AE-30-DAQ Piston Engine Data Acquisition System
The reciprocating engine data acquisition system Model AE-30-DAQ for 4 or 6 cylinder aircraft engines is a real time data capturing system. The complete system includes engine-mounted sensors, signal conditioning circuits,data acquisition hardware, and the customized software that captures several engine parameters in real time by sampling data once every second.
The captured data is stored in a PC at a user-defined location. There is no limit on the size of the captured data file. Therefore, the data pertaining to the entire duration of engine run can be stored. The stored data can be played back at exactly the same pace as the data was captured. This is a very useful feature for the instructors and the students because the parameter variations during engine operation can be viewed and discussed as many times as needed. During engine operation, the instructor and students are supposed to use ear muffs, and hence it is not possible for the instructor to provide detailed explanation during the engine run-up due to high noise. The data acquisition system provides a convenient and effective method of explaining engine operation by data playback in a quiet classroom setting.
There is a cost benefit associated with the use of data acquisition system. The engine run-up consumes fuel which costs money, and frequent runs will require more frequent engine maintenance and parts replacement. By using data acquisition system, the duration and frequency of engine operation may be reduced without compromising on the educational benefits of a runnable engine stand.
The following engine operating parameters are captured by the Model AE-30-DAQ:
All of the engine parameters are also plotted in the form of graphs superimposed on the same time scale. This allows the instructor to explain interdependence of various variables. An on-screen control provides toggling between instrument display and the graphical display. The graph screen allows the user to select which parameters should be visible in a plot, to de-clutter the graphs as desired.
The captured data is stored in a PC at a user-defined location. There is no limit on the size of the captured data file. Therefore, the data pertaining to the entire duration of engine run can be stored. The stored data can be played back at exactly the same pace as the data was captured. This is a very useful feature for the instructors and the students because the parameter variations during engine operation can be viewed and discussed as many times as needed. During engine operation, the instructor and students are supposed to use ear muffs, and hence it is not possible for the instructor to provide detailed explanation during the engine run-up due to high noise. The data acquisition system provides a convenient and effective method of explaining engine operation by data playback in a quiet classroom setting.
There is a cost benefit associated with the use of data acquisition system. The engine run-up consumes fuel which costs money, and frequent runs will require more frequent engine maintenance and parts replacement. By using data acquisition system, the duration and frequency of engine operation may be reduced without compromising on the educational benefits of a runnable engine stand.
The following engine operating parameters are captured by the Model AE-30-DAQ:
- Fuel Pressure
- Fuel Flow
- Oil Pressure
- Oil Temperature
- Tachometer
- Manifold Air Pressure
- CHT
- EGT
- Throttle Setting
- Prop Control
- Mixture Control
All of the engine parameters are also plotted in the form of graphs superimposed on the same time scale. This allows the instructor to explain interdependence of various variables. An on-screen control provides toggling between instrument display and the graphical display. The graph screen allows the user to select which parameters should be visible in a plot, to de-clutter the graphs as desired.
Teaching Applications:
Classroom explanation/de-briefing after engine run-up.
Data Playback for reference to real data while teaching turbine engines.
Explanation of engine variables and their inter-dependence.
Instructor can create hypothetical data for abnormal operation and play the data, to ask students to think and rationalize what is wrong with the data and why.
Each parameter is plotted in a separate color for easy identification. The user can select which parameters’ plot should be displayed. The button at left bottom can be used to switch to instrument display.
