Testing is our Passion

FPC International designs and builds test equipment that measures and records the efficiency of electric generators and internal combustion engines. We also provide test procedures that follow international standards for calculating the efficiency of engines and generators.

Testing consists of two phases. In the first phase, the efficiency of the engine or generator is determined when using regular fuel. In the second phase, the efficiency of the engine or generator is determined when using fuel treated with the FPC catalyst. These results are then compared to determine the change in efficiency.

Engine and Generator Efficiency

Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) is the metric used for engine and generator efficiency. This metric takes into account both the fuel used and the power produced by the engine or generator.

Generator Testing

A generator testing protocol is used for any system that uses fuel to generate electricity. This includes power plants burning liquid fuels, locomotives, diesel-electric heavy mining equipment, and marine vessels that use generators powered by diesel or heavy fuel oil.

To determine the efficiency of an electric generator the fuel consumption and electrical power produced are measured and recorded. The efficiency is reported as a ratio of the fuel consumed to the power produced: i.e. the brake specific fuel consumption.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption is measured by flow meters installed in the supply and return fuel lines of the unit being tested. The fuel consumed is the difference between the fuel supplied and the fuel returned. The volume of a fuel changes with temperature and density. To correct for this, the fuel readings are converted to mass-based units.

Electrical Power Measurements

Electrical power is measured by voltage and current sensors installed on generator. For DC systems, the power is simply the product of the voltage and current. For AC systems, the three-phase power is determined by measuring the voltage and current waveforms and using a system that calculates the true-RMS voltage, current, and power.

Internal Combustion Engine Testing

An engine testing protocol is used for any system that uses fuel to generate mechanical power that does not drive an electrical generator. This includes many types of heavy mining equipment, marine vessels with a direct coupling to a propeller, and over-the-road trucks.

To determine the efficiency of an internal combustion engine the fuel consumption and mechanical power produced are measured and recorded. The efficiency is reported as a ratio of the fuel consumed to the power produced: i.e. the brake specific fuel consumption.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption is measured by flow meters installed in the supply and return fuel lines of the unit being tested. The fuel consumed is the difference between the fuel supplied and the fuel returned. The volume of a fuel changes with temperature and density. To correct for this, the fuel readings are converted to mass-based units.

Mechanical Power Measurements

Mechanical power is measured by torque and RPM sensors installed on the drive shaft of an engine. The product of torque and RPM is the mechanical power (measured in units of horsepower) produced by the engine.

All Test Reports

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