Unitwise Notes Autotronics
Unitwise Notes Autotronics
Combustion in internal combustion engines occurs in two main types: Spark Ignition (SI) and
Compression Ignition (CI). Each type has distinct stages of combustion. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Intake Stroke:
o Air-fuel mixture is drawn into the cylinder.
2. Compression Stroke:
o The piston compresses the mixture, increasing temperature and pressure.
3. Ignition:
o A spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture.
4. Combustion:
o Rapid combustion occurs, producing a high-pressure gas that forces the piston
down.
5. Exhaust Stroke:
o The exhaust valve opens, and the piston expels the combustion gases.
1. Intake Stroke:
o Air is drawn into the cylinder (no fuel).
2. Compression Stroke:
o The piston compresses the air, raising its temperature significantly.
3. Fuel Injection:
o Diesel fuel is injected directly into the hot compressed air.
4. Ignition and Combustion:
o The fuel ignites spontaneously due to the high temperature of the air, leading to a
more gradual combustion process compared to SI.
5. Power Stroke:
o The combustion gases expand, pushing the piston down.
6. Exhaust Stroke:
o The exhaust valve opens, and the piston expels the combustion gases.
1. Detonation
Definition: Detonation refers to the explosive combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the
engine cylinder, which occurs after the normal combustion process. This happens when
the pressure and temperature are sufficiently high to cause the fuel-air mixture to ignite
spontaneously.
Causes:
o High compression ratios.
o Low-octane fuel that cannot withstand high pressures.
o Overheating or excessive ignition timing.
Effects: Detonation can cause severe engine damage, including blown head gaskets and
damaged pistons.
2. Pre-Ignition
Definition: Pre-ignition is when the air-fuel mixture ignites before the spark plug fires.
This can occur due to hot spots in the combustion chamber (e.g., glowing spark plugs,
carbon deposits).
Causes:
o Overheating components.
o Incorrect ignition timing.
o High cylinder temperatures.
Effects: Pre-ignition can lead to increased engine temperatures, decreased performance,
and potential engine damage similar to detonation.
3. Knocking
Definition: Knocking (or engine knock) is a term often used interchangeably with
detonation, but it specifically refers to the audible sound caused by the pressure wave
from the detonation. It is the result of abnormal combustion.
Causes:
o Similar to those of detonation, including high compression ratios and low-octane
fuel.
Effects: Knocking can lead to a decrease in performance and increased wear on engine
components.
Comparison Between Spark Ignition (SI) And Compression Ignition (CI) Engines
Across Various Aspects:
1. Ignition Method
2. Fuel Type
SI Engine: Typically runs on gasoline or petrol.
CI Engine: Operates on diesel fuel, which is denser and has a higher energy content.
3. Combustion Process
4. Compression Ratio
5. Efficiency
6. Power Output
8. Maintenance
9. Applications
Definition: TBI is a form of fuel injection where fuel is injected into the throttle body,
mixing with incoming air before entering the intake manifold.
Key Features:
o Single Injector: Usually has one or two injectors located in the throttle body.
o Simplicity: Easier to design and maintain compared to more advanced systems.
Advantages:
o Lower cost and simpler installation.
o Good for applications where performance isn’t the highest priority.
Disadvantages:
o Less precise fuel delivery compared to port injection.
o Can lead to poorer atomization and combustion efficiency.
Definition: In PFI, fuel is injected directly into the intake manifold, just before the intake
valves of each cylinder.
Key Features:
o Multiple Injectors: Each cylinder has its own injector, allowing for precise fuel
delivery.
o Improved Atomization: Fuel is better mixed with air, leading to more efficient
combustion.
Advantages:
o Better performance and efficiency, especially under varying load conditions.
o Improved emissions control due to more complete combustion.
Disadvantages:
o More complex and potentially higher cost than TBI.
1. Mechanical Injection:
o Utilizes mechanical pumps and injectors, often found in older diesel engines.
o Fuel is delivered based on engine speed and load.
2. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI):
o Uses electronic control units (ECUs) to manage fuel delivery.
o Optimizes fuel injection based on real-time engine data (e.g., air flow,
temperature).
3. Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI):
o A type of EFI where each cylinder has its own injector.
o Offers precise control over fuel delivery for improved performance and
emissions.
Sensors in MPFI Engines
1. Fuel Injectors:
o Sprays fuel directly into the intake manifold or combustion chamber at the precise
moment determined by the ECU.
2. Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve:
o Regulates the amount of air entering the engine during idle conditions, helping
maintain a steady idle speed.
3. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC):
o Replaces the mechanical throttle linkage with an electronic system that controls
the throttle position based on input from the driver and the ECU.
4. EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Valve:
o Recycles a portion of the exhaust gases back into the intake to reduce nitrogen
oxide emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
5. Canister Purge Valve:
o Controls the release of fuel vapors from the charcoal canister into the intake
manifold to be burned during combustion.
Function: The ECM determines the precise amount and timing of fuel to
be injected into each cylinder.
Input Signals:
o MAF Sensor: Measures airflow into the engine.
Output Control:
Input Signals:
Output Control:
Input Signals:
Output Control:
o EGR Valve: The ECM opens or closes the EGR valve based on
input signals, controlling the amount of exhaust gas recirculated.
Function: Manages the release of fuel vapors from the charcoal canister
into the intake manifold for combustion.
Input Signals:
Output Control:
o Canister Purge Valve: The ECM controls when to open the valve
to allow vapor flow, optimizing emissions and fuel efficiency.
Purpose: Scan tools are used to communicate with the ECM to retrieve
data, read fault codes, and perform diagnostics.
Procedure:
1. Connect the Scan Tool: Plug the scan tool into the OBD-II port of
the vehicle.
2. Power On the Ignition: Turn on the ignition (but do not start the
engine).
3. Access ECM Data: Use the scan tool to access the engine control
module data.
Reading Fault Codes
Interpreting Codes:
Diagnostic Steps
1. Identify Codes: Note any DTCs and their definitions using the scan
tool’s database.
2. Data Stream Monitoring: Observe live data from sensors (e.g., MAF,
TPS, coolant temp) to check for abnormalities.
3. Perform Tests: Use the scan tool to run specific tests (e.g., activating
the IAC valve) to verify system functionality.
4. Clear Codes: After repairs, codes can be cleared, and the system can be
monitored to see if any reappear.
Features of CRDI
1. Fuel Delivery: The fuel pump draws diesel from the tank and
pressurizes it to a high pressure, sending it to the fuel rail.
2. Fuel Injection: The ECU controls the injectors, determining when and
how much fuel is injected into each cylinder based on sensor inputs
(e.g., MAF, engine temperature).
3. Combustion: The finely atomized fuel mixes with compressed air in the
cylinder, leading to efficient combustion.
4. Exhaust Management: After combustion, exhaust gases are expelled
and can be recirculated through the EGR system to reduce emissions.
Advantages of CRDI
Procedure:
1. Connect the Scan Tool: Plug into the OBD-II port of the vehicle.
2. Access ECU Data: Power on the ignition and use the scan tool to
retrieve diagnostic data.
Interpreting Codes:
1. Identify Codes: Record DTCs and consult the scan tool’s database for
definitions.
2. Live Data Monitoring: Check real-time data from sensors (e.g., fuel
pressure, injector timing) to identify anomalies.
3. Perform Tests: Use the scan tool to run specific actuator tests (e.g.,
activating injectors) to verify functionality.
4. Clear Codes: After repairs, clear the DTCs and monitor to ensure no
codes reappear.
Construction:
Operation:
Charging System
The charging system in an automotive context primarily involves the alternator, which generates
electrical energy to charge the battery and power electrical accessories.
Direct Current (DC): Produced in automotive systems, where the flow of electric charge is
constant in one direction.
Alternators: Typically generate alternating current (AC), which is then converted to DC using
diodes (rectification).
A shunt generator is a type of DC generator where the field windings are connected in parallel
(shunt) with the armature.
Key Characteristics:
1. Voltage Regulation:
o Shunt generators can maintain a relatively constant output voltage over varying loads,
but may have limitations at low speeds or loads.
2. Load Characteristics:
o When load increases, the terminal voltage decreases slightly due to armature reaction
and copper losses.
o The output voltage remains stable up to a certain load, beyond which it drops more
significantly.
3. Efficiency:
o Generally efficient but can experience losses due to heat in the windings and brushes.
Armature Reaction
Armature reaction refers to the effect of the magnetic field produced by the armature winding on
the overall magnetic field of the generator.
The third brush regulation method is a technique used in some DC generators, particularly shunt
generators, to help control output voltage.
How It Works:
Cut-Out
Definition: A cut-out is a relay used in DC charging systems to disconnect the generator from the
battery when the engine is off.
Function:
o Prevent Backflow: It prevents battery discharge back into the generator when the
engine isn’t running.
o Automatic Operation: Activates when the generator produces enough voltage to charge
the battery, closing the circuit and allowing current to flow into the battery.
Voltage Regulators
Purpose: Maintain a constant voltage output from the charging system regardless of changes in
load or engine speed.
Types:
o Mechanical Voltage Regulators: Use electromagnetism and mechanical contacts to
regulate voltage.
o Electronic Voltage Regulators: Utilize semiconductor devices for more precise voltage
control and faster response times.
Current Regulators
Purpose: Control the amount of current flowing to the battery to prevent overcharging.
Operation: Adjusts the generator’s output based on the battery's state of charge.
Principle
Constructional Aspects
Components:
o Sensing Circuit: Measures the output voltage.
o Control Circuit: Adjusts the alternator’s output based on the sensed voltage.
o Compensation Mechanism: Takes into account temperature effects, ensuring stable
output across varying conditions.
Types, Construction & Working of Battery Coil and Magneto Ignition Systems
2. Magneto Ignition:
3. Electronic Ignition:
Operation:
Advantages:
Operation:
Advantages:
Construction
Key Components
Advantages
Insulated System
Definition: The electrical circuit is isolated from the vehicle chassis. All
components are connected directly to the battery.
Advantages:
Definition: The vehicle chassis serves as the return path for electrical
current.
Advantages:
Advantages:
Headlights
Types:
Construction:
o Lens: Protects the bulb and directs light; can have various
coatings to improve light output.
Sidelights
Purpose: Provide visibility to the sides of the vehicle and signal to other
drivers.
Dazzling
Preventive Methods
Electrical Accessories
Types:
Speedometer
Types:
Fuel Gauge: Indicates the amount of fuel in the tank; uses a float
mechanism or electronic sensors.
Oil Pressure Gauge: Monitors oil pressure; critical for engine health.
Horn
Function: Alerts other drivers and pedestrians.
Types:
Wiper System
Components:
Components:
1. Engine Control Unit (ECU): The brain of the system that processes
input from various sensors and controls actuators.
2. Sensors:
3. Actuators:
PID Control
Components:
Look-Up Tables
Advantages: Can work with imprecise inputs and does not require a
precise mathematical model of the system.
Adaptive Control
Switches
Types:
Active Resistors
Types:
Sensors
o Importance:
o Importance:
Works in conjunction with the CKP to optimize fuel
injection and ignition timing.
o Importance:
o Importance:
5. Knock Sensor
o Importance:
o Importance:
o Importance:
Actuators
1. Fuel Injectors
o Function: Atomize and deliver the correct amount of fuel into the
combustion chamber.
o Importance:
2. Ignition Coil
o Importance:
o Importance:
5. Throttle Body
o Importance:
2. Sensors
3. Actuators
4. Fuel System
o Fuel Pump: Pumps fuel from the tank to the injectors.
5. Ignition System
1. Start-Up Phase
3. Fuel Injection
4. Ignition Timing
o The ECU determines the optimal ignition timing using data from
CKP and CMP sensors.
5. Combustion
6. Feedback Loop
o The ECU continuously receives data from the sensors and makes
real-time adjustments to fuel delivery and ignition timing to
optimize performance and emissions.
Group Injection
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Sequential Injection
Disadvantages:
Components:
Advantages:
Definition: A fuel injection system that injects fuel directly into the
combustion chamber at high pressure.
Components:
o High-Pressure Fuel Pump: Delivers fuel directly to the injectors.
Advantages:
2. Increased Fuel Efficiency: More accurate timing allows for optimal air-
fuel mixture, improving fuel economy.
Principle of Operation:
Advantages:
Definition: A system that adjusts the timing of the spark based on real-
time engine conditions using electronic controls.
Principle of Operation:
o The ECU receives input from various sensors (e.g., engine speed,
throttle position, coolant temperature).
o Based on this data, the ECU calculates the optimal ignition timing
and adjusts it dynamically.
Benefits:
1. Fuel Atomization:
2. Injection Timing:
3. Injection Pressure:
4. Fuel Properties:
5. Air-Fuel Ratio:
7. Temperature:
Components:
Advantages:
Components:
Working Principle:
o The high-pressure pump maintains a constant pressure in the
common rail.
Advantages:
1. Fuel Injector
Working Principle:
o This action opens the nozzle, allowing fuel to spray into the intake
or combustion chamber.
o
2. Fuel Pump
Function: Pumps fuel from the fuel tank to the engine at the required
pressure.
Working Principle:
o The pump draws fuel from the tank through a filter to remove
impurities.
o It generates pressure to push the fuel through the fuel lines to the
injectors.
Working Principle:
o This ensures that the injectors receive fuel at the correct pressure,
preventing damage and ensuring consistent performance.
4. Flow Limiter
o By limiting the flow, it ensures that the injectors receive the right
amount of fuel, especially during transient conditions (like rapid
acceleration or deceleration).
Working Principle: