Eaton Technology to Make Hybrids Greener

Nowadays, cars are getting greener by the minute, as producers are searching for ways of making their cars more eco-friendly. Just today, Eaton Corporation has announced the introduction of an electronic fuel vapor management valve for hybrid-electric vehicles that manages fuel vapor pressure contained within the fuel tank, increasing safety and enabling automakers to meet strict emissions regulations.

“With the proliferation of hybrid vehicles, automakers are researching technologies to improve the performance of fuel systems while meeting safety and emissions regulations,” said Julie Tolley, general manager, Fuel Emissions and Powertrain Controls, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “Hybrid-electric vehicles have significantly reduced the time the engine is on, which inhibits the ability to purge fuel vapor stored in the carbon canister.”

“Eaton’s Hybrid Fuel Tank Isolation Valve enables fuel vapor containment within the tank until the engine is available and prevents canister saturation and hydrocarbon leakage. Our Fuel Tank Isolation Valve design allows for quick tank venting, minimizing refueling ‘splash-back’ caused by high fuel tank pressures.”

The new Fuel Tank Isolation Valve leverages two Eaton technologies - solenoids and vapor management valves – into a simpler, smaller system than the traditional venting systems.

“Eaton’s design uses an optimized solenoid design and integrates functions to reduce the number of parts required, resulting in a 33 percent weight savings and a significant reduction in size,” said Tolley. “The Fuel Tank Isolation Valve also has an available integrated pressure sensor that can be used for fuel system leak detection and purge control. Optional temperature sensing can be added for additional system monitoring and control.”

The new system is expected to be in production vehicles by 2012.