Sentronics Limited will launch two new ultra-compact fluid flow sensors for the automotive testing and development market at this week’s Automotive Testing Expo Europe, to be held in Stuttgart, Germany from 31 May to 2 June.
The new products are the latest example of race-bred technology crossing over into the wider automotive industry, the original FlowSonic® range having been created for the fuel flow control regulations introduced to FIA Formula 1 and LMP1 (Le Mans Prototype) competition in 2014.
The FlowSonic LF has been specially developed for the ultra-low fuel flow conditions found in the latest generation of high-efficiency road car engines, while the FlowSonic HF is designed to measure the high fluid flows seen in heavy-duty industrial vehicle powerplants.
Both models offer laboratory-quality data in an ultra-compact and lightweight package allowing easy portability between dynamometer and road. Advanced ultrasonics, a true 2.2 kHz update rate (for the LF), and fully digital internal processing deliver industry-leading accuracy and repeatability. Data outputs include volumetric, mass, and cumulative flows, as well as running time, speed-of-sound, and diagnostics. The FlowSonic can accommodate a wide range of automotive testing flow rates, temperatures, vibration conditions, and fuel types. CAN, TTL pulse, and analog output formats are available. With no moving parts and the benefit of intensive F1 and LMP1 bench and track testing, the FlowSonic’s performance is matched by its reliability and durability. Pricing is highly competitive with conventional fuel flow measurement equipment.
Since its formation in 2013, UK-based Sentronics has established an impressive record of engineering high-level custom solutions based on its innovative, patented core technology. In 2014, the company responded to a top F1 engine supplier’s request to address measurement errors stemming from aliasing in the original FIA-homologated 1 kHz sensor by more than doubling the update rate. The resulting FlowSonic sensor was fitted to the winning car in the last four Grands Prix of 2015. Sentronics also helped an LMP1 entrant to overcome serious sensor issues caused by high fuel temperatures with its newly FIA-homologated FlowSonic Elite HT model, which is capable of running at 120°C (continuous), 35°C hotter than the original FIA specification. For the FlowSonic LF, Sentronics successfully adapted its core technology to handle the ultra-low flow rates of modern road car engines.
Orders are now being taken for the production FlowSonic LF sensor for delivery within six weeks, while FlowSonic HF demonstration units will be available from early August. For more information, please visit www.sentronics.com or ATEE stand number 1040 in Stuttgart.
