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LPG / Autogas Tank
LPG tanks are typically fitted to the rear of the vehicle in addition to the original fuel tank, this is because LPG must be stored at pressure to keep its liquid form. There are many different types and sizes available, but they can be divided into two main types - cylindrical and torroidal. The torroidal type are shaped like a dougnut and are very simple to fit by sitting in the spare wheel well, but because they occupy this space, an alternative arrangement must be made in the case of flat tyres! On most vehicles keeping a can of emergency puncture repair 'mousse' is sufficient. (A system used by Ferrari for many years!!) Whilst the normal cylindrical tanks do occupy boot space (but allow you to keep you spare wheel) they generally give greater capacity. |
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Supply Lines
The material that the supply lines are made from is chosen for its ductility (which allows easy fitting, vibration and fatigue resistance and low probability of fracture) and corrosion resistance. The lines are securely mounted underneath the car and carry the LPG (under pressure) to the 'Reducer' which is mounted in the engine bay. |
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Reducer
The reducer is mounted within the engine bay. Its purpose is to lower the pressure of the LPG liquid from its storage tank pressure to the working pressure at the injectors. This change causes a significant lowering of the temperature of the LPG, which requires heat energy to overcome. The reducer is therefore equipped with a water supply from the engine cooling system and supplies enough hot water to overcome the freezing problem |
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Injectors
The heart of the futurepower system is the LPG injector. For most conversions a single injector per cylinder is fitted. Each injector is matched to the performance of the factory fuel injector. These injectors are mounted to the inlet manifold, and fed with LPG from the Reducer, via a Vapour Filter. LPG is injected into the inlet ports of the engine, as close as possible to the original injectors. Because it readily reverts to a gaseous form, it does not suffer from poor mixture distribution within the combustion chamber, and actually achieves better combustion under certain driving conditions. |
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ECU (Control Unit)
The computer control unit is connected to the engine's original wiring loom, where it intercepts the factory injector signals and converts them into suitable pulses for the LPG injectors. In this way the unit mimics the operation of the manufacturers original ECU and achieves the same high levels of engine control. The factory ECU continues to control the ignition and other vital engine functions, but instead of the original fuel injectors receiving the operating instructions, the LPG injectors get it in their place. This means that all of the manufacturers closed-loop systems, know-how and development work is retained, thus allowing the engine to perform to the same driveability, performance and emissions standards as prior to conversion. |
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In-Car Control switch
The system is activated from a dash-board mounted control switch. A simple LED will light as either blue (when using LPG) or red when off (petrol). The switch can be operated while driving without any noticeable change in the way the vehicle behaves, and can be left permanently on, while the automatic features of the system stop and start its use. The switch also features a simple LED bar graph for fuel tank capacity, thus acting as another gauge. |
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Safety features
The system is fitted with 3 safety switches which allow the system to operate: 1 - The tank pressure switch ( located in the storage tank) will only allow the system to work when a suitable quantity of LPG maintained above the minimum pressure is present. Thus if pressure or fuel level become too low, the system will automatically switch to normal petrol operation. 2 - The reducer pressure switch (located internally within the reducer) will stop operation if the supply pressure to the reducer falls (blocked or fractured supply line) or effects of freezing. Thus if pressure or fuel level become too low, the system will automatically switch to normal petrol operation. 3 - The filter pressure switch |
