M.E.

Q. Explain why power card alone is insufficient for accurate assessment

of engine performance. [5]
- Suggestive reasons minimum information required before and accurate
assessment of an engine performance. [6]
- Explain the value of draw card & light spring diagram in assessing
cylinder condition. [5]

Engines accurate performance is ability of engine to produce rated

output at corresponding load (i.e. max. continuous rating 100% RPM, 100%
load) within allowable limits of temperature and pressure and with
specific fuel oil consumption, lubricating oil and cylinder oil
consumption minimum.
Power card alone shows indicated Horsepower, Indicated mean effective
pressure, maximum pressure and can be calculated for work done of the
cylinder.
Power card does not show the condition of combustion, scavenging and
exhausting condition and compression pressure before ignition. Power
card alone cannot be considered about scavenge ports & exhaust port
choking.
So power card alone is insufficient for accurate assessment of engine
performance.
Power card alone cannot be detected the existence of beginning of any
fault to prevent serious breakdown.

Required minimum information

1.Barometic pressure
It can influence Turbocharger efficiency and scavenge efficiency;
consequently to achieve performance admixture of air and fuel
ratio, to reduce specific fuel oil consumption and to increase power
output.
2.Draft forward and aft (draught)
It can influence the hull and propeller condition, which can affect
the determining of engine performance.
3.Total running hour
It is required to identify of observation time.
4.Engine revolution per minute
It is required for power calculation.
5.Maximum pressure and Compression pressure.
It is to determine the cylinder and combustion ratio.
6.Fuel index and Variable Injection timing index.
It is to determine the fuel system condition & power estimation.
7.Exhaust temperature
It is to determine the exhaust value and combustion condition.
8.Exhaust temperature before and after turbocharger
- Turbocharger revolution per minute
- Differential pressure of air suction filter of turbocharger
- Differential air pressure of change air cooler
- Scavenge air pressure
- Scavenge air temperature
These are to determine the T/C efficiency, heat load on engine, power
estimation, air filter condition, air cooler condition, the ratio of
the pressure, compression and scavenge pressure.
9.Specific cylinder oil consumption, specific fuel oil consumption,
jacket cooling in/out temperatures are also to be recorded for the
performance of engine.
After taking these information and by comparing with trial running
test record, can determine the performance of engine.
 M.E.K

The values of out of phase diagram and light spring diagram in assessing
cylinder condition.

From out of phase diagram(Draw card) following values can be revealed: -

- Early ignition /Late ignition
- Leaky fuel valve / Choke fuel valve
- Incorrect fuel valve opening pressure
- After burning
- Ignition delay
- Unsuitable fuel quality
- Loss of compression
- Defective fuel pump timing
- Pressure change during fuel combustion

The light spring diagram will show how the pressure drop occurred during
exhausting and scavenging period. By study the expansion line, pressure
drops till the scavenge port open, scavenging take place at the pressure
of the air box shows a clearness of exhaust passage & scavenging system.
It can be revealed: -
- Early opening of exhaust valve or burning of exhaust valve
- Late opening of exhaust valve or choked exhaust port
- Leaking or late inlet v/v or choked scavenge ports
- Foul charge air cooler.