Eaton introduces next-generation fuel tank isolation valve for hybrid electric vehicles
Intelligent power management company Eaton announced it has
launched its next-generation fuel tank isolation valve (FTIV) for hybrid
vehicles. The new FTIV® is easier to mount, 27% lighter, 39% smaller and
contains 24% fewer components than its predecessor.
The gas engine in a
hybrid vehicle does not operate continuously. As a result, hybrid fuel systems
require special measures to address evaporative emissions that accumulate when
the gas engine is not in operation.
“Pressure builds up
in the gas tank when the vehicle is in electric mode, so that pressure has to
be released. Also, when refueling you want to make sure the tank is
depressurized to avoid spit back,” said Christy Roadknight, business unit
director, Eaton’s Mobility Group. “Modern hybrids spend more time in electric
mode so FTIV is now even more important.”
Eaton’s next
generation FTIV comes at a time when hybrids are becoming a popular alternative
to fully electric vehicles. As new hybrids come into the market, Eaton’s
isolation valve can reduce packing challenges with its reduced dimensions.
Eaton engineers
reduced the size of the FTIV by 39% by improving the magnetic force produced by
the isolation valve while at the same time reducing the amount of copper.
Additionally, the new FTIV is designed to be easier to mount in a variety of
challenging tank configurations within the vehicle.
“We optimized the
geometry on existing components and ensured the new and improved design
maintained the reliability of our previous offering,” Roadknight said. “This
market is expanding, and we have a 13-year history in this space.”
Eaton has
agreements to supply its next-generation FTIV to two global automotive
customers and has drawn interest from other manufacturers.
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