Danica's DesktopDiesel is a reliable engine monitoring system that provides 24/7 real-time data on a variety of a vessel's engine parameters so that engine performance can be monitored and optimized and emissions reduced. DesktopDiesel enables engine problems to be diagnosed and rectified early, preventing the exorbitant costs often associated with engine failures for parts and lost hire.

By monitoring and fine-tuning the vessel's engine based on data from DesktopDiesel, both the operator's bottom line and the environment benefit. Incomplete or unstable combustion increases polluting emissions and fuel costs because the fuel does not burn effectively. It also causes rapid fouling of the exhaust gas ways. However, a DesktopDiesel optimized engine translates into fuel savings for a vessel operator and benefits for the environment by reduced emissions.

Simply put an ECOengine which reduces pollution, produces as many ECOnomic advantages for the vessel operator as it does ECOlogical benefits for the communities in which the vessel operates.

Key Features of Danica's DesktopDiesel

• 24/7 real-time data monitoring of critical engine parameters
• Monthly Vessel Specific Performance Evaluations
• Trending analysis and load diagram
• Critical engine parameters monitored include: Turbo Charger Revs
• and Efficiency, Fuel Pump Index, Engine RPM, Pmax, PComp and the exhaust temperature before/after turbo charger and after valves
• Expert diagnosis and advice from preeminent diesel engine experts
• Online cylinder pressure monitoring with onboard display
• Torque Power Meter with onboard display to monitor power, hull and propeller loading point
• Reduced fuel costs by improved combustion
• Prevention of costly engine repairs and lost hire
• Reduction of polluting emissions by improved combustion
• Detection of hull and propeller fouling
• Enables operator to optimise important parameters such as cruising speed and trim

How it Works

DesktopDiesel consists of digital engine diagnostic equipment and indicators are usually permanently installed on the engine to report on engine performance parameters to ensure safe and optimized engine operations. Essentially, DesktopDiesel converts an analogue mechanical engine into one where the operating systems become digital microprocessor-based systems to produce an ECOengine. This permits the real-time review and analysis of the readings and reports generated 24/7.

Based on data accumulated a monthly Vessel Specific Engine Performance Evaluation including a rolling trending analysis is produced and analyzed. This diagnostic report includes performance curves related to the following important engine parameters: Turbo Charger Revs and Efficiency, Fuel Pump Index, Engine RPM, Pmax, PComp and the exhaust temperature before/after turbo charger and after valves. A load diagram including both the load point and load limits and ISO standard correction of performance data is also included.

In order to ensure global coverage, Danica has monitoring stations in North America, and in Europe and elsewhere by Danica's affiliates.

DesktopDiesel provides the necessary data for Danica Diesel and affiliates to interpret engine status including current engine deficiencies or potential equipment failures, and determine the best means to avoid possible engine damage or repairs.

The primary components of DesktopDiesel are the Premet Online Sensor and the Shaft Power Meter.

DesktopDiesel Online Electronic Pressure Sensor

A key component of DesktopDiesel is the Online Electronic Pressure Sensor, a permanently installed system developed for measurement of cylinder pressure on diesel and gas engines. Each cylinder is equipped with a Premet pressure sensor and these sensors are attached to the existing indicator valves to measure the cylinder pressure on all cylinders simultaneously. This online information is then transmitted to a central computer for analysis.

The DesktopDiesel Online Electronic Pressure Sensor component of DesktopDiesel monitors:

• Mean indicated pressure
• Maximum cylinder pressure
• Indicated power
• Torsional vibration
• Expansion pressure
• Main trend function

DesktopDiesel Torque Meter

DesktopDiesel utilizes a permanently installed toque meter system to monitor the condition of the main engine, as well as of the ship's hull and propeller. By mounting two position encoders between two clamp rings in a known distance on the propeller shaft it is possible to measure the torque absolutely contact free and with quite high accuracy. Together with the speed, which is also measured contact free, the power output of the engine is calculated and displayed on the touch screen panel mounted in the control room. On the display the actual data can be compared with the original, pre-set load diagram.

Two points are determined 500 mm apart on the shaft. The shaft twist is measured between these two points using two highly accurate, linear precision position encoders. The data is digitalized on the rotating shaft, and is transferred contact free to the evaluating processor unit for further processing.

Key Features of the DesktopDiesel Torque Meter

• Touch screen operated
• Suitable for engines with up to 200RPM
• Permanent torque display
• Permanent revolution display
• Reliable and robust design
• Alarm system (password protected)
• Option to connect to ship's control system
• Optional upgrades to determine SFOC and thrust

The alarm values can be set by the operator through a password protected setup directly on the screen. All alarms are available as potential free outputs for connection to the ship's alarm system if requested. Also the measured data will be delivered on the analogue outputs and could also be implemented into the control system. With optional upgrades the measurement and calculation of the specific fuel oil consumption (SFOC) and thrust become possible for enhanced monitoring of the engine's and ship's performance. Another option is the connection to the ship's control system to get data like speed, course, position and other external data to get a more complete performance report.