Development of a prototype device for identifying a malfunction of the information-measuring channel of the internal combustion engine speed

This article presents the results of the development and laboratory testing of a prototype device designed to quickly detect anomalies in the operation of speed measurement channels in marine internal combustion engines. The proposed prototype implements a comprehensive diagnostic approach based on the simultaneous use of two independent monitoring methods. The first method involves analyzing the temporal characteristics of a discrete signal generated by an inductive speed sensor: measuring the pulse duration and periodicity, which enables the detection of faults such as open circuits, stuck or missing pulses, and degradation of the sensor's magnetic system. The second method is based on continuous monitoring of the standard 4–20 mA analog current signal used in most industrial automation systems. Evaluating its static and dynamic characteristics enables the diagnosis of faults related to converter degradation, power supply instability, or transmission line integrity issues. The device is based on a microcontroller. The practical significance of this development lies in its ability to significantly reduce the time it takes to localize and troubleshoot faults in RPM data and measurement channels by automatically recognizing anomalies without the need for additional diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the device improves the overall operational stability of the ship's power plant by integrating diagnostic information into the control system. Specifically, the obtained data can be used to block false alarms of protective functions caused by measurement channel degradation, thereby preventing unnecessary transitions of the ship's power plant to emergency modes and reducing the risk of unscheduled shutdowns. Thus, the proposed solution contributes to the increased operational reliability and safety of shipboard technical equipment.

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