õhkukütuse

Õhkukütuse, often translated as "air fuel" or "air-fuel mixture," refers to the combination of combustible fuel and air that is necessary for internal combustion engines to operate. In most gasoline engines, this mixture is carefully controlled to ensure efficient combustion and minimal emissions. The ideal ratio is known as the stoichiometric ratio, where there is just enough air to completely burn all the fuel. Deviations from this ratio, either too rich (excess fuel) or too lean (excess air), can lead to reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and higher emissions of pollutants like unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

The creation of the air-fuel mixture is a complex process that involves several components. In older engines, carburetors were responsible for mixing fuel and air. Modern engines predominantly use fuel injection systems, where fuel is precisely sprayed into the intake manifold or directly into the combustion chamber. Sensors, such as the oxygen sensor (lambda sensor), monitor the composition of the exhaust gases and provide feedback to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU then adjusts the amount of fuel injected to maintain the optimal air-fuel ratio under various operating conditions, including engine speed, load, and temperature. This precise control is crucial for meeting stringent emission standards and maximizing fuel economy.