When reviewing the TOYOTA HILUX REVO, when it comes to the current engine, the discussion often revolves around the fuel injection system, specifically the i-ART system, which is an intelligent injector technology. I'm sure that some people are still wondering how it works, what's the intelligence...?
To make it easy, it's the injector that controls the ECU control box system, which use the computer system to control the fuel injection related to the actual accelerator control. But Many engine nowadays are controlled by the ECU but today we will talk about TOYOTA's i-ART — a technology developed by DENSO. How does it work..? Why does it respond well to vehicle use, ranging from heavy-duty hauling to passenger transport?
The current diesel common rail engines in the HILUX REVO and FORTUNER are equipped with high-pressure injectors that also have small sensors installed to measure the fuel pressure in each injector. This allows for precise and continuous monitoring of the injectors' performance and enables the adjustment of the injection process for each cylinder. As a result, the fuel injection into the combustion process is more efficient.
The operation works as follows: When the accelerator pedal is pressed, a signal is sent to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which processes the data and calculates the fuel delivery based on the angle of the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator is released, the fuel injection stops and immediately switches to delivering a fuel amount equal to the idle speed.
Traditional fuel injectors tend to deliver more fuel when releasing the accelerator to prevent sudden engine shutdown, whereas the i-Art injectors deliver fuel equal to the idle speed. This difference helps save fuel by using only the necessary amount, optimizing the fuel delivery for the engine's power requirements.
Every ignition event involves two fuel injections for the combustion process:
- First Injection: A small amount of fuel is injected to adjust the temperature and pressure.
- Second Injection: This injection is for ignition, providing power, making the engine run smoothly and reducing engine noise.
For both of these fuel injections in every ignition, the system calculates the optimal fuel delivery and divides the injection into the proper proportion to match the power required for the ignition.
Currently, the i-ART injectors used in the Hilux Revo 2020 (with the G4.5S-i code) are equipped with a 6-pin plug, whereas the previous injectors (G4S code) used a 2-pin plug.
To explain further, the i-ART injectors are equipped with sensors that measure the fuel pressure in each injector and are capable of handling high injection pressures. With one sensor per injector, the ECU can control fuel delivery with much greater efficiency. When the accelerator is pressed, the signal is sent to the ECU to calculate the commands for the various systems involved in combustion, which are divided into two main control areas:
- Ignition Control
- Air Circulation and Exhaust Management
The high-pressure injectors enable the fuel to be atomized into a fine mist for better combustion.
For ignition, the system sends signals to the valve that controls the fuel pump timing, controls the pressure relief valve in the common rail, manages the pressure sensor in the common rail, and controls the fuel injection sensor.
In terms of air circulation and exhaust control, the system manages the throttle valve in the intake manifold and the electric turbo to optimize the airflow for both the intake and exhaust sides.
When the ECU controls both of these systems, it ensures the components work in harmony, responding to the accelerator input by adjusting fuel delivery for the ignition, resulting in continuous acceleration and reducing fuel consumption when the accelerator is released, compared to older injectors.
Regarding real-world use, when driving through city roads or when needing power to overtake, the system adjusts the injector to match the engine's power demand. For highway driving or cruising at steady speeds, the system calculates the appropriate fuel delivery per engine cycle, ensuring no excess fuel is injected into the combustion chamber.
Therefore, the enhanced combustion efficiency, which results from the electronic system's calculations and the pressure sensors in the i-ART injectors, is a key factor in the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Hilux Revo pickup.
Article by: MassAutoCar
