed that the torque was calculated by absorbing the power of the prime mover. However, there was a discrepancy between the experimental results and numerical calculations. This difference could be compensated for by considering the moment generated in the device. In addition, it successfully applied torque for diesel operated in different fuel such as diesel and emulsified diesel fuel. Time series data for torque using different fuels has been presented and showing the clear fluctuations difference for each fuel sample.

Keyword: Dynamometer, Hydraulic power, Vane pump, Diesel engine, Torque