Drosselklappenregelung

Drosselklappenregelung refers to the control system for the throttle valve in an internal combustion engine. The throttle valve, also known as the butterfly valve, regulates the amount of air entering the engine's intake manifold. This, in turn, controls the engine's speed and power output.

In traditional mechanical systems, the throttle valve is directly connected to the accelerator pedal via a cable. Pressing the pedal opens the valve, allowing more air in, which leads to higher engine RPM. The driver's input directly dictates the throttle valve's position.

Modern vehicles increasingly utilize electronic throttle control (ETC), also known as "drive-by-wire." In ETC systems, there is no direct mechanical linkage between the accelerator pedal and the throttle valve. Instead, the accelerator pedal has a sensor that sends an electronic signal to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU then commands an electric motor to open or close the throttle valve to the desired position.

Drosselklappenregelung, whether mechanical or electronic, is a critical component for engine management. It allows for precise control of the air-fuel mixture, which impacts fuel efficiency, emissions, and engine performance. Electronic throttle control offers advantages such as improved drivability, integrated cruise control functionality, and enhanced safety features like traction control and stability control. The ECU can adjust the throttle opening independently of the pedal position to prevent wheel spin or maintain stability during cornering.