Turbocharged Diesel Engine Performance at Altitude

The effect of altitude on the performance of two turbocharged prechamber diesel engines and one direct-injection diesel engine has been studied in a test cell. One prechamber engine was tested at altitudes up to 16,000 ft. The data from these tests are presented and compared with performance at standard conditions.

Using the data, an analytical method of predicting the performance of turbocharged diesel engines at altitude has been developed. An iterative computer program, using part-load data taken at standard conditions, is used for the prediction. Comparison is made with the simulated altitude data and with other calculation methods.