Comparison of Piston Temperature Measurement Methods: Templugs Versus Wireless Telemetry With Thermocouples

The objective of this investigation was to compare the results of metallurgical temperature sensors and thermocouples when used to measure piston temperatures in a running engine. Type J thermocouples and a microwave wireless telemetry system were used to gather real time temperature data on the piston in the vicinity of each metallurgical sensor. Eight pairs of metallurgical temperature sensors were installed in the piston with a thermocouple junction in-between. The engine was ramped up to steady state quickly and then held for approximately four hours at 1800 RPM and 1980 N-m before being quickly ramped back down in accordance with the metallurgical sensors’ recommended test cycle. During the test, continuous temperature data at each of the sensor locations was monitored and recorded using the telemetry system. After the test was complete, the metallurgical temperature sensors were removed and independently analyzed. The results indicate that readings from the metallurgical temperature sensors were similar to those of the embedded thermocouples for locations without large thermal gradients. However, when thermal gradients were present, the metallurgical sensor’s reading was influenced measurably.