TURBO-CHARGER BEARING MONITOR
First Claim
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1. A system for monitoring operational condition of a turbocharger installed on a vehicle from an external housing for the turbocharger, the system comprising:
- at least a first vibration sensor for the external housing;
means for defining a nominal operational vibration level; and
a data processing facility for comparing the nominal operational vibration level with vibration readings generated by the at least first vibration sensor and indicating departure at a threshold level from the nominal operational vibration level.
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Abstract
Turbocharger operational condition is monitored using vibration and temperature sensors to project probable bearing failure. Baseline or nominal vibration levels and heat generation are established under conditions when bearing condition can be taken with confidence to be close to nominal. Departure in operating temperature and vibration at a threshold level from baseline operational condition is taken as an indication of probable failure.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring operational condition of a turbocharger installed on a vehicle from an external housing for the turbocharger, the system comprising:
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at least a first vibration sensor for the external housing; means for defining a nominal operational vibration level; and a data processing facility for comparing the nominal operational vibration level with vibration readings generated by the at least first vibration sensor and indicating departure at a threshold level from the nominal operational vibration level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An internal combustion engine monitoring system comprising:
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at least a first vibration sensor for an engine turbocharger; means for defining a nominal operational vibration level for the turbocharger; and a data processing facility for comparing the nominal operational vibration level with vibration readings generated by the at least first vibration sensor and indicating departure at a threshold level from the nominal operational vibration level. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A method of monitoring bearing condition for a turbocharger, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a nominal peak to peak vibration levels and heat generation for a turbocharger at predetermined engine operating conditions; monitoring turbocharger peak to peak vibration levels and heat generation during engine operation; and indicating expected failure when peak to peak vibration levels or heat generation exceed nominal peak to peak vibration levels and heat generation levels during engine operation at the predetermined engine operating conditions.
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Specification