Engine Dynamometer

ENGINE TESTING: POWER CURVESeveral different tests can be performed with good engine dynamometer. The most common is an Engine Power Curve (or Engine Torque Curve). In this test the engine is run at wide open throttle (WOT), and the dynamometer is operated in Speed Controlled mode. The speed set point is initially set to a low value, perhaps twice the idle speed. Engine speed and dynamometer torque are measured, and the speed set point is then increased, perhaps 500 rpm, and once the engine stabilizes at the new speed, the new speed and torque are measured. This is repeated up to the maximum desired speed. Break Power can then be calculated from the data, and you will have curves for the WOT torque and power as a function of engine speed. Please note: great care should be taken when testing the engine at WOT as any mistake in the testing could lead to am over-speed engine, possibly resulting in engine destruction.