Injektionstakt

Injektionstakt, often translated as injection timing, refers to the precise moment when fuel is injected into an internal combustion engine's cylinder. This timing is a critical parameter in engine management, significantly influencing combustion efficiency, power output, fuel economy, and emissions. The optimal injection timing varies depending on engine speed, load, temperature, and other operating conditions.

In gasoline engines, injection timing is typically controlled by the engine control unit (ECU). Fuel can be injected directly into the cylinder (direct injection) or into the intake manifold (port injection). For direct injection, the timing is crucial to ensure the fuel mixes effectively with the incoming air before ignition. In port injection, fuel is injected earlier in the intake stroke.

In diesel engines, injection timing is even more critical due to the compression ignition process. Fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber under very high pressure. Advancing the injection timing (injecting earlier in the compression stroke) generally leads to higher cylinder pressures and temperatures, resulting in more complete combustion but potentially increased NOx emissions. Retarding the timing (injecting later) can reduce NOx but may lead to incomplete combustion and particulate matter. Sophisticated electronic control systems precisely manage this timing to optimize performance and emissions across the engine's operating range.