Caterpillar Inc.
System and method for predicting failure of a cylinder in a multi-cylinder engine

Abstract:

A method for predicting failure in a cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine is provided. Each cylinder has an associated pressure sensor to provide a signal indicative of pressure in the cylinder. The method includes identifying whether there is a non-fueling interval associated with any of the cylinder on the engine. The method includes determining at least one of parameters such as an indicated mean effective pressure, a peak cylinder pressure, a total heat released, or a total duration of heat released over a combustion cycle for the cylinder. The method includes comparing the at least one of the parameters with predefined threshold value, determining whether any of the parameters exceeds the predefined threshold value, and generating a signal indicating the impending cylinder failure if at least one of the parameters exceeds the corresponding predefined threshold value.