Switzerland-based Kistler Group, which specialises in measurement technology, has launched its new cylinder pressure sensor 6635A1 to continuously monitor large marine and stationary engines
The sensor is used in four-stroke gas, dual-fuel and diesel engines in shipping and power stations and can monitor all cylinders simultaneously.
Kistler head of marine and stationary engines Miika Jussila said "Kistler guarantees reliable measurement data that can be used to detect problems early on and enable optimum control of the combustion process. Based on this measurement data, maintenance intervals can be optimised and downtime can be planned."
Continuously monitoring cylinder pressure enables closed-loop combustion control, which results in increased engine performance and fuel savings. The group said with the help of closed-loop combustion control, fuel consumption can be reduced by approximately 2% per engine per year which amounts to an average reduction of 200 tonnes of hazardous CO2.
The sensor is designed to be especially resilient to extreme conditions in the combustion chamber such as vibrations, shocks, high temperatures and pressure. To ensure reliable signal transmission, the new cylinder pressure sensor will replace plug connectors with welded connections to help withstand mechanical shocks.
The sensor’s diaphragm design is capable of minimising thermal shock error while enabling reliable peak pressure measurement up to 350 bar. PiezoStar crystals, grown specially by Kistler, are another new feature. The company said these offer “exceptional” measurement stability and minimal temperature dependence in demanding environments and the sensors are expected to function reliably at temperatures of up to 350°C.
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