Live transmission of real-time engine, exhaust quality and ambient data from mobile diesel equipment

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Live transmission of real-time engine, exhaust quality and ambient data from mobile diesel equipment

Rubeli, B. / Hardcastle, S.G. / Gangal, M. / Lyle, G. / Bullock, K. / Dasys, A.

As part of a larger Ventilation-On-Demand (VOD) study this engine monitoring work attempted to correlate the in-field measurement of a load-haul-dump (LHD) vehicle's emissions with gaseous measurements made using laboratory grade equipment and the relay of that LHD gained information to a mine's communication system. This element explored the use of an industrial oxides of nitrogen and oxygen (NOx/O₂) sensor (NGK), plus ambient gas and environmental sensors mounted on the vehicle along with a recently developed industrial datalogger/Wi-Fi interface, a SymBot (Symboticware) to collect, process and transmit data in real-time. These technologies were combined to assess the operational status of the vehicle, acquire engine control (ECU) module data, monitor exhaust quality, the carbon monoxide (CO) concentration, temperature (t_DB) and relative humidity (%RH) of the ambient environment. To date, the NOx/O₂ sensor has shown a good correlation with the laboratory based analytical equipment used in steady-state engine certification tests. This sensor was also shown to compare well with portable analysis equipment employed during in-mine transient testing of an LHD while mucking. The collection of engine data by a protocol reader has been also proven. However, evaluating the ambient environment sensors and proving the competent transmission of data through to a mine's communication system is still pending. Regardless, the combination of these technologies shows considerable promise. It is believed the data from the engine ECU and the NOx/O₂ sensor can be related to engine certification to predict the generation of other exhaust contaminants and thus allow the calculation of the air required for dilution. The ambient sensors could then provide verification of the required airflow as available and a VOD system could proceed to diluting emissions accordingly in the work-place. Added diagnostic benefits could include the live transmission of engine data for maintenance purposes and the ambient monitoring indicating the failure of a ventilation element. Improved maintenance information could reduce equipment downtime, and the work-place monitoring could improve worker protection.