초록
This paper presents a method that the engine oil condition is detected using a natural convection heat transfer in a engine oil. A sensor circuit maintains a constant temperature difference between a heat plate and engine oil for detecting a natural convection heat transfer rate on the constant temperature. The natural convection heat transfer rate is measured by a current through the heat plate of the sensor circuit. The sensor is tested by a fresh oil. 6,000 km and 10,000 km driven oil in the oil temperature range from $20^{\circ}C$ to $100^{\circ}C$. In the experimental result, when the current through the heat plate is altered by variation of a engine oil temperature and flows driven oil more than fresh oil, the sensor could inform a engine oil deterioration to a car driver.