Knock sensor vehicle test program. Technical report
This test program was designed to explore the impact of an ignition system with spark knock sensoring and spark retard on regulated emissions, fuel economy, and power as a function of the research octane number (RON) of the test fuel. Currently, General Motors (GM) incorporates a spark knock sensor in a feedback ignition system on their turbocharged vehicles. This type of spark timing system is well suited to turbocharged engines because of their wide range of spark timing requirements. GM and others are also currently producing naturally aspirated engines equipped with knock sensors. The feedback aspect of this type of ignition system would allow the vehicle to automatically compensate the timing for the octane of the fuel being consumed. This technology could improve fuel economy of vehicles in service. It is conceivable that some vehicles incorporating a knock sensor timing system could have lower exhaust emissions and higher fuel economy using EPA standard test fuel (Indolene HO III) compared to operating with lower octane commercial unleaded gasolines. The knock sensor can be integrated into a spark timing system in a variety of fashions. This design variability precludes any generalized conclusions about the effects of varying the fuel octane rating.
- Research Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency, Ann Arbor, MI (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5682871
- Report Number(s):
- PB-82-139478
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
330100* -- Internal Combustion Engines
330603 -- Vehicle Design Factors-- Engine System
AUTOMOBILES
COMPRESSORS
CONTROL
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENGINES
FUEL CONSUMPTION
HEAT ENGINES
IGNITION SYSTEMS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
KNOCK CONTROL
MACHINERY
PERFORMANCE
SUPERCHARGERS
TURBOMACHINERY
VEHICLES