Frozen fuel: New sensor warns driver

Up to minus 20 degree winter diesel should be resitant to cold. Often cars break down much earlier. Scientists of Coburg University found a solution.

The norm EN 116 manages how fuel should be cooled and filtered to define the flow rate. This should regulate the reaction of fuel under changing temperatures. But the procedure is very time-consuming and according to the ADAC not reliably. The ADAC verified these in earlier tests and found out that the norm is not realistic. Instead there is a risk for the fuel to freeze as soon as it gets colder outside. The engine doesn’t receive gas anymore and the car stops.

Scientists of TAC - Technology Transfer Center for Automotive Technology developed a sensor which tests the fuel and warns the driver when it’s starting to freeze. The sensor can also effect the heating of the fuel.

The sensor itself is very small and can be part of the filter in the engine. The TAC already applied for a patent.