Loughborough University Advanced Fuel Consumption Measurement Technology Enables Pioneering Engine Research
The brief
Improve their understanding
Loughborough University’s Automotive Engineering Research team, led by PhD Research Associate Tom Childs, needed advanced tools to improve their understanding of vehicle engine dynamics, fuel economy, and emissions.
Their research focused on modelling dynamic and transient engine performance, particularly under the real-world conditions of drive cycles. To enhance their existing equipment, the team sought a precise, responsive, and reliable fuel flow measurement system.
The challenge
Compact and easy to install
Traditional lab testing methods were insufficient for capturing short-lived, transient flow events critical to understanding engine performance under varying conditions. Loughborough needed a fuel flow sensor that could be used both in test rigs and in-vehicle setups, providing highly accurate data in real-time.
The sensor also had to be compact, easy to install, and adaptable to the test cell environment without impacting vehicle performance or compromising test accuracy.
The result
Secured better data faster
The Sentronics FlowSonic® LF fuel flow meter became a game-changer for Loughborough’s research. Its high response rate of 2.2 kHz allowed the team to capture individual injector pulses, leading to more precise modelling. Its compact size enabled installation close to the fuel rail, minimising errors, while its UKAS-accredited calibration assured accuracy.
The FlowSonic® LF also revealed areas for improvement in the team’s dyno setup, and its minimal pressure drop and reliability enhanced on-vehicle testing. The FlowSonic® LF helped the team obtain better data faster and at a lower cost, ultimately optimising internal combustion engine performance during their research.
