Up until the mid-1990s, the majority of cars had carburettors; however, today, every car on the market, regardless of price, has a Multi-Point Fuel Injection System (MPFI). Even by the standards of the Indian market, the Multi-Point Fuel Injection or MPFI, system is not a new invention.
The first mass-market MPFI automobiles were introduced here in the late 1990s, and as time went on, as emission standards tightened and automakers focused more on boosting vehicle efficiency, every car on the market began to include this technology.
After the various articles published on this site on a fuel injection system in internal combustion engines, here we are on the multi-point injection types. The multi-point injection is a system or technique in which fuel is introduced into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what a multi-point fuel injection system is, its functions, components, diagram, types, and workings. We’ll also explore the advantages and disadvantages.
Related: What Is A Fuel Injection System? Its Diagram and How It Works
Let’s begin!
What is a Multi-Point Injection System (MPFI)?
A multi-point injection, which is abbreviated as MPFI, is a system that injects fuel into the intake ports just upstream of each cylinder’s intake valve, rather than at a central point within an intake manifold.
Just as earlier mentioned, the MPFI is a system of injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine through multiple ports situated on the intake valve of each cylinder. An exact quantity of fuel is delivered to each cylinder at the appropriate time.
Conventionally, petrol (or gasoline) engines are also called spark ignition (SI) engines. It uses a carburettor to mix air and fuel but it has a poor response to acceleration and deceleration in the system. This carburettor also has a big problem with increased emissions. The purpose of these fuel injectors is to inject a precise quantity of fuel into the chamber.
Functions of Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Below are the functions of a multi-point fuel injection system in gasoline engines:
- Just as earlier mentioned, the primary function of MPFI is to inject a precise quantity of fuel into the combustion chamber.
- These systems also produce better atomisation and a swirl of fuel in the combustion chamber.
- It reduces the difference in power in each cylinder.
Diagram
Components of a multi-point fuel injection
Below are the components of multi-point fuel injection in an automotive engine:
- Fuel pressure regulator
- Fuel injectors
- Cylinders
- Pressure spring
- Control diaphragm
Related: What is Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor? Its Functions And Location
Types of multi-point fuel injection system (MPFI)
There are three types of multi-point injection systems, which include:
- Batched MPFI system
- Simultaneous MPFI system
- Sequential MPFI system
- In a batched MPFI system, fuel is injected into a group or batches of cylinders without bringing their intake strokes together.
- In a simultaneous system, fuel is inserted into all cylinders at the same time. And finally,
- In a sequential MPFI system, the injection is timed to overlap with the intake stroke of each cylinder.
Working Principle
Just as with other fuel injection methods in internal combustion engines, the working of a multi-point injection system is less complex and can be easily understood. In the system, multiple individual injectors are used to inject fuel into each cylinder through an intake port situated upstream of the cylinder’s intake valve.
The fuel pressure regulator is connected to the fuel rail employing an inlet and outlet to direct the flow of the fuel. At the same time, the control diaphragm and pressure spring control the inlet valve opening and the amount of fuel that can return. The engine speed and load are changed by the pressure in the intake manifold.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) System
Advantages:
Below are the advantages of a multi-point injection system on gasoline engines:
- The system is reliable
- It reduces the difference in power that each cylinder creates.
- It increases the fuel efficiency of an engine
- Better atomization of fuel
- MPFI systems have fewer emissions
- Better utilisation and distribution of fuel within an engine.
- Better acceleration and deceleration of the engine
- It improves the cold start properties of the engine
- Vibrations in reduced in the engine
- Improves durability and functionality of an engine
Related: What Is An Engine Lubrication System? Its Functions And Parts
Some other benefits include:
- Easy engine tuning
- Initial and maintenance cost
- Smooth operations and drivability
- Diagnostic capability
- Ability to work with alternative fuels
Disadvantages:
Despite the various advantages of multi-point fuel injection, some limitations still occur. Below are the disadvantages of the multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) system in internal combustion engines:
- Misfiring might occur sometimes
- It requires regular inspection of fuel injectors
- The system is expensive compared to conventional systems.
- Repairing fuel injectors can be tedious compared to carburetors
- The system usually has a shorter life.
- ECU failure could occur suddenly.
- A hot engine might be difficult to start due to possible vapour lock in the steel fuel lines above the engine.