Method and system for monitoring the performance of a heat exchanger

摘要

A system for monitoring the performance of a fluid heat exchanger for use with an engine includes a heat exchanger having a first fluid flow path therethrough and a second fluid flow path therethrough, a first temperature sensor positioned in the first fluid flow path at an exit from the heat exchanger, a second temperature sensor positioned in the second fluid flow path at an entry to the heat exchanger, a processor and an alert generator. The processor is adapted to receive a first temperature measurement value from the first temperature sensor, and a second temperature measurement value from the second temperature sensor, the processor being further adapted to calculate a temperature difference between the first and second temperature measurement values. The alert generator is adapted to generate an alert signal to a user, the alert signal being generated if the temperature difference is greater than a threshold value.

主权项

1. A method of monitoring the performance of a fluid heat exchanger for use with an engine, the heat exchanger comprising a first fluid flow path therethrough, and a second fluid flow path therethrough, the method comprising the steps of:
a) measuring a first temperature of a first fluid flowing through the first fluid flow path at an exit from the heat exchanger; b) measuring a second temperature of a second fluid flowing through the second fluid flow path at an entry to the heat exchanger; c) determining for the first and second temperature measurements, a temperature difference therebetween; d) comparing the temperature difference to a first threshold value indicative of a complete blockage of the first fluid flow path through the heat exchanger, the first threshold value being pre-determined based on a nominal fuel-to-oil heat exchanger performance and an analysis of the resultant performance of the fuel-to-oil heat exchanger due to blockage for a range of engine operating conditions; and e) if the temperature difference is greater than the first threshold value, generating a first alert signal to indicate a deterioration in the heat exchanger performance.