An ultrasonic real-time fuel consumption sensor has been developed for use by automotive test houses or car manufacturers
Sentronics has entered a partnership with HORIBA UK to launch a next generation Ultrasonic Fuel Consumption Measurement Sensor, the HORIBA RealFlow: Powered by Sentronics, for the automotive industry.
Featuring the latest innovative advancements and patented technology in ultrasonic fuel flow sensing, the HORIBA RealFlow provides true under-bonnet installation and real-time measurement of fuel consumption for automotive validation and verification test applications.
With an improved flow measurement accuracy of ±0.5% over an expanded turndown range of 1000:1 it offers unrivalled performance compared to its predecessor. The RealFlow is suitably equipped to measure ultra-low fuel flowrates found in high efficiency road car engines, but in the same small package.
From Track To Test House
This on-vehicle technology has been trusted to uphold compliance and monitor fuel usage in the upper echelons of competitive motorsport over the last 5 years and now the low flow variant presents an opportunity for vehicle test houses to unlock these high levels of accuracy, reliability and repeatability.
Innovative digital processing techniques are harnessed within the instrument to measure time of flight with unprecedented levels of precision commonly associated with bulky, expensive laboratory equipment. With no restrictions on mounting orientation, the small, robust RealFlow is well-suited for direct installation in any engine bay making it an ideal tool for R&D and emissions testing to the RDE and WLTP standards.
Test House Application
HORIBA UK is embedded within the automotive testing industry and provides cutting-edge products, technologies, solutions, and services to vehicle manufacturers. The launch of the RealFlow now adds the capability of precision fuel consumption measurement for on-vehicle testing and perfectly complements the OBS-ONE Portable Emission Equipment that measures engine/vehicle performance under real road conditions.
According to Neville Meech, Managing Director at Sentronics, making use of HORIBA’s extensive global presence, sales support network and automotive test instrument expertise, this collaboration ensures the Low Flow Fuel Meters are more widely accessible through the HORIBA sales channel.
“We are delighted to partner with HORIBA UK to launch the RealFlow to its automotive distribution network,” he says.
Richard Carter, Director at HORIBA UK, said, “Adding this patented technology to our existing line-up of HORIBA emissions testing products continues to show how HORIBA leads the way with innovation-first testing devices. We are excited to now be offering the RealFlow to our customers.”
The scope of use of the RealFlow device is extensive within the industry. According to Lewis Redford-Knight, HORIBA UK, Senior Product and Applications Specialist, Automotive, the RealFLow is applicable for both test houses and OEMs. It can be used for research and development activities and for applicable certification with its class leading accuracy, robustness and compact packaging. The size and robustness means that it is capable of being fitted under bonnet, as close to the engine as possible.
“The RealFlow is an extremely flexible device and because of this, along with its high levels of accuracy, it is applicable in many applications. The main application is the measurement of fuel consumption on-board the vehicle during real-world use. However, it can also be used in chassis and powertrain dynamometer facilities or even in engine test beds as an alternative to higher cost and more bulky solutions,” concludes Redford-Knight.
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