Development of Ultrasonic Oil Condition and Level Sensors for Use with NEXCEL

项目目标：该项目的目标是开发一种超声波传感器，可以预测Nexel油室内润滑油的状态，并在较长时间内测量润滑油的水平。在这种应用中使用超声波将极大地帮助油室的设计，因为它将消除连接内部安装的油液传感器的导线穿过细胞壁的必要性，从而消除潜在的泄漏路径和故障模式。目的：探索超声波传感与当前液位传感方法的协同作用。识别传感器参数和波形条件，以在Nexel内实现最准确的液位测量。确定在机油降解时最适合测量的特性，以及哪种类型的传感器更有能力进行这些测量识别哪些润滑油参数可以测量以确定机油状况。确定了通过Nexel细胞壁实现润滑剂状态测量的最佳超声脉冲法。在Nexel底座上创建第二个原型传感器，它将与Nexel底部有足够的接触。调查并尽可能减少变异性--温度、尺寸、传感器之间的比较(均匀载荷和粘接层)等。使用符合Nexel目标要求的低成本部件制造超声波传感器原型。在Nexel车队或安装了Nexel系统的发动机测功机上进行测试开发。潜在的应用和优势：Nexel是一种新型的高级油底壳，旨在减少二氧化碳排放，确保快速轻松地更换机油和过滤器，安全地收集和回收机油，确保机油与发动机的精确匹配，最后帮助机油更快地升温，避免长时间的冷启动。该项目旨在增加传感器，帮助预测油位和状态，这反过来将导致更好地使用发动机油，及时更换机油，并延长发动机部件的使用寿命。

Project Aim:The aim of this project is to develop an ultrasonic sensor that can predict the state and measure the level of the lubricant inside the NEXCEL oil cell over an extended period. The use of ultrasound for this application will greatly help with the design of the oil cell because it will remove the necessity to have a channel across the cell wall, for wires leading to an internally mounted oil sensor, thus removing a potential leak path and failure mode.Objectives: Explore the synergy of ultrasonic sensing with current level sensing methods. Identify sensor parameters and wave conditions to achieve most accurate level measurement within the NEXCEL. Identify the most suitable properties to measure as oil degrades and which sensor type is more capable at taking those measurements Identify which lubricant parameters can be measured to determine oil condition. Determining the best ultrasonic pulsing method to achieve measurement of the lubricant state through the NEXCEL cell wall. Create second prototype sensor on the NEXCEL dock, which will have sufficient contact with the bottom of the NEXCEL. Investigate and minimise variability where possible - Temperature, dimensions, comparisons between sensors (uniform loads and adhesive bonding layers) and more. Build prototype ultrasonic sensors using low cost parts that adhere to the requirements of the NEXCEL objectives. Test developments on the NEXCEL vehicle fleet or an engine dynamometer fitted with the NEXCEL system.Potential Application and Benefits:NEXCEL is a novel and superior oil sump that has been designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, ensure quick and easy oil and filter changes, safely collect and recycled oil, ensure a precise oil-engine match and finally, it helps the oil to warm up more quickly, stopping prolonged cold starts. This project aims to add sensors that will help predicted oil level and state, which in turn will lead to better use of engine oil, timely oil changes and the longer life of engine components.