Design and Manufacture of Low-cost Dynamometer for Small Engine

Abstract

Dynamometers are devices used to measure the torque or force. In the automotive industry, dynamometers refer to devices used to measure the torque output of an engine. Dynamometers are used throughout the world to test and tune engines for various applications by manufacturers as well as end users. Most industries in the country are forced to import dynamometers resulting in very high costs. This project focuses on the study of dynamometer design and instrumentation to develop a low-cost dynamometer for the local market. Water brake was found to be the best choice due to its low cost of manufacturing and operations. The water brake design was studied and tested using CFD to find the most effective design. Rudimentary test bed was made to allow mounting of the brake, the engine and to connect the two. A cooling tower was constructed based on past project to control water temperatures. A control system was developed to take data from the dyno and produce useful information from it. Finally the dyno was tested was successfully using a 125cc Engine and was successfully able to produce the required brake force.