Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi):

Most modern engine's fuel systems use ‘Common Rail Direct Injection’ or CRDi which is an
advanced technology. Specifically, the term ‘CRDi’ commonly refers to diesel engines.
Although, there is a similar technology which the petrol engines also use. However, it is known
as Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI). Both these technologies
have a similarity in design since they consist of a common “fuel-rail” which supply fuel to
injectors. However, they considerably differ from each other in pressures & type of fuel used.

In Common Rail Direct Injection, commencement of combustion takes place directly into the
main combustion chamber located in a cavity on the top of the piston crown. Today,
manufacturers use CRDi technology to overcome some of the deficiencies of conventional diesel
engines which were sluggish, noisy and poor in performance when implemented especially in
passenger vehicles.

Following is the schematic CRDi line diagram:

CRDi Line Diagram

The CRD-i technology works in tandem with the engine ECU which gets inputs from various
sensors. It then also calculates the precise quantity of fuel and timing of injection. The fuel
system features engine components which are more intelligent in nature and controls them
electrically / electronically. Additionally, the conventional injectors are replaced with more
advanced, electrically operated, solenoid injectors. They open by an ECU signal, depending upon
the variables such as engine speed, load, engine temperature etc.\
Common Rail Fuel System (Courtesy: Bosch)
A Common Rail system uses a ‘common-for-all-cylinders’ fuel-rail or in simple words a 'fuel
distribution pipe'. It maintains optimum residual fuel pressure and also acts as a shared fuel
reservoir for all the injectors. In CRDi system, the fuel-rail constantly stores and supplies the
fuel to the solenoid valve injectors at the required pressure. This is quite opposite to the fuel
injection pump supplying diesel thru’ independent fuel lines to injectors in case of earlier
generation (DI) design.

Components of CRDi System –

1. High Pressure Fuel Pump 2. Common Fuel Rail 3. Injectors 4. Engine Control Unit

Working of CRDi -

A high-pressure pump generates pressurised fuel. The pump compresses the fuel at the pressures
of about 1,000 bar or about 15,000 psi. It, then, supplies the pressurised fuel via a high-pressure
pipe to the inlet of the fuel-rail. From there, the fuel-rail distributes it to the individual injectors
which then inject it into the cylinder's combustion chamber.

Most modern CRDi engines use the Unit-Injector system with Turbocharger which increases
power output and meets stringent emission norms. This improves engine power, throttle
response, fuel efficiency and controls emissions. Barring some design changes, the basic
principle & working of the CRDi technology remains primarily the same across the board.
However, its performance depends mainly on the combustion chamber design, fuel pressures and
the type of injectors used.
Multi Port/Point Fuel Injection system or Sequential Fuel Injection system .

NEED FOR MPFI

Due to ever increasing stricter environmental regulations automobile industry is required to meet
very strict emission norms. Catalytic converters were introduced for this purpose. Now for
catalytic converter to be effective very careful control of the air-fuel was required. Oxygen
sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in exhaust, and the ECU (engine/electronic control unit)
uses this information to adjust A-F ratio in real time. It was not feasible to achieve this type of
close loop control with carburetors.

Gradually new engines are equipped with MPFI system. MPFI have a fuel injector for each
cylinder. MPFI spray right at the intake valve and provide more accurate fuel metering and
quicker response.

WORKING OF MPFI

 When you step on the gas pedal, the throttle valve opens up more, letting in more air. The
engine control unit (ECU, the computer that controls all of the electronic components on
your engine) "sees" the throttle valve open (with the help of Mass airflow sensor) and
increases the fuel rate in anticipation of more air entering the engine.
 It is important to increase the fuel rate as soon as the throttle valve opens; otherwise,
when the gas pedal is first pressed, there may be a hesitation as some air reaches the
cylinders without enough fuel in it.
 Sensors monitor the mass of air entering the engine, as well as the amount of oxygen in
the exhaust. The ECU uses this information to fine-tune the fuel delivery so that the air-
to-fuel ratio is just right.