Sylvie Willis
Fuel injection is the introduction of fuel into an internal combustion engine, most commonly automotive engines, by means of a fuel injector. The first engine to use a pressurised fuel injection system was the British Herbert-Akroyd oil engine in 1891. This was followed by the 1906 Antoinette 8V aircraft engine, the world's first V8 engine, which used manifold injection. In 1924, MAN Truck & Bus presented the first direct-injected diesel engine for trucks. Single-point injection, also known as throttle-body injection, was extensively used in American-made passenger cars and light trucks during 1980-1995. Since the 1980s, electronic systems have been used to control the metering of fuel, with more recent systems using an electronic engine control unit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First engine to use a pressurised fuel injection system | The British Herbert-Akroyd oil engine in 1891 |
| First prototype version of an injection system | Used by French aviator Leon Levavasseur in 1902 |
| First mass-produced fuel injection system for passenger cars | The 1997 Mitsubishi 6G74 V6 engine |
| First common-rail system for a passenger car diesel engine | The Fiat Multijet straight-four engine in 1999 |
| First electronic fuel injection system offered in a production vehicle | The Electrojector by Bendix in 1957 |
| First fuel-injected engines used in mass-production passenger cars | Mercedes-Benz OM 138 diesel engine in the late 1930s and early 1940s |
| First fuel-injected engine used in a truck | The Cummins Model H diesel truck engine introduced in America in 1933 |
| First direct-injected compression-ignition engine used in road-going vehicles | The Hesselman engine in 1925 |
| First type of fuel injectors to commercially replace the carburetor | Throttle body fuel injection (TBI) |
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What You'll Learn
The first fuel-injected engines for trucks
The history of fuel injection in trucks and automobiles goes back over a century. The first-ever fuel injection system was invented by British engineer Herbert Akroyd Stuart in 1885, after he accidentally spilled a flask of kerosene into a pot of molten tin, and discovered that hot kerosene vapours ignite more easily than liquid kerosene. This led to the creation of the hot-bulb engine, which entered production under licence in 1891, becoming the first engine to use a pressurised fuel injection system.
In 1902, French aviator Leon Levavasseur used a prototype fuel injection system in his Antoinette 8V airplane, which became the first V8 engine system in history. In 1924, MAN Truck & Bus presented the first direct-injected diesel engine for trucks. However, the first fuel-injected engines for mass-production passenger cars were introduced in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with the Mercedes-Benz OM 138 diesel engine.
In 1925, Swedish inventor Jonas Hesselman used an early form of direct gasoline injection on the Hesselman engine. The Hesselman engine was used in trucks and buses from the late 1920s to the early 1940s by makers like Volvo and Scania. This engine could run on a variety of fuels, including oil, kerosene, petrol, or diesel oil, and offered better fuel economy compared to similar petrol engines at the time.
In the 1940s, racers and hot-rodders began to experiment with mechanical fuel injection, and by the 1950s, fuel injection systems were being used in the automotive market, with companies like Mercedes-Benz embracing mechanical fuel injection in the form of Bosch direct injection. In 1957, the American Motors Corporation introduced the first electronic fuel injection (EFI) system in a production vehicle, outfitting the Rambler with the Electrojector system.
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Early fuel injection systems in aircraft engines
The history of fuel injection systems in aircraft engines is a fascinating one, with the technology evolving over the past century. One of the earliest recorded uses of fuel injectors was in 1902 when French aviator Leon Levavasseur implemented a prototype version of an injection system in his Antoinette 8V airplane. This was the world's first V8 engine system.
In the early days of aviation, aircraft engines primarily used carburetors due to their lightweight and simple design. However, the quest for improved engine efficiency led to the development of fuel injection systems. Marvel, for instance, hired M. G. Chandler in 1929 to supervise the development of a fuel injection system that he had patented. The US Army showed interest and tested the system on several aircraft engines.
During World War II, several petrol engines for aircraft used direct-injection systems. Notable examples include the European Junkers Jumo 210, Daimler-Benz DB 601, BMW 801, and the Shvetsov ASh-82FN (M-82FN). These German direct-injection systems were based on diesel injection technology from companies like Bosch and Junkers.
The Bendix RSA (Regulator Injection System) series is another example of early aircraft fuel injection systems. It consisted of an injector, flow divider, and fuel discharge nozzle. The system measured engine air consumption and used airflow forces to control fuel flow to the engine. The fuel pressure built up in the nozzle lines as the fuel flow through the regulator increased above idle requirements, and this pressure was directly proportional to the fuel flow and engine power output.
The Continental fuel-injection system is a continuous-flow type that controls fuel flow to match engine airflow. It consists of a fuel injector pump, a control unit, a fuel manifold, and a fuel discharge nozzle. The fuel is discharged through a jet into an ambient air pressure chamber within the nozzle assembly, where it is mixed with air to aid in atomization before entering the individual intake valve chambers.
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The evolution of carbureted engines to fuel injection
Carbureted engines use a basic mechanical device called a carburetor to meter and mix the fuel with air before it enters the cylinders. Carburetors rely on suction created by intake air and are simple to maintain and repair, which made them popular for many years. However, they lacked the ability to precisely control the fuel-air mixture, leading to fuel inefficiencies and higher emissions.
The concept of fuel injection is not new, dating back over a century. The first recorded use of fuel injectors was in 1902 by French aviator Leon Levavasseur in his Antoinette 8V airplane. In 1925, Swedish inventor Jonas Hesselman used an early form of direct gasoline injection on the Hesselman engine. Fuel injectors gained widespread use during World War II and became popular in diesel engines in the 1950s.
The automotive industry began transitioning to fuel injection in the 1950s, with substantial engineering efforts in the US and Europe. One notable example is the Rochester fuel injection system developed by Chevrolet for the 1957 Chevrolet and Corvette. However, fuel injection systems during this period were expensive and struggled to compete with the higher-horsepower carbureted engines.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, fuel injection technology had improved, and emissions and fuel economy became a stronger focus. The throttle body fuel injection (TBI) method became the first type to commercially replace carburetors. Single-point injection, a variation of TBI, was extensively used in American-made passenger cars and light trucks during 1980-1995. By the early 1990s, fuel injection had largely replaced carburetors in production automobiles, offering better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and more precise air-fuel mixtures.
Today, fuel injection systems have become standard in most vehicles, providing superior performance, fuel economy, and emissions control compared to carbureted engines. While carburetors still have their enthusiasts, particularly among classic car owners, fuel injection has undeniably revolutionized automotive engine technology.
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The impact of fuel injectors on engine performance
Fuel injectors are one of the greatest technological inventions for automobiles, and their impact on engine performance is significant. The concept of injection systems has been around for over a century, but their popularity has soared in recent decades due to their ability to enhance engine performance and fuel efficiency.
The primary function of fuel injectors is to deliver fuel to the engine through a fuel pressure regulator. This process ensures that the engine receives the right amount of fuel to match the air intake, optimising the fuel-air mixture. Stock fuel injectors are adequate for standard engines, but engines with modifications, such as an aftermarket turbo or supercharger, require more fuel to maintain performance. This is where performance fuel injectors come into play.
Performance fuel injectors deliver more fuel to the combustion chamber, increasing the vehicle's power and performance. They help the engine perform at its maximum capacity and boost fuel efficiency. However, it is crucial to match the performance fuel injector to the specific engine and its modifications. The injector's spray pattern, flow rates, and compatibility with the type of fuel used are essential considerations.
The injector's configuration, angle, and pressure also play a crucial role in engine performance. Deviations from optimal conditions can lead to inefficient combustion and increased emissions. Additionally, the number of injector holes, injection pressure, and injection angle can impact engine performance and emissions levels. For example, increasing the number of injector holes, injection pressure, and injection angle can reduce BSFC and smoke emissions but may result in a significant increase in NOx emissions.
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The different types of fuel injectors
Fuel injectors are an essential component of an engine. They are cylindrical coils of wire that function as magnets carrying an electrical current. The concept of fuel injection systems has been around for over a century, with the first recorded use in 1902 by French aviator Leon Levavasseur in his Antoinette 8V airplane.
Over the years, different types of fuel injectors have been developed, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here are some of the most common types:
Single-Point Injection (Throttle-Body Injection)
Single-point injection is a relatively low-cost solution that replaces the carburettor with one or two fuel-injector nozzles in the throttle body. This type of injection was commonly used in American-made passenger cars and light trucks during the 1980s and 1990s. It helped reduce exhaust emissions and improve "driveability" by ensuring easy starting, smooth running, and no engine stuttering.
Multi-Point Injection (Port Injection)
Multi-point injection, also known as port injection, is a more complex system that uses multiple fuel injectors. It injects fuel into the intake ports just upstream of each cylinder's intake valve, rather than at a central point. This ensures that the fuel is drawn completely into the cylinder, resulting in more precise metering of fuel and improved air-fuel ratio.
Sequential Fuel Injection (Timed Injection)
Sequential fuel injection, also known as sequential port fuel injection (SPFI), is a type of multi-port injection that triggers each injector nozzle independently. Instead of spraying fuel simultaneously or in groups, it sprays the fuel immediately before or as the intake valve opens, resulting in improved efficiency and emissions.
Direct Injection
Direct injection is a more advanced system that injects fuel directly into the combustion chambers, past the valves. It is more common in diesel engines but is also starting to be used in gasoline engine designs. Direct injection provides improved fuel efficiency, power, and stability while helping to reduce emissions.
Low Impedance Units
Low impedance injectors utilise low-resistance coils with around two to three ohms and higher current levels. These injectors do not constantly run at their required amp rate to prevent overheating and potential damage. They are suitable for engines with modifications that increase horsepower, as they can provide sufficient fuel to keep up with the engine's demands.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel injectors have been around for over a century, with the first recorded use in 1902 by French aviator Leon Levavasseur. In the 1920s, fuel injectors were used commercially in diesel engines by various manufacturers, and in the 1950s, they gained widespread popularity. The Cummins Model H diesel truck engine was introduced in America in 1933, making it one of the earliest uses of fuel injectors in pickup trucks.
The first fuel injection system was invented by British engineer Herbert Akroyd Stuart in 1885. The discovery occurred when Stuart accidentally spilled kerosene into a pot of molten tin, leading to a fire. This incident resulted in the creation of the hot-bulb engine, which entered production under license in 1891.
Fuel injectors became commonplace in automobiles in the 1950s, with companies like Mercedes-Benz embracing mechanical fuel injection. By the 1960s, European automakers like Porsche, Peugeot, and Volkswagen were experimenting with mechanical fuel injection in select models. In 1957, the American Motors Corporation introduced the first electronic fuel injection system in a production vehicle, the Rambler.
Fuel injectors offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and better "driveability" compared to carburetors. Carburetors rely on suction to mix air and fuel, while fuel injectors atomize fuel through a small nozzle under high pressure, resulting in more precise air-to-fuel ratios.
