Beru Develop Biodiesel Sensor

As a result of its collaboration with VW, Beru is developing a new “biodiesel sensor.” Development of the sensor is necessary in order to solve a technical problem that arises during the alternative combustion of mineral DF (diesel fuel) and RME (rape seed oil methyl ester, also known as biodiesel) in the same engine. The more stringent emission limits of the Euro IV and Euro V standards can only be met when engine management is precisely tuned to fuel consumption.

The biodiesel sensor is being designed to help engine-manufacturers out of this dilemma. It is fitted into the fuel line and can distinguish DF from RME. To do this it measures the specific inductive capacities, which differ between fuels. In RME they are around 50 per cent greater than in DF. Using the determined data, a characteristic diagram for engine control suited to the respective fuel mixture is selected.