luftbrændstof

Luftbrændstof, often translated as "air fuel" or "combustion air," refers to the mixture of air and a combustible substance that is required for burning. In the context of engines and combustion processes, it specifically denotes the ratio of fuel to air that is optimized for efficient and complete combustion. This ratio is critical for determining the performance, emissions, and fuel economy of an internal combustion engine.

The ideal air-fuel ratio, also known as the stoichiometric ratio, is the chemically perfect balance where all the fuel is completely burned by the available oxygen in the air, producing only carbon dioxide and water. For gasoline, this ratio is approximately 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel by mass. Deviations from this ratio can lead to different combustion characteristics. A rich mixture, with more fuel than air, results in incomplete combustion, potentially leading to more unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, but can also provide more power. A lean mixture, with less fuel than air, can improve fuel efficiency and reduce NOx emissions but may cause misfires or engine damage if too lean.

Modern engines use sophisticated control systems, such as oxygen sensors (lambda sensors) and engine control units (ECUs), to precisely regulate the air-fuel mixture in real-time. This ensures optimal combustion under various operating conditions, balancing power output, fuel consumption, and emission control requirements. Understanding and controlling the air-fuel ratio is fundamental to the design and operation of almost all combustion-based technologies.