Design of a Configurable Alternate Fuel Injection Controller

Abstract

<p> This thesis presents a strategy for documenting real-time control systems, and the work products that result from its application to the development of an alternate fuel injection controller. In doing so, this document contributes technically to the areas of automotive control, and control systems documentation. The strategy was not developed independently of the control system, but in a manner which reflects its size and complexity.</p> <p> The controller is used to generate and transmit appropriately timed and sized pulses to an alternative fuel injector array, and switch auxiliary devices including a fuel heater, and an injector lock-off. Such a controller, when used to inject natural gas or propane into a gasoline burning engine, provides a reduction in both engine operating costs and harmful engine emissions.</p> <p> The controller stores a fuel map that relates the amount of energy released by the combustion of petroleum to that released by the combustion of an alternate fuel, over a range of varying environmental conditions. The fuel map is used to calculate the length of alternate injection pulses. These maps have been designed by, and are the property of Cosimo's Garage Ltd. and thus will not appear in this document.</p> <p> At present, nearly all large engine car conversion technology is more rigid than the solution provided here. Conversion costs are often prohibitive and problems requiring professional service are frequent. Should the controller described here, help to curb conversion costs and reduce the need for frequent service as is expected, the controller will be a viable candidate for production and sale.</p>