| 摘要 |
<p>This invention is directed to a sensing system and method for detecting in real-time oil degradation, water contamination, and fuel dilution in operational engine oils for internal combustion engines. The method of the invention uses an electrochemical impedance analysis technique. The sensing system (10) has a multi-electrode sensor element (58) that can be immersed in the engine oil (26) being monitored. The electrode element has at least two electrodes (72, 74) configured so that it can be directly mounted within the oil reservoir of an internal combustion engine. The sensor configuration with a dielectric lubricant contained between the electrodes defines an eletrochemical sensor output-impedance-circuit (200) that produces an indication of the operational oil’s quality or deterioration.</p> |
