Owen Developments have joined forces with Oxford RF Sensors to launch a new style speed sensor for specialist turbocharger companies, engine designers and motorsport teams.
The rotational speed of the turbocharger is a major factor when sizing turbine and compressor wheel combinations, the best and most reliable turbocharger will be those which stay within the manufacturers limits which are defined by the use of the relevant flow maps.
This new sensor developed and patented by the Oxford University is a real break through in technological terms as it is able to cater for any existing or anticipated turbocharger speeds and temperatures. Unlike any other sensor made for this purpose, it uses a specially developed minaturised probe which radiates a high frequency electromagnetic field which detects the passing of each blade directly, it does not require magnetic or phonic targets, which is why it will work perfectly with aluminium, titanium, magnesium and inconel impellors.
How then does it work?
Firstly the control unit is adjusted to the number of blades being counted, then as the blades pass the sensor, energy is pulled from the oscillator. This energy drain is then converted to a digital pulse which can be fed to a display or data logger. For certain motorsport applications, where turbo overspeeding is a potential failure issue, the pulses can be used in conjunction with the vehicles ECU as a means of control.
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