Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

A software for scheduled maintenance of diesel generators was designed and developed. This software uses vibration level (0-0.4mm), diesel level (25-100%), water level (50-100L), temperature (20-500C), air inlet pressure (20-30 bar), battery voltage (24volts) and oil level (2.8-7.1cm) to evaluate the operating condition of diesel generators. The software uses these data to recommend the required maintenance scheme to be carried out on this generator with respect to the runtime in hours. The method of collection of these data was carried out manually since it is designed to be a cost effective software in order to make it available to everyone who runs a diesel generator. The software was written in Java programming language using NetBeans IDE platform, which is cross-platform and runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and other platforms supporting a compatible JVM. This software was designed to bring maintenance to any level of technical knowhow and reduce the rate of diesel engine failures. Hence, reducing the losses associated with unexpected breakdown of diesel generators. Result of the software validation test showed that the Administrative generator which is serviced after 540 hours of operation run a risk of 40 hours without servicing while the School and New Hostel generators which are serviced after 840 hours of operation run even a greater risk of 340 hours without due maintenance.