Compensation
Compensation |
The basic fuel quantity is multiplied by a correction factor which is normally 1.00. If the correction factor is changed, for example to 1.01, the fuel quantity will be increased by 1%. If instead the correction factor is changed to 0.98, the fuel quantity will be reduced by 2%. The closed loop control system is usually disabled if the correction has a value other than 1.00, otherwise the compensation would be corrected by the closed loop system and be ineffective.
After starting |
Immediately after starting the engine, the correction factor is slightly over 1 and then falls gradually to 1.00. The extent to which the correction factor exceeds 1 and the time it takes to reach 1.00 again depend on the coolant temperature. On cars with carburettor engines, this function is the choke. The closed loop control system's starting conditions are such that it starts just when fuel enrichment after starting has dropped to 1.00.
Load changes |
A sudden load increase causes the mg air/combustion to increase rapidly and it is well known that petrol engines then require a richer mixture. This is because fuel is deposited on the walls of the intake manifold due to the increase in pressure there, and the wet-film thickness increases. The fuel quantity used here must be replaced by a slightly larger quantity of injected fuel, which is achieved by increasing the correction factor by a few percentage points. For example, the correction factor can be increased from 1.00 to 1.03, which gives 3% more fuel.
As soon as the load increase stops, the correction factor returns to its original value.
In the case of a load reduction, the function is reversed. The wet-film deposite d on the walls of the inlet manifold thins quickly as the pressure drops. The quantity of injected fuel must then be reduced to avoid a negative effect on emissions and fuel consumption, so the correction factor is reduced by a few percentage points. For example, the correction factor can be reduced from 1.00 to 0.96, giving a 4% reduction in fuel quantity.
When the engine coolant temperature is below 70 °C, the closed loop will be disabled during load changes (if it was active). The reason for this is that the closed loop would otherwise compensate. When the engine coolant temperature exceeds 70 °C, the closed loop will be active during load changes, as the fuel correction is then so small that the compensation would not affect the running of the engine. The amount that the correction factor is moved from 1.00 in connection with load changes depends on how fast the mass air flow/combustion changes and on the engine coolant temperature.
On a car with a carburettor engine, the function described above corresponds to the accelerator pump or damper piston.
Knocking |
If knocking occurs in the engine it is corrected by retarding the ignition for the cylinder concerned. If knocking continues despite the ignition being retarded, the correction factor will be increased. In connection with this, the closed loop system will be disabled (if active) to prevent it from compensating.
Full load enrichment |
When the engine load and speed reach a certain limit, the correction factor is increased in steps as the load or speed increases further. At the same time, the closed loop system is disabled (if it was active) to prevent it from compensating. The aim is to ensure that all air is consumed during combustion and to keep combustion temperature under control. The result is higher torque and a lighter thermal load.