The Analysis of Diesel Engine Turbocharger Vibration Using Time Synchronous Averaging

Emergency Diesel Generators are used in the nuclear industry for stationary stand-by power in order to safely shut down a reactor unit in the event of loss of off site power. Therefore, a high diesel engine reliability and availability must be maintained. Engine turbochargers often experience operating failures resulting in extended down time and costly repairs. Improved turbocharger vibration testing using time synchronous averaging is one method for evaluating the operating condition of a turbocharger. Typical vibration collection methods result in the turbocharger vibration being masked by the high background noise associated with the reciprocating nature of the engine. Time synchronous averaging reduces the background noise and allows accurate measurement of the 1x RPM component and harmonics of the turbocharger. Trends of the turbocharger vibration may then be established for diagnostic purposes, giving the analyst another tool for improving engine reliability and availability.