Monitoring of Thermostat Performance In Heavy Equipment Diesel Engine Cooling System Using An Ultrasonic Flow Meter

Setyo Haryadi; Dena Hendriana; Henry Nasution; Gembong Baskoro

doi:10.33555/cmei.v2i1.39

Setyo Haryadi United Tractor
Dena Hendriana Swiss German University
Henry Nasution Swiss German University
Gembong Baskoro Swiss German University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33555/cmei.v2i1.39

Keywords: ultrasonic flow meter, thermostat, coolant flow, cooling system, diesel engine, heavy equipment

Abstract

Heavy equipment uses diesel engines as the main power source. Common problem in diesel engines is engine overheat condition and the cause of this problem can come from thermostat failure. Diagnosis of the thermostat when problem occurs in the diesel engine cooling system requires a long time. This study aims to determine the condition of the coolant flow and monitor thermostat performance while engine is running so thermostat failure can be detected earlier. In this study, an ultrasonic flow meter to measure coolant flow rate in the diesel engine cooling system was developed and the measurement is displayed for monitoring the condition of thermostat. The monitoring system has been installed and the results showed significant relationship between the coolant flow rate and the performance of the thermostat. This monitoring system can show that when the thermostat is in normal condition and when the coolant temperature reaches 80oC, it is detected that the coolant flow rate from the engine block to the radiator increases significantly.