Engine oil quality deterioration estimation using an integrated sensory system

Abstract

Engine oil degradation impacts the operation and performance of an internal combustion engine. As a result, it is crucial to compare the degradation level of engine oils, with a particular emphasis on kinematic viscosity, oxidation, nitration, and critical oil testing characteristics. Suppose engine oil changes too soon without first calculating its remaining usable life. In that case, it wastes already scarce resources and has an unfavourable environmental influence. Engine performance may suffer if oil is changed too late and is of poor quality. In the current research, oil testing is performed on vehicles due to maintenance to find the best moment for changing engine oil. Oil samples were taken randomly from cars that came to an authorized service facility for maintenance, comprising a wide range from the first to the fifth servicing. Oil samples were initially evaluated in a laboratory using a viscometer and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy in conformity with industry standards. The samples were then evaluated using an integrated sensor system developed and built by the authors. The determination coefficient R2 = 0.97 showed a significant positive association between major engine oil degradation characteristics such as kinematic viscosity, oxidation, and nitration at reasonable sensitivity. Approximately 8% of the total gathered samples were useable. The research identifies several oil degradation sensor systems that give low-cost, on-site convenient options for oil condition monitoring and predicting the remaining usable life of engine oil.