1.

Introduction:

1.1. Introduction about Electronic Fuel Injection:

Before 1950, while not electronic, early forms of fuel injection systems were mechanical.
These systems used pumps and injectors to deliver fuel directly into the engine's
cylinders, bypassing the need for carburetors. From 1950 to 1960, The advent of
electromechanical systems, which combine mechanical and electronic components,
provides greater precision in controlling the amount of fuel injected. Electronic Fuel
Injection (EFI) completely replaced the traditional carburetor and has been used since the
1970s. This system has been used more commonly since the 1980s. By the 1990s, the EFI
system became a standard part on most car models.

1.2 Structure of EFI:

There are paramount parts in an EFI:

a. Central control unit (ECU):

The ECU is considered the "brain" of the entire system, receiving information from
sensors and performing complex calculations. Based on data from sensors about
temperature, pressure, air flow and many other factors, the ECU adjusts fuel injection
timing, fuel quantity, and ignition timing. Thanks to that, the ECU ensures that the engine
always operates in an optimal state, even when operating conditions change suddenly.

Fig1. ECU

b. Injector:

The component that directly delivers fuel to the engine. Under the control of the ECU,
the injector sprays fuel in the form of a fine mist with a precise dosage. This not only
helps the fuel-air mixture to mix easily but also ensures that the combustion process in
the combustion chamber takes place perfectly. Combined with the injector is the fuel
pump, the part responsible for supplying fuel from the tank to the system at high
pressure. The fuel pump operates continuously, ensuring that the fuel source is always
ready to meet the operating needs of the engine.
 Fig2. Injector

c. Fuel pressure regulator:

This component helps maintain pressure at a constant level, regardless of whether the
engine is operating under heavy or light loads. Stable pressure control not only ensures
uniform fuel injection but also protects the injector from overload or malfunction.

Fig3. Fuel pressure regulator

d. Fuel filter:

To ensure that fuel is always clean and does not damage important components, the fuel
filter plays an important role. Fuel from the tank can contain impurities or dirt, and if not
removed, they will clog injectors or reduce fuel pump performance. Thanks to the filter,
the fuel is cleaned before entering the system, protecting internal components and
prolonging the life of the EFI system.

e. Throttle:

Along with the fuel system, the air supply system also plays an indispensable role in the
process of creating a combustible mixture. The throttle valve is the part that regulates the
amount of air entering the engine, working in sync with the fuel system to ensure that the
mixture ratio is always at the ideal level. Air passing through the throttle valve is led to
the combustion chamber through the intake system, where it combines with fuel to create
a combustible mixture. The coordination between the amount of air and fuel is tightly
controlled by the ECU, ensuring smooth and economical engine operation.

f. Sensors:

In an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, sensors act as the “senses” of the engine.
They continuously monitor important parameters about the state of the engine and its
surroundings, then transmit signals to the central control unit (ECU). Based on this
information, the ECU makes decisions to adjust the amount of fuel, injection timing, and
other parameters, ensuring optimal engine performance. Below is a detailed analysis of
the function and importance of each type of sensor in the EFI system.

There are some paramount types of sensors in the standard EFI system:

+ Fuel pressure sensor: The Fuel Pressure Sensor plays an important role in monitoring
and ensuring that the fuel pressure in the system is always stable. This is the data needed
for the ECU to adjust the operation of the fuel pump and the amount of fuel injected from
the injector, thereby optimizing performance and reducing fuel consumption. It locates on
the fuel line.

+ Low Pressure Fuel Sensor: The Low Pressure Fuel Sensor in the electronic fuel
injection (EFI) system plays an important role in monitoring fuel pressure at points in the
fuel system, especially in the stage before fuel is injected into the fuel rail (in high
pressure fuel systems). Locates before the fuel pump, before fuel filer or on the fuel line.

+ Coolant temperature sensor: This sensor measures the engine coolant temperature,
providing data for various functions such as activating the radiator fan and adjusting fuel
delivery for optimal engine temperature. It functions similarly to the IAT sensor, using a
variable resistor design. Located on the cylinder heads.

+ Cam Position sensor: The Camshaft Position Sensor is an important part of the
electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, helping to determine the position and rotational
speed of the engine's camshaft. Data from this sensor allows the ECU (Electronic Control
Unit) to adjust processes such as fuel injection, ignition and valve synchronization,
ensuring the engine operates efficiently. Locates near Camshaft, on the Distrubutor or
integrated with the Crankshaft sensor.

+ Oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor, also known as the lambda sensor, is an important
component in the electronic fuel injection (EFI) system. The main function of the oxygen
sensor is to measure the amount of oxygen remaining in the engine's exhaust gas, thereby
helping the central control unit (ECU) to adjust the fuel-air mixing ratio for the engine
accurately. Locates before the Pre-catalytic converter or behind the Post-catalytic
converter.

+ Crankshaft Position sensor: The Crankshaft Position Sensor is an important component

of the electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, providing information about the position and
rotational speed of the engine crankshaft. This sensor plays an essential role in
controlling important engine processes such as fuel injection and ignition. Lies near the
crankshaft or on the flywheel.
+ Throttle position sensor: The TPS measures the position of the throttle plate, controlling
the amount of air entering the engine. This sensor helps the ECU manage fuel injection
and ignition timing based on throttle input. It is a variable resistance sensor that sends a
0-5V signal to the ECU, indicating the position of the throttle valve from fully closed to
fully open.

+ Knock sensor: A knock sensor detects engine knocking or pinging, a condition that can
cause serious engine damage. The sensor works by sensing the vibrations caused by
knocking and sending a signal to the ECU, which then adjusts the ignition timing to
prevent further knocking. The sensor is typically mounted on the engine block and uses a
piezoelectric element to detect knocking events.

+Mass Air Flow Sensor: The MAF sensor measures the mass of air entering the engine,
which is essential for proper fuel delivery and ignition timing. This sensor is especially
important in OEM applications, where it ensures accurate calculation of the air-fuel ratio.
MAF sensors come in a variety of ranges and need to be calibrated based on the specific
air intake characteristics of the engine. Located at right after the air filter or before
throttle.

Coolant temperature sensor Mass air flow sensor

 Intake air temperature sensor Throttle position sensor

Crankshaft Position sensor Camshaft Position sensor

Oxygen sensor Knock sensor

2. Pros, cons and application of EFI in modern vehicles:

a. Pros of EFI:

The first advantage of the electronic fuel injection system is the ability to save maximum
fuel. With the automatic injection mechanism, the EFI system allows the amount of fuel
to be injected according to the standard operating mode of the engine. Accordingly,
during the starting period, the system will inject a lot of gasoline to meet the demand for
air-fuel mixture. When the engine is operating stably, the fuel injector will adjust the
amount of fuel to a sufficient level according to operating requirements. The amount of
air-fuel mixture is also completely burned in the combustion chambers, providing
significant fuel savings.

In addition, the electronic fuel injection system on cars also allows the distribution of
gasoline vapor evenly at the ideal threshold to each cylinder through the sensor. This
ensures the stability and longevity of the engine under all operating conditions.

The EFI system is also highly appreciated for allowing operation immediately after the
vehicle starts, saving engine warm-up time even in cold weather conditions. Starting
without warming up the engine not only saves fuel but also creates a greater torque for
the engine, helping the start-up process to be faster. This is the outstanding advantage of
the electronic fuel injection system compared to the carburetor that was commonly
equipped on automobiles in the past decades.

b. Cons of EFI:

With the ability to sense and coordinate the amount of fuel into the combustion chamber
optimally, the electronic fuel injection system needs to be designed with a complex
structure consisting of many different components. This requires higher maintenance and
repair costs than other simple systems.

Furthermore, due to the direct injection mechanism, the EFI fuel injection system has
strict requirements on fuel input. Unsafe, mixed, and contaminated fuel sources can cause
blockages, affecting the fuel injection process to the cylinders. In addition, the sensors in
the electronic fuel injection system still have signal errors, affecting the fuel supply
process for vehicle operation.

However, automotive engineers confirm that the limitations of the electronic fuel
injection system on EFI cars can be overcome by performing a fuel injection system
inspection and maintenance schedule according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Because of these pros and fixable, the EFI is applied on many modern car and other
vehicles such as ship, tractor… The EFI system not only improves operating performance
but also contributes to environmental protection, enhances user experience and meets
modern technology trends. This is a big step forward in the field of engine technology.

Conclusion

Electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems have proven to play an important role in the
development of engine technology in modern vehicles. With the ability to precisely
control the fuel and air mixture, EFI not only helps improve operating performance but
also contributes to fuel economy and minimizes negative impacts on the environment.

The integration of EFI with other advanced technologies has opened up many
opportunities in the development of smart, environmentally friendly vehicles, meeting the
increasing needs of society. This system not only helps improve the user experience but
also meets emission standards and saves energy in the context of increasingly scarce
resources.

Overall, EFI is a great step forward, demonstrating the inevitable trend of the modern
vehicle industry. The research and widespread application of this system will continue to
bring great benefits, contributing to the sustainable development of the global
transportation industry and environment.