FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of test rigs for testing power generation or
transmission components.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not
necessarily prior art.
Conventionally, a test rig having a water pump is used to evaluate performance of a
power generation or transmission component such as an engine or gearbox. In such
test rigs, a water pump is connected to a component to be tested. The water pump is
10 driven by the output power generated by the component. The water pump draws
water from a water reservoir and delivers it at a higher pressure. The speed of the
water pump and increase in water pressure are directly proportional to the output
power of the component. Thus, by measuring fluid properties, like pressure and/or
flow rate, of water exiting the water pump, the performance of the component is
15 evaluated. However, such test rigs do not facilitate performance evaluation during
testing itself. The component to be tested is typically operated for more than 500
hours. During testing, if there is failure or malfunctioning of any part of the
component, the component does not provide rated power output. However, in the
conventional test rigs, such failure can only be detected once the test is completed. In
20 such case, lot of time is wasted and performance of the component cannot be
accurately evaluated. The conventional test rigs are inconsistent in operation, and
fluctuations are observed in pressure or flow measurements of water delivered by the
water pump of the conventional test rigs. Further, the conventional test rigs are not
robust.
3
Therefore, there is felt a need of a test rig that alleviates the abovementioned
drawbacks of conventional test rigs, and facilitates accurate performance evaluation
of a power generation or transmission component.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment here5 in
satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a test rig for testing a power
generation or transmission component.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a test rig that facilitates
10 performance evaluation of a component during testing.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a test rig that is durable.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the
following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
15 SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a test rig for testing a power generation or
transmission component. The test rig comprises an oil reservoir, a pump in fluid
communication with the oil reservoir, means to couple the pump to the power
generation or transmission component, and at least one measurement device.
20 The measurement device is in fluid communication with the pump, and is configured
to measure a dynamic fluid property of oil delivered by the pump to compute the
performance of the component.
4
In an embodiment, the flow meter is configured to measure flow of oil delivered by
the pump. The pressure gauge is configured to measure pressure generated during the
operation of the pump.
In an embodiment, the test rig includes both the flow meter and the pressure gauge5 .
The test rig further comprises a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the
pump. The heat exchanger is configured to reduce temperature of oil fed to the pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A test rig for testing a power generation or transmission component, of the present
10 disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in
which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a test rig, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram depicting the test rig, in accordance with another
15 embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Test rig
110 – Oil reservoir
120 – Pump
20 130 – Power generation or transmission component
135 – Auxiliary power source
5
138 – Means
140 – Pressure gauge
150 – Pressure relief valve
160 – Heat exchanger
170 – Flow 5 low meter
180 – Safety valve
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawing.
10 Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the
present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth,
relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the
art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the
15 scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, wellknown
apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining
a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the
scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a”, "an",
20 and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", “including”, and
“having” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of
stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or
components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features,
6
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure
is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or
illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be
employe5 d.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on", “engaged to”, "connected to",
or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled
to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
10 The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the
present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer
or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a
specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
15 Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", and
the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between
different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure envisages a test rig for testing a power generation or
transmission component.
20 The test rig, of the present disclosure, is now described with reference to Figure 1 and
Figure 2. Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a test rig 100 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram
depicting the test rig 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
7
The test rig 100 comprises an oil reservoir 110, a pump 120, optionally a pressure
gauge 140, a pressure relief valve 150, a heat exchanger 160, and at least one
measurement device.
The oil reservoir 110 stores oil therewithin. The capacity of the oil reservoir 110
varies as per the application. In one embodiment, the oil reservoir 110 has 120 liter5 s
oil storage capacity.
The pump 120 is in fluid communication with the oil reservoir 110 via a first conduit
(not specifically shown in figures). The pump 120 can be of any suitable type as per
application requirements. In one embodiment, the pump 120 is a vane pump. In
10 another embodiment, the pump 120 has capacity to deliver fluid at a rate of 115
cm3/revolution.
The test rig 100 further includes means 138 configured to couple the pump 120 to a
power generation or transmission component 130 to be tested. The means 138 can
include a connecting shaft or any other suitable arrangement for connecting the pump
15 120 to the component 130. The pump 120 is operated using the output power
generated by the component 130.
In an embodiment, the power generation or transmission component 130 can be an
internal combustion engine or a gearbox.
In an embodiment, the pump 120 is driven by the component 130 alone as shown in
20 Figure 1. In other embodiment, the pump 120 is coupled to the component 130 as
well as an auxiliary power source 135, as shown in Figure 2. The auxiliary power
source 135 can be an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or any other suitable power
source coupled to the pump 120 for driving the pump 120. The advantage of
providing the auxiliary power source is that, before initiating testing, the pump 120 is
25 operated using the auxiliary power source 135. Thus, when the testing is initiated, the
readings of the parameters related to the performance of the pump 120 can be taken
8
immediately. More specifically, the initial frictional force or torque requirement can
be fulfilled by the auxiliary power source 135, and then the component 130 to be
tested can be connected to the pump 120 for evaluating its performance. This avoids
errors in the readings of the parameters.
The heat exchanger 160 is in fluid communication with the pump 120. The hea5 t
exchanger 160 is configured to reduce the temperature of oil fed to the pump 120.
More specifically, the heat exchanger 160 receives hot oil from the pump 120, and
reduces its temperature by facilitating heat transfer between the hot oil and a cold
fluid medium. Typically, the cold fluid medium is water. The hot water exiting the
10 heat exchanger 160 is cooled by using various cooling means. In an embodiment, the
test rig 100 includes a cooling tower configured to receive the hot water from the heat
exchanger 160 and cool it. The cold water is then conveyed to the heat exchanger 160
to cool the hot oil. In another embodiment, the test rig 100 includes an electric motor
configured either to convey hot water from the heat exchanger 160 to the cooling
15 tower or to convey the cold water from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger 160.
Although the present disclosure is described with the cooling tower and the electric
motor, any other suitable cooling arrangement for cooling the hot water exiting the
heat exchanger 160, is well within the scope and ambit of the present disclosure.
Instead of an electric motor, a hydraulic motor can be used to function in a similar
20 way as that of the electric motor.
The heat exchanger 160 is in fluid communication with the oil reservoir 110, and
delivers the cold oil to the oil reservoir 110. The cold oil received in the oil reservoir
110 is now available for recirculation through the pump 120. The test rig 100
includes a second conduit (not specifically shown in figures) connected to the heat
25 exchanger 160 and the oil reservoir 110, and configured to convey oil from the heat
exchanger 160 to the oil reservoir 110.
9
The at least one measurement device is in fluid communication with the pump 120,
and is configured to measure a dynamic fluid property of oil delivered by the pump
120 to compute the performance of the component 130.
In an embodiment, the measurement device includes a flow meter 170.
In another embodiment, the measurement device includes a pressure gauge 5 140.
In yet another embodiment, the test rig 100 comprises two measurement devices, viz.,
the flow meter 170 and the pressure gauge 140.
The flow meter 170 is configured to measure flow of oil delivered by the pump 120.
The flow meter 170 can be suitably arranged in the test rig 100 such that the flow
10 meter 170 accurately measures the flow rate of oil delivered by the pump 120.
In an embodiment, the flow meter 170 is connected between the heat exchanger 160
and the oil reservoir 110 as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. More specifically, the
flow meter 170 measures the flow rate of oil exiting the heat exchanger 160, which
was fed to the heat exchanger 160 by the pump 120.
15 The pressure gauge 140 is configured to measure pressure generated during the
operation of the pump 120. The pressure gauge 140 is arranged in the test rig 100
such that the pressure gauge 140 measures the pressure of the oil immediately after
exiting the pump 120.
The pressure relief valve 150 is connected between the pump 120 and the heat
20 exchanger 160. The pressure relief valve 150 facilitates oil flow from the pump 120
to the heat exchanger 160, when the oil pressure generated by the pump 120 equals to
or exceeds a set pressure value of the pressure relief valve 150. The set pressure value
is determined as per the load requirement.
10
In an embodiment, the pressure gauge 140 is arranged between the pump 120 and the
pressure relief valve 150, and measures pressure of oil immediately after exiting the
pump 120.
The safety valve 180 is connected between the pump 120 and the oil reservoir 110.
The safety valve 180 releases excess oil pressure generated by 5 the pump 120.
The working of the test rig 100 is now elaborated in subsequent paragraph.
Initially, an output shaft of the component 130 to be tested is coupled to the pump
120. The pump 120 is driven by the output power generated by the component 130.
As the component 130 is actuated, the pump 120 draws oil from the oil reservoir. The
10 pressure and flow rate of oil exiting the pump 120 are directly proportional to the
power generated by the component 130. Once the oil exits the pump 120 and flows
through the test rig 100, the pressure and flow rate of the oil are measured using the
pressure gauge 140 and the flow meter 170 respectively. Using mathematical
equations relating the pressure and flow rate of oil to the power imparted on the
15 pump, the performance of the pump can be evaluated. Further, by
knowing/calculating transmission efficiency between the component 130 and the
pump 120, the performance of the component 130, for example, in terms of torque
and output power, can be evaluated.
In case of the auxiliary power source 135, the auxiliary power source 135 is coupled
20 to the pump 120 and actuated to operate the pump 120 before actuating the
component 130.
The footprint of the test rig 100 is smaller than the footprint of conventional test rigs.
For instance, if a conventional test rig requires a water tank of capacity 10000 liters,
the test rig 100 requires an oil reservoir of capacity 120 liters to perform testing of a
25 component. Further, the test rig 100 provides accurate test results. As the pressure
gauge 140 is arranged immediately after the pump 120, accurate pressure readings
11
can be obtained using the test rig 100. Further, in case a part of a component fails to
operate during testing, it can be immediately detected using the pressure readings
provided by the pressure gauge 140, and the testing can be stopped. This saves
valuable time as the failure of the part is detected immediately.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes 5 poses of
illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual
components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular
embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be
10 within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages
including, but not limited to, the realization of a test rig that:
 provides accurate test results;
15  facilitates performance evaluation of a component during testing;
 is durable.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof
are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are
20 omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples
used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to
practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed
as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
12
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general
nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,
readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments
without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and
modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning a5 nd
range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the
phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not
of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms
of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
10 embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of
the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more
elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the
disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
15 Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has
been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for
the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters
form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field
relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this
20 application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or
quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower
than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall
within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification
25 specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and
component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
13
embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred
embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other
changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure
will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to
be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interprete5 d
merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

WE CLAIM:
1. A test rig (100) for testing a power generation or transmission component
(130), said test rig (100) comprising:
an oil reservoir (110);
a pump (120) in fluid communication with said oil reservoir (110)5 ;
means (138) to couple said pump (120) to said power generation or
transmission component (130); and
at least one measurement device in fluid communication with said
pump (120), and configured to measure a dynamic fluid property of oil
10 delivered by said pump (120) to compute the performance of said
component (130).
2. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said measurement device
includes a flow meter (170) configured to measure flow of oil delivered by
said pump.
15 3. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said measurement device
includes a pressure gauge (140) for measuring pressure generated during the
operation of said pump (120).
4. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a flow meter (170)
and a pressure gauge (140).
20 5. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a heat exchanger
(160) in fluid communication with said pump (120), and configured to reduce
temperature of oil fed to said pump (120).
15
6. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 2 and claim 5, wherein said flow meter
(170) is connected between said heat exchanger (160) and said oil reservoir
(110).
7. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 5, which includes a pressure relief valve
(150) connected between said pump (120) and said heat exchanger (5 160).
8. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 5, which includes a conduit connected
to said heat exchanger (160) and said oil reservoir (110), and configured to
convey oil from said heat exchanger (160) to said oil reservoir (110).
9. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pump (120) is a vane
10 pump.
10. The test rig (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a safety valve (180)
connected between said pump (120) and said oil reservoir (110).