PR-309-14209-R01 Field Demo of Integrated Expert Level Continuous Performance Monitoring

Prior PRCI funded projects identified the ability of a continuous engine performance monitor (CEPM) to fulfill the likelihood of industry acceptance as a Performance Monitoring alternative to a Continuous Emission Monitoring System CEMS in future monitoring requirements for typical pipeline engines. This current project investigated an integrated and expert level monitoring system on a pipeline engine equipped with a CEPM system and assessed the ability of this expert system to detect ignition and combustion related problems. The system demonstrated the ability to detect combustion faults down to the level of individual pre-combustion chamber. It also demonstrated the potential to distinguish between spark ignition faults and pre-combustion chamber fueling problems.