A natural gas engine performance monitoring system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a natural gas engine performance monitoring system and method, and relates to the technical field of engines, which comprises a controller, a quality sensor and a pressure sensor; the quality sensor comprises an engine oil quality sensor and an exhaust gas flow quality sensor; the engine oil quality sensor is used for detecting oil quality information of engine oil under static state; the exhaust gas flow quality sensor is used for detecting engine gas leakage and gas quality information under static state and dynamic state; the pressure sensor is used for detecting crankcase pressure under static state and dynamic state; under static state, the controller judges whether the engine oil is replaced according to the data collected by the engine oil quality sensor, and judges whether the engine can start to run according to the data collected by the exhaust gas flow quality sensor and the pressure sensor; under dynamic state, the controller can judge whether the dynamic measurement value of the engine is within a pressure difference range according to the data collected by the exhaust gas flow quality sensor and the pressure sensor, and torque limit is performed if the dynamic measurement value exceeds the pressure difference range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of engine technology, specifically relating to a natural gas engine performance monitoring system and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of trucks, the maintenance of trucks is receiving increasing attention. Among these, the maintenance of lubricating oil for natural gas engines in trucks has become an important topic, as the quality of the oil affects the engine's lubrication effect, fuel consumption, and lifespan.

[0003] The working environment for full-truckload freight is relatively harsh, and the quality of fuel and maintenance of natural gas engines cannot be guaranteed in a timely and effective manner due to the influence of mileage, speed and load. This is because oil filters are usually only replaced after the required maintenance mileage. Moreover, the quality of engine oil and oil filters on the market varies, which cannot guarantee that the engine maintenance will be in the best condition. Furthermore, if the engine does not reach its optimal performance during vehicle operation, it will further exacerbate the problem of poor engine maintenance. Once poor maintenance occurs, internal parts of the vehicle are prone to damage, and if damaged parts are not detected in time, it can lead to greater safety accidents.

[0004] Currently, the composition of the crankcase gas in a natural gas engine cannot be detected; only the crankcase pressure can be checked via sensors. This replacement method does not consider potential problems under special circumstances, nor does it take into account the main gas components of the crankcase exhaust. For example, in situations with short engine mileage, harsh working environments, and inconsistent oil quality, engine parts are prone to accelerated wear, leading to poor lubrication and increased clearance between the cylinder liner and piston rings. This can even result in carbon buildup and engine damage. Poor-quality oil can even cause blockages and poisoning in the aftertreatment system. If this problem is not detected in time, it can lead to engine cylinder scoring and bearing failure, resulting in the scrapping of the entire engine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a natural gas engine performance monitoring system and method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, such as the inability to detect engine oil quality problems in a timely manner, which leads to the inability to detect damage to internal engine parts in a timely manner, and the inability to detect the composition of gas in the crankcase of the natural gas engine, which leads to the risk of engine cylinder scoring and bearing failure.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0007] A natural gas engine performance monitoring system includes a controller, a quality sensor and a pressure sensor respectively connected to the controller;

[0008] The quality sensors include an oil quality sensor and an exhaust gas flow quality sensor, which are respectively connected to the engine. The oil quality sensor is used to detect the oil quality information of the engine oil under static conditions. The exhaust gas flow quality sensor is used to detect the engine gas leakage and gas quality information under static and dynamic conditions.

[0009] The pressure sensor is connected to the engine and is used to detect crankcase pressure under static and dynamic conditions;

[0010] In a static state, the controller can determine whether the engine oil needs to be changed based on the oil quality information data collected by the oil quality sensor, and determine whether the engine can start based on the data collected by the exhaust flow quality sensor and the pressure sensor. In a dynamic state, the controller can determine the leakage amount and crankcase pressure value at each load point based on the data collected by the exhaust flow quality sensor and the pressure sensor, and determine whether the dynamic measurement values ​​of the engine are within the pressure difference range. If the pressure difference range is exceeded, the controller will control the engine to set a torque limit and issue a system prompt.

[0011] The natural gas engine performance monitoring system of this application also has the following additional technical features:

[0012] The natural gas engine performance monitoring system also includes a display connected to the controller; the display is configured such that when the engine dynamic measurement value is within the differential pressure range, the controller controls the display to show green, indicating that the system is operating normally; when the engine dynamic measurement value exceeds the differential pressure range but is within a set threshold, the controller controls the display to show yellow to alert the operator; when the engine dynamic measurement value exceeds the differential pressure range and exceeds the set threshold, the controller controls the display to show red, and the controller controls the torque limit of the engine via OBD.

[0013] The natural gas engine performance monitoring system also includes an instrument panel connected to a controller, which can display relevant warning messages on the instrument panel based on data collected by the oil quality sensor.

[0014] The engine oil information includes oil viscosity, oil density, oil dielectric constant, oil pH, iron particle concentration, and non-metallic particle concentration.

[0015] The pressure sensor is installed above the engine rocker arm cover. When the crankcase pressure value detected by the pressure sensor exceeds the normal threshold, it is displayed on the instrument panel by the controller for maintenance. When the crankcase pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is within the normal threshold, it is displayed on the instrument panel by the controller to prompt the staff to start the engine or allow the vehicle to run normally.

[0016] The oil quality sensor is installed on the main oil passage of the engine, and / or on the branch oil passage of the engine.

[0017] The exhaust gas flow quality sensor is installed inside the engine breather. The exhaust gas flow quality sensor detects gas quality information including gas composition and the proportion of each gas component.

[0018] The gaseous components include at least one of carbon dioxide, methane, propane, and nitrogen.

[0019] This application also relates to a natural gas engine performance monitoring method, based on a natural gas engine performance monitoring system described in any one of the above claims, which performs static and dynamic monitoring according to the engine's operating status; the specific steps for static monitoring when the engine is not started are as follows:

[0020] The engine oil quality information is detected based on the oil quality sensor;

[0021] When the oil quality information is outside the normal threshold, the controller will activate an alarm on the instrument panel to prompt the staff to change the oil.

[0022] When the engine oil quality is within the normal threshold, the engine leakage and gas quality information are detected by the exhaust flow quality sensor.

[0023] When the amount of engine air leakage and the gas quality information are not within the normal threshold, the controller will activate the instrument panel alarm to prompt the staff to carry out maintenance.

[0024] When the engine leakage and gas quality information are within the normal threshold, the crankcase pressure value is detected by the pressure sensor and uploaded to the controller. The controller then determines whether the crankcase pressure value is within the normal threshold.

[0025] If the crankcase pressure value is within the normal threshold, the controller will control the instrument panel to display normal data to prompt the staff that the vehicle can be started.

[0026] If the crankcase pressure value is not within the normal threshold, the controller will activate an alarm on the instrument panel to alert the staff for maintenance.

[0027] The specific steps for dynamic monitoring when the engine is running are as follows:

[0028] The gas leakage and gas quality information during engine operation are collected by an exhaust gas flow quality sensor, and the crankcase pressure during engine operation is collected by a pressure sensor.

[0029] Determine the air leakage and crankcase pressure at each load point to determine whether the engine dynamic measurement values ​​are within the differential pressure range;

[0030] If the differential pressure is within the specified range, the controller will display a green color to indicate to the operator that the engine is operating normally.

[0031] If the pressure difference exceeds the range but is within the set threshold, the controller will control the display to show yellow to alert staff to pay attention.

[0032] If the pressure difference exceeds the range and the set threshold, the controller controls the display to show red and sets a torque limit for the engine.

[0033] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:

[0034] 1. A natural gas engine performance monitoring system, comprising a controller, quality sensors, and pressure sensors; the quality sensors include an oil quality sensor and an exhaust gas flow quality sensor; wherein the oil quality sensor is used to detect the oil quality information of the engine oil under static conditions, thereby determining whether the oil quality is good or bad; the exhaust gas flow quality sensor is used to detect the engine gas leakage and gas quality information under static and dynamic conditions; thereby determining the gas composition of the exhaust gas after engine combustion and the proportion of each component, further determining whether the engine has a fault, assessing the engine combustion efficiency, and monitoring whether emissions are compliant; the system can detect whether there is damage or fault without disassembling the engine;

[0035] When the engine is in a static state, the controller can determine whether the engine oil needs to be changed based on the data collected by the oil quality sensor. If the oil quality is within the normal range, no oil change is necessary. If no oil change is confirmed, the controller uses the exhaust gas flow quality sensor to determine whether the gas leakage, gas quality, and gas composition content are within the normal range. If all are within the normal range, the controller then uses the data collected by the pressure sensor to determine whether the crankcase pressure is within the normal range. Once the crankcase pressure value is within the normal range, the engine can be started. When the engine is running and in a dynamic state, the controller can determine the leakage and crankcase pressure value at each load point based on the data collected by the exhaust gas flow quality sensor and the pressure sensor. It determines whether the dynamic engine measurement values ​​are within the pressure difference range. If the pressure difference range is exceeded, the controller controls the engine to set a torque limit and provides a system prompt. This achieves real-time monitoring of engine performance, ensuring the engine is in optimal performance condition, promptly eliminating faults at any time during engine use, preventing damage to internal vehicle components, and effectively reducing the risk of engine damage such as cylinder scoring, bearing failure, or even engine scrapping.

[0036] 2. In a preferred embodiment of this application, a display connected to the controller is also included; the display is configured such that when the engine dynamic measurement value is within the differential pressure range, the controller controls the display to display green to indicate that the system is operating normally; when the engine dynamic measurement value exceeds the differential pressure range but is within a set threshold, the controller controls the display to display yellow; when the engine dynamic measurement value exceeds the differential pressure range and exceeds the set threshold, the controller controls the display to display red, and the controller limits the engine torque via OBD.

[0037] The display can show red, yellow, and green, switching between these colors to provide timely reports on real-time engine monitoring results to staff. A green display indicates the engine is operating normally, requiring no oil change, fault location, or service station repair. A yellow display alerts staff that the engine's crankcase pressure or exhaust gas quality is slightly off, exceeding the differential pressure range but not exceeding the set threshold, requiring monitoring. At this time, torque limiting is not necessary. A red display indicates excessive crankcase pressure or poor exhaust gas quality, exceeding the set threshold outside the differential pressure range. Torque limiting or stopping the engine is required. Staff can attempt repairs themselves or take the engine to a service station. This timely performance alerts and warnings facilitate prompt troubleshooting and improve engine safety.

[0038] 3. In a preferred embodiment of this application, an instrument panel connected to the controller is also included, wherein the controller is capable of displaying relevant warning content on the instrument panel based on data collected by the oil quality sensor.

[0039] The dashboard displays information about the engine oil quality. When the oil quality is good or when a certain value of the oil is problematic, it can be reflected on the dashboard in a timely manner to provide prompts to the staff, provide real-time feedback on engine performance, and improve engine operating stability and safety.

[0040] 4. In a preferred embodiment of this application, the pressure sensor is installed above the engine rocker arm cover; when the crankcase pressure value detected by the pressure sensor exceeds the normal threshold, it is displayed on the instrument panel by the controller for maintenance; when the crankcase pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is within the normal threshold, it is displayed on the instrument panel by the controller to prompt the operator to start the engine.

[0041] In a static state, after the oil quality sensor and the exhaust gas quality sensor detect that the oil and exhaust gas are of normal quality, the crankcase pressure is then checked by the pressure sensor. If the crankcase pressure is within the normal range, a green light will be displayed on the monitor, allowing the operator to start the vehicle. Otherwise, the operator must locate and repair the fault or take the vehicle to a service station. In a dynamic state, the data from the pressure and exhaust gas quality sensors are uploaded to the controller. The controller determines whether the dynamic measurement value is within the differential pressure range. If it is within the range, the engine operates normally; otherwise, fault repair is required. This allows for comprehensive monitoring of engine performance, identifying the source of problems, and enabling timely maintenance and upkeep, further improving maintenance effectiveness and enhancing engine operating safety.

[0042] 5. In a preferred embodiment of this application, the exhaust gas flow quality sensor is installed inside the engine breather, and the exhaust gas flow quality sensor detects gas quality information including gas composition and the proportion of each gas component.

[0043] An exhaust gas flow quality sensor is installed inside the engine breather to detect the composition and proportion of gases in the engine's exhaust gas. This allows for further assessment of engine malfunctions and combustion efficiency, indirectly determining the engine's operating performance and whether it is within normal operating range. It provides timely and effective identification of potential engine problems, preventing wear or accelerated wear of internal engine components, avoiding issues such as poor lubrication leading to increased clearance between cylinder liners and piston rings, mitigating the risk of cylinder scoring and bearing failure, and ultimately extending engine lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a natural gas engine performance monitoring system according to one embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a logic diagram of a natural gas engine performance monitoring method according to one embodiment of this application;

[0047] In the picture,

[0048] 1. Oil quality sensor; 2. Air flow quality sensor; 3. Engine; 4. Pressure sensor; 5. Controller; 6. Display. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "implementation," "example," "a particular embodiment," "example," or "specific example," etc., indicate that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0054] Definitions:

[0055] Piston: The piston is a reciprocating component in the engine cylinder block. The basic structure of the piston can be divided into the top, head, and skirt. The piston top is the main part that makes up the combustion chamber, and its shape is related to the type of combustion chamber used, adapting to the requirements of mixture formation and combustion in a diesel engine.

[0056] Cylinder liner: A cylinder liner is a cylindrical part that is placed in the cylinder bore of the engine block and is pressed and fixed by the cylinder head. The piston reciprocates within its inner bore and is cooled by cooling water.

[0057] Piston rings: Piston rings are metal rings used to fit into the grooves inside the piston. There are two types of piston rings: compression rings and oil rings. Compression rings are used to seal the combustible mixture in the combustion chamber; oil rings are used to scrape excess oil off the cylinder. Piston rings are elastic metal rings with a large outward expansion deformation, and they are fitted into annular grooves with corresponding cross-sections. The reciprocating and rotary motion of the piston rings relies on the pressure difference of gas or liquid to form a seal between the outer surface of the ring and the cylinder, as well as between the ring and one side of the ring groove.

[0058] Air leakage: After long-term use, wear of cylinder and piston assembly parts will lead to increased air leakage and decreased sealing, thus affecting engine power and fuel consumption. Wear and burning of valves and valve seats will lead to decreased valve sealing, which will affect engine performance. Warping of the cylinder block and cylinder head sealing surfaces will also lead to increased air leakage, thus affecting engine performance.

[0059] Oil-gas separator: The oil-gas separator is a major component of the crankcase ventilation system. It efficiently separates the engine oil from the blow-by gas in the crankcase, and its separation performance has a significant impact on engine reliability and emissions.

[0060] Crankcase pressure: Crankcase pressure refers to the gas pressure inside the engine crankcase. Under normal operating conditions, crankcase pressure is generally low. A ventilation system typically maintains appropriate pressure to ensure normal engine operation, guarantee proper gas flow within the crankcase, and prevent oil leaks and seal damage. Abnormally high pressure, such as due to piston ring wear, excessive cylinder wall clearance leading to combustion gases leaking downwards; a blocked crankcase ventilation system; over-ventilation of the crankcase ventilation system; or poor sealing of certain components allowing excessive outside air to enter the crankcase, can affect normal engine operation, leading to problems such as an overly lean air-fuel mixture, excessive engine load causing oil leaks, engine seal damage, and power loss. Crankcase pressure can be checked using a dedicated pressure sensor or other testing equipment. If abnormal crankcase pressure is detected, the engine should be inspected and repaired promptly to ensure its normal operation and lifespan.

[0061] The risks of cylinder scoring and bearing failure primarily involve serious engine malfunctions, including both cylinder scoring and bearing failure. Cylinder scoring refers to obvious longitudinal mechanical scratches and abrasions on the cylinder wall within the piston ring's range of motion. In severe cases, this can lead to fused wear, causing difficulty starting the engine or automatic stalling. Bearing failure, on the other hand, refers to damage to engine bearings or oil seals due to poor lubrication. These risks severely impact engine performance and lifespan, and may even lead to engine failure. In existing technologies, trucks typically change their engine oil after the scheduled maintenance mileage. However, during oil use, inconsistent oil quality and oil filter quality, as well as the engine not reaching its optimal performance state, can affect the performance of the engine and its components, leading to damage to internal parts, carbon buildup, and ultimately engine failure. Poor-quality oil can even cause blockages and poisoning in the aftertreatment system. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and address oil problems promptly. Existing technologies only perform static oil testing, failing to provide timely and effective real-time monitoring during engine idle and running periods. Furthermore, they do not monitor engine gases, including their composition and proportions. Therefore, relying solely on static physical analysis of the oil cannot accurately determine any instances of poor lubrication or maintenance at any given time. This application addresses this by establishing a natural gas engine performance monitoring system that enables static and dynamic monitoring of the engine at any point during operation. This ensures timely detection and early warning of any abnormalities during engine operation, improving safe and efficient operation. Real-time monitoring and communication are also provided to the driver, ensuring safe and reliable engine operation.

[0062] Example 1

[0063] A natural gas engine performance monitoring system, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, it includes a controller 5, a quality sensor and a pressure sensor 4 connected to the controller 5 respectively; the quality sensor includes an oil quality sensor 1 and an exhaust flow quality sensor 2 connected to the engine 3 respectively; the exhaust flow quality sensor 2 is also connected to the pressure sensor 4, so that when the pressure sensor 4 is abnormal, it can be detected in a better and more timely manner, and the data collected by the exhaust flow quality sensor 2 can be more accurate.

[0064] The oil quality sensor 1 is used to detect the oil quality information of the engine 3 under static conditions; the exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 is used to detect the gas leakage and gas quality information of the engine 3 under static and dynamic conditions; the pressure sensor 4 is connected to the engine 3 and is used to detect the crankcase pressure under static and dynamic conditions. In the static state, the controller 5 can determine whether the engine 3 needs an oil change based on the oil quality information data collected by the oil quality sensor 1, and determine whether it can start based on the data collected by the exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 and the pressure sensor 4. In the dynamic state, the controller 5 can determine the leakage and crankcase pressure value at each load point based on the data collected by the exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 and the pressure sensor 4, and determine whether the dynamic measurement value of the engine 3 is within the pressure difference range. If it exceeds the pressure difference range, the controller 5 controls the engine 3 to set a torque limit and provides a system prompt.

[0065] The quality sensors in this application include an oil quality sensor 1 and an exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2. The oil quality sensor 1 detects the oil quality information of the engine oil in a static state, thereby determining the oil's quality. The exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 detects the amount of gas leakage and the quality of gases in the engine 3 under both static and dynamic conditions. This allows for the determination of the gas composition and proportion of each component in the exhaust gas after combustion in the engine 3, further identifying any engine malfunction, assessing combustion efficiency, and monitoring emissions compliance. The exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 detects engine malfunctions because the composition of the exhaust gas is closely related to the engine's operating conditions. For example, an increase in HC (hydrocarbons) usually indicates incomplete combustion or an overly rich mixture; an increase in CO (carbon monoxide) may be due to incomplete combustion caused by insufficient air; and an increase in NOx (nitrogen oxides) may be related to excess oxygen or high temperature in the combustion chamber. By detecting the composition and proportion of these gases, the location of engine malfunctions can be determined, such as excessive fuel pressure, fuel injector leakage, or a clogged air filter. Furthermore, the data collected by the exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 can assess combustion efficiency, such as detecting CO2 content. CO2 (carbon dioxide) is a combustion product, and its content reflects combustion efficiency. When the CO2 content is abnormal, it indicates that the air-fuel mixture is too rich or too lean, requiring adjustment of the air-fuel ratio to optimize combustion efficiency. In addition, the data collected by the exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 can also indirectly monitor emissions compliance. The content of harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx in the exhaust gas is an important indicator of whether the engine 3's emissions meet standards. By regularly monitoring the content of these gases, it can be ensured that the engine 3's emissions meet environmental standards, reducing environmental pollution.

[0066] When engine 3 is in a static state, controller 5 can determine whether engine 3 needs an oil change based on the data collected by oil quality sensor 1. If the oil quality is within the normal range, there is no need to change the oil. If it is confirmed that there is no need to change the oil, controller 5 can determine whether the gas leakage, gas quality, and gas composition content are within the normal range based on the gas flow quality sensor 2. If all of them are within the normal range, controller 5 can determine whether the crankcase pressure is within the normal range based on the data collected by pressure sensor 4. Once all the detected data are within the normal range, controller 5 can determine whether the engine can start.

[0067] Therefore, before the engine 3 is started, the data detected by the oil quality sensor 1 is uploaded to the controller 5 in real time. The controller 5 determines whether the data is within the normal range. If the oil quality data is within the correct range, the oil does not need to be changed. Conversely, if the data is outside the normal range, the controller 5 controls the instrument panel alarm to remind the operator to change the oil. After the oil is changed, the oil quality sensor 1 determines whether the oil needs to be changed again. If the oil does not need to be changed, the exhaust flow quality sensor 2 is used to detect the leakage and gas quality. After the leakage and gas quality are detected as normal, the data collected by the pressure sensor 4 is used to determine whether the crankcase pressure is normal. If the crankcase pressure is within the normal range, the data displayed on the instrument panel is normal, and the operator can start the vehicle. However, if the gas quality detected by the gas flow quality sensor 2 is not up to standard, the abnormality will be displayed on the instrument panel in a timely manner, notifying the staff to locate the fault and carry out repairs or to go to the service station for repairs. If the gas quality detected by the gas flow quality sensor 2 is normal, but the crankcase pressure detected by the pressure sensor 4 is in an abnormal range, an alarm will also be triggered on the instrument panel, thus prompting the staff to carry out fault repairs or to go to the service station for repairs.

[0068] Once the engine 3 starts running, it is in a dynamic state. The controller 5 can determine the leakage amount and crankcase pressure value at each load point based on the data collected by the exhaust flow quality sensor 2 and the pressure sensor 4. It can determine whether the dynamic measurement value of the engine 3 is within the pressure difference range. If it exceeds the pressure difference range, the controller 5 controls the engine 3 to set a torque limit and provides a system prompt. This enables real-time monitoring of the engine 3's performance, ensuring that the engine 3 is in the best performance state. It can also promptly eliminate any faults that may occur at any time during the use of the engine 3, avoid damage to internal parts of the vehicle, and effectively reduce the risk of cylinder scoring, bearing failure, or even scrapping of the engine 3.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the natural gas engine performance monitoring system also includes a display 6 connected to the controller 5. The display 6 is configured such that when the dynamic measurement value of the engine 3 is within the differential pressure range, the controller 5 controls the display 6 to display green to indicate that the system is operating normally; when the dynamic measurement value of the engine 3 exceeds the differential pressure range but is within a set threshold, the controller 5 controls the display 6 to display yellow to alert the operator; when the dynamic measurement value of the engine 3 exceeds the differential pressure range and exceeds the set threshold, the controller 5 controls the display 6 to display red, and the controller 5 sets a torque limit for the engine 3 via OBD.

[0070] The display 6 can show red, yellow, and green, and switch between these three colors to provide timely reports to staff on the real-time monitoring results of engine 3. When green is displayed, it indicates that engine 3 is in normal operation, requiring no oil change, fault location repair, or trip to a service station; the engine is running normally. When display 6 shows yellow, it alerts staff that there is a problem with the crankcase pressure or exhaust gas quality of engine 3, but it has not exceeded the set threshold, prompting staff to monitor it in real time. However, at this time, there is no need to limit the torque of engine 3. When display 6 shows red, it indicates that engine 3 is experiencing excessive crankcase pressure or poor exhaust gas quality, exceeding the set threshold outside the pressure differential range. In this case, it is necessary to limit the torque or stop the engine immediately. Staff can perform repairs themselves or go to the appropriate after-sales service station for repairs. This timely performance alerts and warnings for engine 3 facilitate the timely troubleshooting of engine 3 faults and improve the safety assurance capability of engine 3 operation.

[0071] OBD is an abbreviation for On-Board Diagnostics. This system continuously monitors the vehicle's engine operation. The main function of the OBD system is to monitor the vehicle's emissions and performance. When the system detects potential emission or performance problems, it triggers fault codes to alert the driver. If the problem becomes severe, the system may protect the engine by limiting its torque output to prevent further damage.

[0072] As a preferred embodiment, the natural gas engine performance monitoring system also includes an instrument panel connected to the controller 5, which can display relevant warning messages on the instrument panel based on the data collected by the oil quality sensor 1.

[0073] The dashboard displays oil quality information. When the oil quality information is good or when a certain value of the oil quality information is problematic, it can be reflected on the dashboard in a timely manner to provide prompts to the staff, provide real-time feedback on the performance of engine 3, and improve the operating stability and safety performance of engine 3.

[0074] As a preferred embodiment, the oil information of engine 3 includes oil viscosity, oil density, oil dielectric constant, oil pH, iron particle concentration and non-metallic particle concentration.

[0075] The oil quality sensor 1 detects the oil quality information of the engine oil in engine 3, namely, oil viscosity, oil density, oil dielectric constant, oil pH, iron particle concentration and non-metallic particle concentration, etc. In other words, this oil sensor is the initial source of various oil data.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor 4 is installed above the rocker arm cover of the engine 3; when the crankcase pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 4 exceeds the normal threshold, it is displayed on the instrument panel by the controller 5 for maintenance; when the crankcase pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 4 is within the normal threshold, it is displayed on the instrument panel by the controller 5 to prompt the operator that the engine is running normally and can be started.

[0077] In a static state, after the oil quality sensor 1 detects that the oil quality is fine and the exhaust gas quality sensor 2 detects that the gas quality is fine, the crankcase pressure is then checked by the pressure sensor 4. If the crankcase pressure is within the normal range, it will be displayed green on the monitor 6, at which point the operator can start the vehicle. Otherwise, the operator needs to locate and repair the fault or take the vehicle to a service station for repair. In a dynamic state, the data detected by the pressure sensor 4 and the exhaust gas quality sensor 2 are uploaded to the controller. The controller determines whether the dynamic measurement value is within the differential pressure range. If it is within the differential pressure range, the engine will run normally. If it is not within the differential pressure range, fault repair is required. This allows for comprehensive monitoring of the engine 3's performance, identifying the source of problems for timely maintenance and upkeep, further improving the maintenance effect and enhancing the engine 3's operational safety performance.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the oil quality sensor 1 is installed on the main oil passage of the engine 3, and / or on a branch oil passage of the engine 3. Preferably, the oil quality sensor 1 is installed on the main oil passage, where the oil has already been filtered and cooled, facilitating more accurate detection of oil quality.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 is installed inside the breather of the engine 3. The exhaust gas flow quality sensor 2 detects gas quality information including gas composition and the proportion of each gas component.

[0080] The exhaust flow quality sensor 2 is installed inside the breather of the engine 3 to detect the composition of the gases contained in the exhaust gas of the engine 3 and the proportion of each gas component. This allows for further judgment on whether the engine 3 has any faults and its combustion efficiency, and indirectly on the operating performance of the engine 3. This helps determine whether the engine 3 is within the normal range, and provides timely and effective judgment on potential problems of the engine 3 from various aspects. This helps to avoid wear or accelerated wear of internal parts of the engine 3, avoid problems such as poor lubrication leading to increased clearance between the cylinder liner and piston rings, avoid the risk of cylinder scoring and bearing failure, and improve the service life of the engine 3.

[0081] Furthermore, the gaseous components include at least one of carbon dioxide, methane, propane, and nitrogen. For example, when carbon dioxide gas and its content are detected, since carbon dioxide is a product of combustion, its content can reflect the combustion efficiency; when the carbon dioxide content is abnormal, it indicates that the mixture is too rich or too lean, and the air-fuel ratio needs to be adjusted to optimize combustion efficiency.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] This application also relates to a natural gas engine performance monitoring method, a natural gas engine performance monitoring system based on any one of the above, which performs static and dynamic monitoring according to the operating status of engine 3;

[0084] When engine 3 is not started, the specific steps for static monitoring are as follows:

[0085] S1: Based on the oil quality sensor 1, detect the oil quality information of the engine oil in engine 3, and upload the collected data to the controller 5 for analysis; the oil quality information includes, but is not limited to, oil viscosity, oil density, oil dielectric constant, oil pH, iron particle concentration and non-metallic particle concentration.

[0086] S2: When the oil quality information is outside the normal threshold, the controller 5 will trigger an alarm on the instrument panel to prompt staff to change the oil or go directly to the service station for repair.

[0087] S21: After changing the engine oil, the engine oil quality is tested by the engine oil quality sensor 1. If the engine oil quality is not within the normal range after changing the engine oil, it can be repaired at the service station. If it is ensured that the quality of the newly changed engine oil is within the normal range, the leakage and gas quality are tested by the exhaust flow quality sensor 2.

[0088] S22: When the gas quality or leakage is not within the normal range, the instrument panel will alarm again to remind the staff. The staff needs to locate and repair the fault or go to the service station for repair. When it is determined that the gas quality is within the normal range, the crankcase pressure value detected by pressure sensor 4 will be used to determine whether it is within the normal range.

[0089] S23: If the crankcase pressure value is within the normal range, the vehicle can be started; otherwise, the instrument panel will alarm to alert the staff, who can then choose to have the vehicle repaired by fault location or at a service station.

[0090] S3: When the engine oil quality is within the normal threshold, the engine 3 leaks air and the gas quality information is detected by the exhaust air flow quality sensor 2.

[0091] The gas quality information includes, but is not limited to, the gas composition and the content of each gas component, such as HC (hydrocarbons), CO (carbon monoxide), and NOx (nitrogen oxides) and their corresponding contents. An increase in HC (hydrocarbons) usually indicates incomplete combustion or an overly rich mixture; an increase in CO (carbon monoxide) may be due to incomplete combustion caused by insufficient air; and an increase in NOx (nitrogen oxides) may be related to excess oxygen or high temperature in the combustion chamber, thus reminding the staff to take appropriate measures.

[0092] S4: When the amount of air leakage from engine 3 and the gas quality information are not within the normal threshold, the controller 5 will control the instrument panel alarm to prompt the staff to locate and repair the fault or go to the service station for repair.

[0093] S5: When the leakage of engine 3 and the gas quality information are within the normal threshold, the crankcase pressure value is detected by pressure sensor 4 and uploaded to controller 5. Controller 5 then determines whether the crankcase pressure value is within the normal threshold.

[0094] S6: If the crankcase pressure value is within the normal threshold, the controller 5 will control the instrument panel to display normal data to prompt the staff that the vehicle can be started.

[0095] S7: If the crankcase pressure value is not within the normal threshold, the controller 5 will control the instrument panel alarm to prompt the staff to locate and repair the fault, or to go to the service station for repair.

[0096] When engine 3 is running, the specific steps for dynamic monitoring are as follows:

[0097] A1: The gas leakage and gas quality information of the engine 3 under the operating state are collected by the gas flow quality sensor 2, and the crankcase pressure of the engine 3 under the operating state is collected by the pressure sensor 4.

[0098] A2: Determine the air leakage and crankcase pressure at each load point, and determine whether the engine dynamic measurement values ​​are within the differential pressure range;

[0099] It should be noted that the load point of engine 3 refers to the magnitude of the load borne by engine 3 during engine 3 operation, specifically the load condition borne by engine 3 at a specific speed.

[0100] In addition, it should be noted that the engine 3 is subjected to universal characteristic test on the test bench. The universal characteristic test process first starts the engine 3 and preheats it. Once the engine 3 cools down and the lubricating oil reaches the specified range, the test begins. The test is conducted in groups according to the engine 3 speed test method or load characteristic method to complete a series of load characteristics at different speeds.

[0101] The specific method for determining the leakage and crankcase pressure at each load point, and judging whether the dynamic measurement values ​​of engine 3 are within the differential pressure range, is as follows:

[0102] A21: The air leakage of engine 3 and the crankcase pressure of engine 3 measured under normal conditions are used as the reference zero point value.

[0103] A22: Then, in the universal characteristic test of engine 3, the leakage and crankcase pressure data values ​​at each load point were measured;

[0104] A23: When engine 3 experiences cylinder scoring (cylinder scoring refers to obvious longitudinal mechanical scratches and abrasions on the inner wall of the cylinder within the movement range of the piston rings, which can lead to fusion wear in severe cases, causing engine 3 to have difficulty starting or to stall on its own), and the test conditions are not met, the test is stopped. The leakage rate and crankcase pressure data at the load point of engine 3 when the requirements are not met are taken as the full-scale value, and the range between the reference zero point and the full-scale value is taken as the normal pressure difference range.

[0105] A24: Dynamic measurement values ​​refer to the leakage and crankcase pressure at each load point. The dynamic measurement values ​​are then compared with the differential pressure range to determine in real time whether the dynamic measurement values ​​are within the differential pressure range.

[0106] It should be noted that if the pressure difference exceeds this range, engine 3 will have an abnormal situation. Under normal circumstances, if the pressure difference exceeds the set threshold range, that is, if the pressure difference exceeds the range but the amount of excess is not high and does not reach the set threshold, the engine can still start and run normally. The staff needs to pay close attention. Only when the pressure difference exceeds a certain extent, that is, exceeds the set threshold range, will the OBD need to limit the torque of the engine or even shut it down.

[0107] A3: If the differential pressure is not exceeded, the controller 5 will control the display 6 to show green to indicate to the staff that the engine is running normally;

[0108] Green indicates that the values ​​are within the normal range. Under dynamic conditions, the gas quality detected by the engine 3 crankcase pressure and outlet gas flow quality sensor 2 is within the set range, which means the default state is normal.

[0109] A4: If the pressure difference exceeds the range but is within the set threshold, the controller 5 will control the display 6 to show yellow to alert the staff to pay attention;

[0110] If the differential pressure exceeds a certain range, i.e., exceeds the set threshold, yellow can be displayed on the control box display 6 of the controller 5. Yellow indicates that the data is greater than the normal range value but less than the torque limit set range value. Under dynamic conditions, the gas quality and leakage detected by the engine 3 crankcase pressure and outlet gas flow quality sensor 2 are within the warning range, prompting the driver to go to the service station for maintenance as soon as possible. At this time, the engine 3 does not need to be limited by torque.

[0111] A5: If the pressure difference exceeds the range and the set threshold is exceeded, the controller 5 controls the display 6 to show red and sets a torque limit for the engine 3.

[0112] Display 6 will only turn red when the differential pressure exceeds the set threshold. Red indicates that the value is seriously out of the normal range and there is a serious risk of piston cylinder scoring during the operation of the whole machine. Controller 5 limits the torque of engine 3 through OBD. The staff can then perform maintenance or go to the service station for maintenance. If the staff cannot solve the problem by themselves, they need to go to the service station for maintenance. Once the staff has successfully repaired the problem, the engine can be started normally again.

[0113] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0114] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0115] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A natural gas engine performance monitoring system, characterized by, It comprises a controller (5), a quality sensor and a pressure sensor (4) connected with the controller (5) respectively; The quality sensor comprises an engine oil quality sensor (1) and an exhaust flow quality sensor (2) connected with the engine (3) respectively; the engine oil quality sensor (1) is used for detecting the oil quality information of the engine (3) oil in static state; the exhaust flow quality sensor (2) is used for detecting the gas leakage amount and the gas quality information of the engine (3) in static state and dynamic state; the exhaust flow quality sensor (2) is installed in the breather of the engine (3), and the exhaust flow quality sensor (2) detects the gas quality information of the gas, which includes the gas components and the proportion of each gas component; The pressure sensor (4) is connected with the engine (3) and is used for detecting the crankcase pressure in static state and dynamic state. In static state, the controller (5) can determine whether the engine (3) needs to be replaced according to the oil quality information data collected by the engine oil quality sensor (1), and can determine whether the engine (3) can be started according to the data collected by the exhaust flow quality sensor (2) and the pressure sensor (4); in dynamic state, the controller (5) can determine the leakage amount and the crankcase pressure value of each load point according to the data collected by the exhaust flow quality sensor (2) and the pressure sensor (4), the load point refers to the load size borne by the engine (3) during operation, and whether the dynamic measurement value of the engine (3) is within the pressure difference range is determined, if the dynamic measurement value of the engine (3) exceeds the pressure difference range, the controller (5) controls the engine (3) to limit the torque and gives a system prompt.

2. A natural gas engine performance monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein, It further comprises a display (6) connected with the controller (5); the display (6) is configured to: When the dynamic measurement value of the engine (3) is within the pressure difference range, the controller (5) controls the display (6) to display green, indicating that the system is running normally; when the dynamic measurement value of the engine (3) exceeds the pressure difference range and is within the set threshold, the controller (5) controls the display (6) to display yellow, prompting the staff; when the dynamic measurement value of the engine (3) exceeds the pressure difference range and exceeds the set threshold, the controller (5) controls the display (6) to display red, and the controller (5) limits the torque of the engine (3) through OBD.

3. A natural gas engine performance monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein, It further comprises an instrument panel connected with the controller (5), and the controller (5) can display the related warning content on the instrument panel according to the data collected by the engine oil quality sensor (1).

4. A natural gas engine performance monitoring system as in claim 3, wherein, The pressure sensor (4) is installed above the rocker cover of the engine (3); when the crankcase pressure value detected by the pressure sensor (4) exceeds the normal threshold, the controller (5) displays it on the instrument panel for maintenance; when the crankcase pressure value detected by the pressure sensor (4) is within the normal threshold, the controller (5) displays it on the instrument panel to prompt the staff to start the engine.

5. A natural gas engine performance monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein, The engine oil quality sensor (1) is installed on the main oil way of the engine (3) and / or on the branch oil way of the engine (3).

6. A natural gas engine performance monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein, The gas component includes at least one of carbon dioxide, methane, propane and nitrogen.

7. A natural gas engine performance monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein, The oil information of the engine (3) oil includes oil viscosity, oil density, oil dielectric constant, oil acid-base degree, iron particle concentration and non-metallic particle concentration.

8. A method for monitoring the performance of a natural gas engine based on the natural gas engine performance monitoring system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, According to the engine (3) operating state, static monitoring and dynamic monitoring are carried out; when the engine (3) is in a non-starting state, the specific steps of static monitoring are: According to the oil quality sensor (1), the oil information of the engine (3) oil is detected, and the collected data is uploaded to the controller (5) for analysis; When the oil information of the oil is not within the normal threshold, the controller (5) controls the instrument panel to alarm to prompt the staff to replace the oil; When the oil quality is within the normal threshold, the outflow quality sensor (2) detects the engine (3) air leakage and the gas information of the gas; When the engine (3) air leakage and the gas information of the gas are not within the normal threshold, the controller (5) controls the instrument panel to alarm to prompt the staff to repair; When the engine (3) air leakage and the gas information of the gas are within the normal threshold, the pressure sensor (4) detects the crankcase pressure value and uploads it to the controller (5), and the controller (5) judges whether the crankcase pressure value is within the normal threshold; If the crankcase pressure value is within the normal threshold, the controller (5) controls the instrument panel to display normal data to prompt the staff to start the vehicle; If the crankcase pressure value is not within the normal threshold, the controller (5) controls the instrument panel to alarm to prompt the staff to repair.

9. A method of monitoring the performance of a natural gas engine as defined in claim 8, wherein, When the engine (3) is in a starting state, the specific steps of dynamic monitoring are: The outflow quality sensor (2) collects the gas leakage and the gas information of the gas under the engine (3) operating state, and the pressure sensor (4) collects the crankcase pressure of the engine (3) under the operating state; Determine the air leakage and the crankcase pressure value of each load point, and judge whether the dynamic measurement value of the engine (3) is within the pressure difference range; If it does not exceed the pressure difference range, the controller (5) controls the display (6) to display green to prompt the staff that the vehicle can operate normally; If it exceeds the pressure difference range but is within the set threshold, the controller (5) controls the display (6) to display yellow to prompt the staff to pay attention; If it exceeds the pressure difference range and exceeds the set threshold, the controller (5) controls the display (6) to display red, and limits the torque of the engine (3). ​

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