Describe, with the aid of a sketch, the operation of a diesel engine hydraulic oil start system, labelling the MAIN components, including all interlocks.(10)
Diesel Engine Hydraulic Oil Start System
A hydraulic oil start system is an alternative method of starting a diesel engine that utilizes hydraulic power instead of electricity.
1. What is a hydraulic starter?
How it Works:
- Energy Storage: Hydraulic oil is pressurized and stored in an accumulator. 1. Hydraulic accumulator – Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
- Activation: When the start sequence is initiated, the pressurized oil is released. 1. Hydraulic Engine Starting Systems – IPU Group www.ipu.co.uk
- Starter Motor Operation: The high-pressure oil drives a hydraulic motor connected to the starter pinion, which engages the engine’s flywheel. 1. How hydraulic starting systems work – IPU Group www.ipu.co.uk
- Engine Cranking: The starter motor, powered by hydraulic energy, cranks the engine until it starts. 1. How hydraulic starting systems work – IPU Group www.ipu.co.uk
Advantages of Hydraulic Start Systems:
- Reliability: Less susceptible to electrical failures, making them suitable for harsh environments. 1. Hydraulic Engine Starting Systems – IPU Group www.ipu.co.uk
- Powerful Starting: Can provide high starting torque, especially for large engines. 1. Hydraulic Starting Brochure by IPU Group – Issuu issuu.com
- Emergency Starting: Can be used as a backup or primary starting method in situations where electrical power is unavailable. 1. Hydraulic Engine Starting Systems – IPU Group www.ipu.co.uk
Common Applications:
Emergency power generators 1. Hydraulic Engine Starting Systems – IPU Group www.ipu.co.uk
Marine vessels 1. What is a hydraulic starter? www.mobilehydraulictips.com
Oil and gas industry 1. What is a hydraulic starter? www.mobilehydraulictips.com
Mining equipment 1. What is a hydraulic starter? www.mobilehydraulictips.com
Main Components of a Hydraulic Oil Start System
A hydraulic oil start system consists of several key components:
- Hydraulic Oil Reservoir: Stores the hydraulic oil for the system. 1. The Function Of Oil Tanks In A Hydraulic System | PCM Transport & handling www.pcmhandling.co.uk
- Hydraulic Pump: Generates high-pressure hydraulic oil to power the system.
- Accumulator: Stores pressurized hydraulic oil for immediate use.
- Hydraulic Motor: Converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy to drive the starter pinion.
- Starter Pinion: Engages with the engine flywheel.
- Control Valves: Regulate the flow of hydraulic oil to the system.
- Pressure Relief Valve: Protects the system from excessive pressure. 1. Setting and Troubleshooting Relief Valves in Hydraulic Systems www.hydparts.com
- Filters: Remove contaminants from the hydraulic oil. 1. The Essential Guide to Hydraulic Filters chasefiltercompany.com
- Piping and Hose Assemblies: Connect the components and transport hydraulic oil.
Note: The specific components and their arrangement may vary depending on the engine size, manufacturer, and system design.
Operation of a Hydraulic Oil Start System
Start Sequence:
- System Pressurization: The hydraulic pump builds up pressure in the accumulator.
- Start Command: When the engine starting signal is received, a control valve activates, releasing pressurized oil from the accumulator.
- Hydraulic Motor Activation: The high-pressure oil flows to the hydraulic motor, causing it to rotate.
- Starter Pinion Engagement: The hydraulic motor drives the starter pinion, which engages with the engine flywheel.
- Engine Cranking: The starter pinion, powered by the hydraulic motor, cranks the engine until it starts.
- System De-pressurization: Once the engine starts, the control valve closes, stopping the flow of hydraulic oil.
Additional Considerations:
- Safety Mechanisms: Pressure relief valves and safety interlocks are essential to protect the system and personnel.
- Oil Condition: The hydraulic oil should be clean and free from contaminants to ensure optimal system performance.
- Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of components are necessary to prevent failures.
Note: The specific operation sequence may vary depending on the engine type, system design, and control system.
Interlocks in Diesel Engines
Interlocks are safety devices that prevent engine operation under unsafe conditions. They ensure that specific conditions are met before allowing certain engine functions to occur.
Purpose of Interlocks:
- Prevent damage: Protect the engine from harm due to operator error or unexpected conditions.
- Enhance safety: Reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
- Optimize performance: Ensure the engine operates within safe and efficient parameters.
Types of Interlocks:
- Starting interlocks: Prevent the engine from starting unless specific conditions are met (e.g., sufficient oil pressure, cooling water flow, battery voltage).
- Running direction interlocks: Ensure the engine starts and runs in the correct direction.
- Turning gear interlocks: Prevent engine starting while the turning gear is engaged.
- Over-speed interlocks: Protect the engine from damage due to excessive speed.
- Low oil pressure interlocks: Prevent engine operation if oil pressure is insufficient. 1. US4986228A – Low oil pressure interlock switch – Google Patents patents.google.com
- High temperature interlocks: Protect the engine from overheating.
How Interlocks Work:
Interlocks typically use electrical or hydraulic systems to monitor engine parameters and prevent certain actions if conditions are not met. They often involve switches, sensors, and control units.
Example: A low oil pressure interlock would activate a switch when oil pressure drops below a certain level, preventing the engine from starting or continuing to run.
1. US4986228A – Low oil pressure interlock switch – Google Patents
Interlocks in a Hydraulic Start System
Interlocks are crucial for the safe operation of a hydraulic start system. Here are some common interlocks:
- Pressure switch: Monitors the hydraulic oil pressure and prevents the starter from engaging unless sufficient pressure is present.
- Accumulator pressure switch: Ensures that the accumulator is charged to the required pressure before allowing the start sequence.
- Engine speed switch: Prevents the hydraulic starter from engaging while the engine is running.
- Hydraulic oil temperature switch: Prevents operation if the hydraulic oil is too hot or too cold.
- Emergency stop: A manual override to immediately shut down the system in case of an emergency.
These interlocks work in conjunction with the system’s control unit to ensure safe operation.