Fuel consumption monitoring by measuring fuel flow rate in engine’s fuel lines
This method differs from all others in that measurement of real fuel consumption is carried out, because flowmeter is installed in the fuel line of engine.
Fuel flow sensor installation requires time and sufficient qualification of installation specialist
Installation costs are higher than for other fuel consumption control methods
High accuracy of fuel rate measurement
Fuel consumption is correctly measured even for short operation periods
Applicable for off-road (also railroad and water) vehicles, rough terrain has no influence on measurement accuracy
Helps to follow fuel system’s and engine’s health, allows implementing predictive technical maintenance
Fuel consumption monitoring by detecting fuel level and volume change in a fuel tank
This method uses data from additional fuel level sensor, which measures current fuel level in a tank, and detects fuel tank filling-ups and fuel draining volumes.
Relatively low accuracy, especially in flat-shape fuel tanks
Impossibility to measure fuel consumption during short operation periods, when fuel volume is not changing distinctly
Hard to measure slow fuel draining from tank and impossible to detect fuel theft from return fuel line
Not applicable for machinery operated in rough terrain, quarries, mines where fuel in tank fluctuates noticeably
Relatively low price
No intervention into engine fuel supply system
Fuel tank refilling and fuel draining volumes can be measured
Fuel consumption data from CAN J1939 bus
This method uses ECU data, which is available in CAN J1939 bus or J1708. CAN bus data is based on calculation algorithms applied by engine manufacturer and uses a predefined constant of fuel injection volume and measured duration of opening nozzles.
Low accuracy – indirect fuel control method (uses calculation method)
Data can be “hidden” by engine manufacturer, i.e. inaccessible for reading
Data can be erratic, corrupted or missing – typical for older vehicles
Low cost of data reading equipment
Ease connection to CANbus and J1708 bus