fuelcontrol

Fuel control refers to the systems and methods used to regulate the amount of fuel delivered to an engine. The primary goal of fuel control is to ensure efficient and optimal combustion, which impacts performance, fuel economy, and emissions. Different types of engines employ various fuel control strategies.

In gasoline internal combustion engines, fuel control historically relied on carburetors, which mechanically mixed fuel and air. Modern gasoline engines predominantly use electronic fuel injection (EFI). EFI systems use sensors to monitor engine conditions like speed, load, and temperature, and an electronic control unit (ECU) to precisely inject the correct amount of fuel through injectors. This allows for much finer control than carburetors.

Diesel engines also utilize sophisticated fuel injection systems. Common rail direct injection (CRDI) is a prevalent technology where fuel is pressurized in a common rail and then injected into the combustion chamber at very high pressures and in multiple precisely timed pulses. This allows for significant control over the combustion process, leading to improved efficiency and reduced emissions.

The advancements in fuel control systems are driven by the need for better fuel economy and stricter emissions regulations. Technologies such as variable valve timing, turbocharging, and advanced ignition systems work in conjunction with fuel control to optimize the overall engine operation. The continuous evolution of sensors, actuators, and control algorithms ensures that fuel control remains a critical aspect of modern engine design.