Accurate pressure calibration and control ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of automotive systems and components. But as the automotive industry shifts toward sustainability and achieving net-zero goals, how does the world of pressure calibration and control adjust? Or are they already fueling the way toward a more sustainable future? This blog will explore how the pressure calibration and control sector contributes and adapts to developing eco-friendly and fuel-efficient automobiles.
Electric vehicles became popular in the early 2010s, but in 2023, a staggering 1.6 million were sold. Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts that by 2040, Electric Vehicles will make up 58% of all new car sales. Maintaining optimal performance, safety, and longevity of Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries relies heavily on pressure calibration and control. Proper pressure management is essential for EV batteries due to factors such as:
EV batteries must be leak-proof to guarantee safety, performance, and environmental protection. Leaks can lead to humidity and water entering the battery cell or electrolytes escaping. The electrolytes in EV batteries are a solution that allows charged particles, or ions, to move between two terminals (electrodes). Electrolyte leakage can be a long-term issue that may cause external short-circuiting and thermal runaway. Therefore, maintaining high accuracy in leak tests is essential for pressure controllers.
Consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of their vehicles' environmental impact. According to the Pew Research Center, two-thirds of U.S. adults prioritize the development of renewable energy sources over producing fossil fuels. In addition, given the current economic conditions, many individuals face difficulties in managing the increased cost of gasoline. According to a separate report by Pew Research, 82% of Americans feel that the gas price has escalated. Due to these circumstances, fuel efficiency is a significant consideration for consumers when purchasing cars. Therefore, the question arises: How can one optimize fuel efficiency with pressure control?
The fuel delivery system is considered one of the most important aspects of a properly functioning vehicle. Maintaining the correct air/fuel ratios is essential for gasoline engines to operate at their best. Suppose the mix is either too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (not enough fuel). In that case, the fuel efficiency will suffer, the engine won't develop its full power and internal components such as spark plugs or catalytic converter can be damaged.
Accurate pressure calibration and control are paramount for improving fuel efficiency in internal combustion engines and fuel injection systems.
Pressure sensors with high accuracy, like the Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor, measure fuel pressure in the fuel rail leading to the injectors and provide feedback to the Engine Control Module (ECM) to ensure the right amount of fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. Other sensors, such as the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) or Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor, also play crucial roles in determining the appropriate fuel injection amount. These pressure sensors help achieve an optimal fuel-to-air ratio, preventing imbalances in the air-fuel mixture.
The wrong tire pressure can lead to higher fuel consumption and increased CO2 emissions. It doesn't just affect the environment - but also your wallet. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for every psi drop in your car's tire pressure, your gas mileage can decrease by 0.2%. Properly inflating your tires helps the environment and saves you money in the long run.
Modern engines use pressure sensors for adaptive fuel management, cold start optimization, and altitude compensation. Pressure sensors help to monitor various aspects of vehicle emissions, including exhaust backpressure, fuel system pressure, EGR system efficiency, evaporative emissions, OBD integration, vacuum system monitoring, and advanced measurement technologies.
An example is the development of manifold absolute pressure sensors (MAP), which have undoubtedly contributed to improved fuel efficiency and engine power in the automotive industry. These sensors supply pressure data to the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) in a fuel-injected combustion engine. This information is used to calculate air density and determine the air mass flow rate within the engine, which in turn helps determine the optimal fuel metering for combustion.
MAP and MAF sensors are commonly used in turbocharged engines. MAF sensors measure the mass flow rate or air volume entering the engine. These sensors communicate with the engine's control unit at different intervals to ensure the delivery of the precise amount of air and fuel required for optimal combustion. The "right amount" is determined and pre-programmed based on data obtained from engine testing.
The automotive industry faces many restrictions and regulations that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate automobiles' environmental impact.
The United Nations aims to reduce emissions by 45% in 2030 and be net-zero by 2050.
Pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons must be regulated to prevent environmental degradation and preserve urban air quality. Some areas require automakers to produce a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles. Testing procedures such as Real-Driving Emissions (RDE) tests are also implemented to measure these pollutants while driving the car.
So, how does pressure measurement contribute to reducing emissions?
Pressure sensors are crucial in monitoring the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, essential for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. These sensors detect any irregularities in EGR pressure, allowing for timely adjustments. Additionally, precise pressure measurements are vital for Sealed Housing for Evaporative Determination (SHED) testing as they help quantify evaporative losses from fuel handling and storage systems. This measurement is essential for vehicle certification under EPA regulations. Moreover, pressure sensors are integral to Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) systems required by emission standards. They help detect malfunctions that could lead to increased emissions, ensuring continuous compliance with emission regulations.
The automotive industry's rapid advancements have increased the demand for pressure calibration and control technologies to keep pace.
This has increased the emphasis on higher-accuracy pressure instruments and multifunctional systems, such as differential pressure measurements. Customizable sensors integrated with digital pressure interfaces have increased flexibility and cost-efficiency in automotive applications. Furthermore, the transition to OBD-III systems with real-time emission monitoring has enabled more precise and continuous pressure monitoring in vehicles. Calibration technologies also adapt to accommodate alternative fuel sources, emphasizing sustainable automotive technologies. By embracing these advancements, the pressure calibration industry is driving progress across diverse sectors and adapting to the constantly evolving world.
Explore the benefits of customizable sensors and digital pressure interfaces for your automotive applications by partnering with Mensor. Visit us at www.mensor.com to browse our cutting-edge pressure-sensing solutions.