Develop an ECU for Controlling Fuel Injectors Using Arduino and LabVIEW for Training Purposes

Abstract

The technology of electronic motor control is now advancing rapidly. Many studies and applications have been done on automatic system control in vehicles. The automatic fuel injection control system for automobile engines is a unique area of study and instruction in universities. The engine will run more efficiently, use less fuel, and emit fewer emissions when the fuel injection system is precisely controlled. It is challenging for student research to evaluate improvements to engine performance on real engine controller units (ECUs). Since their ECUs are already set for specific automotive duties, it is challenging to run tests by modifying the ECU's input parameters. In this study, a programmable ECU was created to explore the characteristics of the fuel injection system using the open-source, low-cost Arduino microcontroller. Using LabVIEW software, the algorithmic program computes and graphically simulates the injector characteristics. This study determines the injector opening time and fuel volume injected using the data from the intake manifold pressure sensor, lambda signal, engine temperature, throttle position, engine speed, and exhaust gas sensor. The primary objective of this study was not to replace a real ECU. It was more beneficial for students to be able to equip themselves with tools and apply methodologies to perform many experiments at home rather than utilizing commercially available ECUs at exorbitant rates, thanks to the development of a low-cost ECU based on Arduino and LabVIEW in this study.