ECU vs. Flow Meter
The Quest for Accuracy
While an Engine Control Unit can offer valuable information for monitoring and regulating engine performance, when it comes to accuracy we have seen a 10% margin of error in fuel levels when implementing the decarbX solution on machinery with an ECU.
That is why decacrbX has implemented a Fuel Flow Meter into the solution. The margin of error is a mere 1%, as it directly measures the flow rate of fuel passing through the fuel line.
Engine Control Unit
The ECU is an indirect form of fuel measurement. It uses the pulse width of the fuel injectors to determine the amount of fuel injected into the engine. It then calculates the volume of fuel injected by multiplying the pulse width by the flow rate of the injectors, later refining fuel usage calculations by monitoring air intake and air-fuel ratio.
Although cost effective and easy to integrate with other vehicle functions, it can be easily influenced by calibration errors, sensor drift, or changes in fuel injector performance over time. Due to indirect measurements reliant on estimations, we have seen a 10% margin of error on fuel levels when using an ECU.
Fuel Flow Meter
A Fuel Flow Meter directly measures the flow rate of fuel passing through the fuel line using flow sensors, providing real time data on fuel consumption. It is highly accurate as it does not rely on estimations, and cannot be affected by engine parameters or calibration issues. It does however, require additional hardware and space for installation.