Author(s) :

UGONOH, BASHIRU SALAWU, RUFAI, IBRAHIM AHMAD.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The paper presents an investigation of the use of a modified cooling system for caterpillar C18 engine. The objectives of the study are to determine the factors responsible for overheating the engine and explore possible ways for improving the efficiency of the cooling system. The engine that serves as the object of the study is used as a prime mover for a generating set with power rating of 400 kW, 50 Hz, 400 volts and 1500 rpm. The closed circuit cooling system comprises of heat source (engine block), coolant temperature regulator, radiator and a water pump. The study revealed that caterpillar C18 engine gets overheated when the coolant temperature rises to 90°C and above with a corresponding heat content of 444 kJ. It was discovered that overheating could be avoided by: i) replacing the water pump with one having a discharge of 0.0202 m3/s instead of 0.0107 m3/s; ii) using a radiator having a heat transfer area of 102 m2 instead of 50 m2; and increasing the fan speed from 1482 rpm to 1547 rpm. With pump and fan efficiencies maintained at 84% and 55% respectively, the major modification to be made to the radiator entails a 102% increase in the heat transfer area.

No. of Downloads :

1