DVIGATELESTROENIYE # 3 (237) 2009

SYNOPSIS

VITU IS 70 YEARS OLD

In June 2009 the Military Engineering University (VITU) celebrates its 70th Anniversary VITU is reputed as a leading national University specialized in training of construction and mechanical engineers for military infrastructure facilities. The University boasts a number of renowned scientific schools covering various construction and mechanical engineering disciplines.

Functionality of military infrastructure facilities critically depends on autonomous power supply systems, which thus became a major factor defining technical level of such facilities. VITU Diesel Gen Set Department, which boasts a solid scientific school and unique research & test facilities, successfully addresses scientific and technical issues involved in the perfection of engines and alternative power sources for various consumers.

ANALYSES, DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF ENGINES

Dependencies are proposed that allow numerical evaluation of piston-cylinder-unit parts' temperatures at the design stage, based on statistical analysis of engine temperature profiles. Said dependencies are applicable to analyses of air and liquid cooling systems.

AUTOMATION AND DIAGNISTICS

The principles are discussed of engine status quantitative assessment through use of indicator diagram, based on identification theory. The article refers to practical implementation of the method in question on locomotive engine type 16CHN26/26.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Data are cited of the amount of cars currently in service in Russian Federation, and atmospheric pollution involved. Absolute mass of air pollutants from cars in year 2006 is shown to decrease by 1,7 % (for the first time in the last 15 years), despite the increase in the number of vehicles and volume of cargo transported. This became possible as a result of improvement in car engine environmental performance and the enactment of Special technical regulations.

FUELS. LUBRICANTS

The article contains the analysis of summary friction losses in a high-speed petrol engine as a function of motor oil high-temperature viscosity. It is shown that motor oil for a particular application should be selected taking account of not only SAE and API classifications, but also oil viscosity vs. temperature curve, with reference to work temperatures typical to the piston ring�cylinder liner interface.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ISSUES

The article discusses the results of a research targeted at the improvement of start-up performance and dynamic characteristics of diesel engine exposed to low ambient temperatures. It was proposed to inject a flammable liquid mixed with diesel fuel into engine cylinders as a means to improve engine start- up performance. Furthermore, heating time may be optimized through partial cylinder cut-out. A method is offered to control engine start-up and acceleration processes based on signals from ignition start angle sensors.

The results are presented of pre-start heating system tests. The engine type ZMS 4063.10 powers fire-fighter truck type ASM-41-02-2M2, and features phase change heat accumulator (PCHA). PCHA is demonstrated as a means to considerably improve engine start-up and heating performance in winter conditions. The system in question is highly efficient, fire-safe and simple in maintenance. Furthermore, it requires no additional fuel.

ENGINE BUILDING HISTORY

Externally heated engines based on regenerative closed-loop cycle take undeservedly little place in engine building history. Stirling engine invented at the beginning of XIX century provides a number of benefits such as multi-fuel capacity, high fuel efficiency, environmental safety, and low noise. It needs no mass exchange with atmosphere, and may operate under water, in space, etc. Nowadays scope of Stirling engine applications is pretty wide. Such engines are growingly used as autonomous environment-friendly power sources.