Development of a computer controlled fuel injection system for a spark ignition engine for the purpose of using in automotive technology education

In this study a computer controlled fuel injection system for a single cylinder spark ignition engine was developed to use in automotive technology education. For this purpose, fuel system of a carbureted engine was modified by using the sensors and actuators needed for a fuel injection system. Data needed by the fuel injection system were collected by sensors from the engine and transferred to a computer via a data acquisition card. A control software was developed in Microsoft Visual C#. The developed system performs fuel injection, ignition timing and idle speed control functions. The results of injection time, ignition timing and idle speed controller position were calculated by the control software and applied to the engine by a microcontroller driver card which was developed in this study. Performance and emission tests were carried out on the engine with the carburettor and the developed fuel injection system. Precise control of AFR was achieved by using the developed fuel injection system. According to the experimental results, emission and specific fuel consumption of the engine were improved compared to the carburetor type fuel system without decrease of engine performance. In addition, effects of the developed system to the students? achievement and retention of learning were investigated in case of use in the teaching of fuel injection systems. The study was performed on an experimental group consisting of 20 students and a control group consisting of 25 students. A multiple choice test of 40 items was used to measure the students? achievement and retention of learning. According to the results of the study, there is a significant difference between retention points in favour of experimental group while there is no significant difference between achievement points of groups. The results show that using of the developed system in the teaching of fuel injection systems is more effective in increasing the retention of learning.