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Automotive Applications of Level Sensors. Group: Calcium δ Eric Black Daniel Carter. Introduction. Level sensors are not only used in Industrial and Chemical Applications Common household items use them as well
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Automotive Applications of Level Sensors Group: Calcium δ Eric Black Daniel Carter
Introduction • Level sensors are not only used in Industrial and Chemical Applications • Common household items use them as well • These sensors range from simple mechanical devices to electronic or radiating tools
Level Sensors on Cars • Cars contain two of the main kinds of level sensors • Float sensor • Visual sensor • The float sensor is found in the gas tank, whereas there are a few visual sensors under the hood of the car
Gas Tank Float Sensor • Initially, the float is at top of tank • The attached wiper is closer to negative side of terminal • Less resistance • More current • Hotter Heating coil • Pulls Bimetallic strip so dashboard gauge displays full
Gas Tank Float Sensor • As fuel leaves tank, float lowers • Wiper moves further down resistor • More resistence • Less current • Coil cools • Strip pulls with contracting metal
Gas Tank Float Sensor • Finally, after float hits bottom of tank, wiper is pulled to far right • Highest resistance • Lowest current • Coolest heating coil • Strip pulled gauge to empty
Gas Tank Float Sensor • Pros: • Relatively simple mechanical design • Good for estimating level of fuel • Cons: • Inaccurate when: • Tank is completely full • Tank is near empty • Doesn’t measure precise tank volume
Level Gauges Under the Hood • Under the hood of a car, there are ways to check the level of various other fluids • Oil • Transmission • Coolant / Antifreeze • Windshield washer fluid • These are checked using visual level gauges
Dipsticks • Dipstick is inserted into engine • Then removed with oil residue on tip • Tip is marked with “full” and “add oil” markings • Checking transmission fluid is similar • Similary to the fuel tank float meter: • Good for estimating fluid level • Not a precise measurement of volume
Container Markings • Small tanks under the hood containing windshield washer fluid and coolant have markings on the sides • Only good for level estimation • Can’t measure precise fluid volume