As the automotive industry moves toward increased efficiency and sustainability, fuel pump technology must advance to meet those changes now and into the future. Electric fuel pumps are becoming more efficient, and consume less power (a major trend). Brushless electric motors are increasingly replacing traditional mechanical pumps, enabling more precise and durable delivery of fuel. These lower voltage pumps improves fuel efficiency by controlling the re-fueling of the engine, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles.
And other important innovation is with variable speed pumps. Reading Time: 3 minutesUnlike traditional pumps that work at a fixed speed, they change their speed through the request of engine hence saving on fuel up to a range between 15-20%. So in many ways variable speed pumps are kinder to the environment (and will probably outlast constant speed units too due less wear and tear) because they only deliver fuel, whilst this is anyway an advantage for the longevity of these components but also for that of your vehicle, whenever needed.
In the transition to alternative fuels across the world, that same tech is now being used on pumps for alternative biofuels like E85 ethanol and biodiesel. The new pumps are being built with special pump head materials to resist corrosion from the unique freezing and boiling properties of biofuels, which can cause traditional pump materials to abrade. Essentially, countries such as Germany and Brazil have recently been leading the world in this trend to biofuel-powered vehicles in response to the international call for clean energy.
The advent of electric vehicles (EVs) is also affecting fuel pump tech, even in plug-in hybrids. While they still use fuel pumps for the internal combustion engine, these vehicles require fuel pumps that are more efficient and smaller as electric motors fill some responsibility. Bosch and Denso are two examples of companies currently working on such next-gen pumps that will be completely integrated with the rest of the hybrid powertrain in order to provide a smooth transition between electric and fuel-based power.
One of the biggest problems that confront this business is the long-term stability of fuel pumps in extreme conditions. Improved thermal management can make pumps smaller and more efficient over a wider range of temperatures. In addition to temperature sensors, high performance pumps developed for extreme climates — from cold Nordic winters to hot desert environments — also feature adaptive cooling systems that keep the pump at its ideal operating temperature.
Smart technologies are one of the manufacturing futures. Through Internet of Things (IoT) integration, fuel pumps will communicate directly with the engine control unit (ECU) inside vehicles to adjust fuel delivery based on real-time needs driven by conditions such as driving, engine load and engine health. Indicative of a greener driving solution, this predictive adjustment is estimated to boost fuel economy by between 5-10 percent and decrease emissions.
As one Bill Gates says, "Innovate or die." The push for increasing sustainability, efficiency and intelligence of fuel pump system is imperative in the mobility for tomorrow age and it gives fascinating empathy test trick to the future of fuel pumps.
Check out Fuel Pump to learn more about the cutting-edge technologies and products available in fuel pump technology, providing high-performance solutions for all modern vehicles.