Diesel Engine Turbocharger Monitoring by Processing Accelerometric Signals through Empirical Mode Decomposition and Independent Component Analysis

In this study, a method for the monitoring of internal combustion engine operation by vibration signals is proposed. The work falls within the context of the increasingly stringent standards relating to the environmental impact of engines and the development of monitoring and control techniques to ensure increased engine performance as well as fuel saving and reduction of pollutant emissions. Experimentation was performed on a turbocharged light-duty compression ignition direct-injection engine. Two monoaxial accelerometers were installed on the engine compressor case, the speed of which has been demonstrated to be closely related to the engine operation. Vibration measurements of the engine compressor case have been processed by combining the Empirical Mode Decomposition technique with Independent Component Analysis and Short Time Fourier Transform to indirectly estimate the turbocharger speed. The obtained traces have been compared to the direct turbocharger velocity measures during the stationary running of the engine (speed and load conditions varied in the complete engine’s range of operation). The results point out the potentiality of the methodology in algorithms devoted to identifying modifications of the combustion development regarding regular operation via indirect turbocharger speed monitoring.