Fuel level sensors

All that has to do with the power train, gearbox, clutch, fuels and lubricants, etc. Generally the mechanical side of Formula One.
DaveKillens
34
Joined: 20 Jan 2005, 04:02

Re: Fuel level sensors

Post

IF a team chose to integrate a fuel level sensor into a car, it would most likely be a capacative type sensor. Basically it's a metal rod running from the top to bottom of the fuel cell. No moving parts, relatively light, and darn reliable.

Image

But of course, whether a team choses to actually use it during a race is their choice. Especially when the cars aren't allowed to refuel.
Racing should be decided on the track, not the court room.

speedsense
13
Joined: 31 May 2009, 19:11
Location: California, USA

Re: Fuel level sensors

Post

In the ECU, fuel injector pulse rates are recorded and each pulse is a "known" quanity (size of the injector). So the fuel delivery to the combustion chamber is very accurate, as far as fuel sprayed. There are a few deviation points from this number (fuel temp, ambient temp,engine cowling heat, etc.)but generally it's very accurate
The fuel rails are a fuel collection point and contain unsprayed fuel. They are "full" constantly when the fuel pumps are operating correctly and without interuption. Sometimes they are "tapped" with a pressure sensor to make sure.
Air intake volume either wholly or individually (already a known number from CFD and dyno tests), is also monitored, along with air temp.

Some where between the fuel tank and the fuel pumps there is a pressure sensor or in some cases a flow sensor of some sort. To monitor the fuel flow and track the pumps performance.
In the fuel tank, even though it's foam filled, there are "chamber" carved into the foam for the pickups for the fuel. There may be multiple pickups to prevent starving from lateral,long G loads. This is an area of gray data, as the pickup height has to be exact and a known quanity. It can be very difficult to get this exact, as it resides inside of a blatter filled with foam. The care at install so that the "bag" is completely flat and the pickups are at the height prescribed. Fuel level sensors at each pickup, will most likely be installed and will be of electrical exictation for the level amount.
Finally, the amount of fuel added/emptied from tank is closely watched and monitored, usually by weight.
Air density will change the weight of fuel by a very small amount and the gases exposure and how long to air (loses some of the chemicals additives to the air) will also cause a slight change in weight.
"Driving a car as fast as possible (in a race) is all about maintaining the highest possible acceleration level in the appropriate direction." Peter Wright,Techical Director, Team Lotus