Thermal Modeling for Heated Tip Injectors

Brazilian ethanol vehicles are typically equipped with an auxiliary gasoline sub-tank fuel system which aids cold starting and drivability for low ambient temperatures. Port fuel injectors capable of rapidly heating ethanol have been developed to eliminate this auxiliary system. These injectors also enable reductions in emissions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used in conjunction with Taguchi Robust Engineering methods to optimize the heat exchanging geometry of these heated injectors. Simulation results are confirmed with experimental hardware and engine cold start testing. Modeling results, experimental hardware, and engine cold start performance is presented and discussed.