DENSO provides key component of Volvo’s innovative 3-cylinder Drive E engine
A pioneering concept
In an effort to streamline engine design, Volvo set out to create a single engine architecture type for its expansive range of vehicles – something few other car manufacturers were attempting at the time. To accomplish this, they needed to come up with a flexible design concept that could fit vehicles both large and small, petrol and diesel, and with flexible emissions requirements.
Because of its reputation for producing the highest quality, innovative parts, DENSO was asked to supply its A/F (air/fuel) sensor to support Volvo’s mission. With advanced accuracy and a robust design, the supplied sensor offers a long lifetime without sacrificing quality or performance.
The sensor also provides cylinder misfire detection, quickly sensing if there are any irregularities in a particular cylinder and helping improve the car’s own engine control. In addition, the sensor enables the engine to reach a “closed-loop mode” after a cold start within 7 seconds, leading to decreased vehicle emissions and helping Volvo meet the varying emissions standards required worldwide.
DENSO lambda sensor technology
DENSO began producing lambda sensors in 1977 and since then, has become one of the world’s leading lambda sensor suppliers with several hundred million devices measuring the air/fuel mixture in cars worldwide. DENSO produces the following types of lambda sensors:
- O2 sensors (switching type), both thimble and planar types
- A/F sensors (wide band linear type), both thimble and planar types
- Titania sensors
In 1996, DENSO first launched its A/F sensor technology, providing a linear output to detect oxygen levels in a quantitative way in all circumstances. This is done over a very wide range of air-fuel mixtures, allowing the engine computer to compensate in the most efficient way.
DENSO’s second generation planar type A/F sensor appeared in 2000. There are multiple variations and generations of this sensor. In all versions, it has an integrated heater and sensor element for quicker response times, faster start up times and additional abilities for engine diagnostics (such as cylinder misfire detection).
Committed to excellence
“We were thrilled when Volvo selected DENSO as the sole system supplier for their new range of engines” explained Ebbo Ruiter, Application Engineer at DENSO. “The partnership is just one example of how our R&D culture can lead to revolutionary developments that expand DENSO’s market reach without sacrificing quality or reliability.”
Find out more
Further details of DENSO’s engine management systems range are available online, on TecDoc or from your local DENSO Aftermarket contact.