Tyhjäkäytös

Tyhjäkäytös refers to the phenomenon of a motor or engine running at a low speed without being engaged to any load. This is commonly observed in vehicles when the driver is stationary, for example, at a traffic light or when the vehicle is parked but the engine is still running. In internal combustion engines, tyhjäkäytös allows the engine to continue operating without the need for external input, maintaining sufficient oil pressure and cooling system circulation.

The speed at which an engine idles is typically set by the manufacturer and is controlled by the engine's computer or mechanical systems. This idle speed is designed to be low enough to conserve fuel while still providing enough power to operate essential components such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Modern vehicles often have sophisticated idle control systems that can adjust the idle speed based on various factors like engine temperature, electrical load, and air conditioning usage.

Excessive or prolonged tyhjäkäytös can lead to increased fuel consumption and emissions. In some regions, regulations may limit the duration of engine idling. For electric vehicles, the concept of tyhjäkäytös as described for internal combustion engines does not apply, as electric motors only consume power when actively driving or powering auxiliary systems. When an electric vehicle is stationary, its motor is typically not engaged and consumes minimal to no energy.