Sun Electric U.k. Limited

Alastair J Hotchkiss

Barbara L Jones

Paul Smith

Christiaan Hoede

Bernard Gee

Method and apparatus for engine and rotary machine analysis provides a vibration sensor adapted to produce a plurality of superimposed waveforms corresponding to engine or machine operating parameters including rotational speed. The signals are transmitted by an RF transmitter/receiver system in analogue modulated form to a data capture and analytical function unit utilising a software sub-system in which a power spectral density plot is produced containing a signature characteristic of the engine or other machine under test. This signature is recognised by a signature detect algorithm which can recognise and trace the signature across the frequency spectrum covered by the apparatus so as to provide a continuous tachometric function not requiring the filtering-out or other removal of irrelevant data. A diagnostic function arises from detection of the presence of additional harmonic peaks within the signature. A capacitive coupling offers a simplified tachometric function based upon low voltage signals in the injector leads to a spark ignition engine.

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Norfolk, United Kingdom

Alastair J Hotchkiss