Design, Construction and Testing of a Telemetry System and Inductive Power Link for use in Engine Telemetry

Engineers and designers working to improve the characteristics of internal combustion engines require detailed knowledge about the dynamics of the piston, ring and bore whilst the engine is running. The information is used to validate and refine computer models and improve knowledge of the complex interactions that occur. The acquisition ofthis data is performed using an instrumentation system to convey data from the piston in real time. Probably the most popular system that exists for this purpose is a mechanical linkage which allows the direct connection of wires from an external computer to sensors on the piston. Whilst this is a reliable and well-proven system, the linkage has to be modified to suit each engine. This increases the cost and time required for installation. To counter these disadvantages, piston-mounted data telemetry systems can be used to transmit data from the sensors without the need for hard wiring. This thesis describes the design, construction and successful testing of a digital telemetry system using infra-red communication up to engine speeds of 4000rpm and a non-contact, inductive power supply. The inductive power supply was tested at extended periods at speeds up to 6OOOrpm and shown to be able to provide power to a piston-mounted telemetry system. The telemetry system was configured for temperature measurement and was used to measure temperature in a number of locations on the piston of a 21 Ford Zetec engine. The results obtained were in close agreement with those obtained using other techniques The work conclusively demonstrates the viability of this new and novel technology in the demanding environment of a running internal combustion engine.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

De Montfort University

Year dc:date.issued

1999

Author dc:creator

• Wilson, Richard Antony

Licence

• https://dora.dmu.ac.uk/bitstreams/5e060a47-820e-4209-aa01-39b792e929d4/download