Computer-aided diagnostics of injection and combustion processes in engines equipped with Common Rail fuel injection

In earlier designs, the compression-ignition engine units were controlled by means of mechanical elements. They were levers, rods, springs, pawls, cams and others. The quality of such control did not ensure the required repeatability of control parameters in the fuel injection and combustion process. After the introduction of the standards limiting engine emissions of the limited exhaust components, the aforementioned engine control systems were not able to meet the requirements. The mechanical regulation of mechanical systems has been replaced by electronic control systems. It was the development of computer techniques and software that enabled design solutions of control systems for injection and combustion process parameters in engines with sufficient accuracy and repeatability of test results. The modern EDC (Electronic Diesel Control) control system, due to the computing power of microprocessors increased in recent years, enables meeting high requirements of modern Common Rail injection systems. The article presents issues in the area of four thematic levels: the design and modernization of the engine, its operation, diagnostic problems in order to determine reasons of unit failures and bench-top methods for assessing the effectiveness of unit repairs as well as issues concerning alternative fuels.