{"id":3998,"date":"2020-01-08T12:18:32","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T12:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thomasgroupltd.co.uk\/?p=3998"},"modified":"2020-01-08T12:18:32","modified_gmt":"2020-01-08T12:18:32","slug":"glow-plugs-and-emissions-your-questions-answered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thomasgroupltd.co.uk\/glow-plugs-and-emissions-your-questions-answered\/","title":{"rendered":"Glow plugs and emissions: your questions answered"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Governments, drivers and automotive manufacturers are more aware than ever before of the need to reduce vehicle emissions. We are still some time away from the widespread adoption of zero-emissions vehicles \u2013 but in the meantime, action can be taken to ensure the engines we are using are as efficient as possible. This article investigates the role of the glow plug and its importance in minimising environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomasgroupltd.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Picture1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3999\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s the link between glow plugs and emissions?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In a diesel engine,\ncombustion is achieved by compressing the air in the combustion chamber. The\ncompressed air raises the temperature, fuel is added to initiate the combustion\ncycle, powering the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the combustion\nprocess, if the combustion cycle does not meet the required temperature, not\nall of the fuel will be burnt. The unburnt fuel becomes carbon particles, which\nare released into the atmosphere via the exhaust and are harmful for the\nenvironment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to avoid this\nsituation, glow plugs are used to heat up the air and ensure the correct\ntemperatures are reached, so all the fuel is burnt and harmful emissions are\nreduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Glow plugs also play\nanother important role in reducing emissions \u2013 they provide heat for the diesel\nparticulate filter (DPF) at regular intervals, as determined by the engine\nmanagement system (EMS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All new diesel cars are\nfitted with a DPF, which prevents toxic soot particles being emitted from a\ncar\u2019s exhaust by collecting them and periodically exposing the particles to\nhigh temperatures in order to burn them, turning them into harmless ash. This\nis known as DPF regeneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a car is driven at\nhigh speeds for a long distance, for example on the motorway, the continuous\nand stable heat flow from the exhaust is sufficient to clean up the DPF. The\nheat will burn any unburnt remains of the soot particles. But if the car is\ndriven at low speeds, frequently stopping and starting, for example in cities,\nthere is not enough heat for DPF regeneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, the ECU\nactivates the glow plugs and injects additional fuel into the engine, which\nignites and heats up the DPF, so regeneration can take place.\n\nProblems can sometimes occur if the journey is\ntoo short, as the regeneration process may not be completed. The latest glow\nplugs, such as instant heating plugs, reduce the likelihood of this happening,\nas they can quickly reach the required temperatures, reducing the regeneration\ntime.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s the role of the glow plug control unit?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The glow plug control\nunit interprets information from the engine control unit (ECU) to regulate glow\nplug operation and optimise engine performance. It decides when glow plugs are\nin operation and how much electrical current is used (which in turn determines\nthe temperature).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a delicate balance,\nas if a glow plug is not on for long enough, or does not reach the right\ntemperature, the fuel mixture will not ignite efficiently. But if a glow plug\nis on for too long, or gets too hot, it can be damaged, which in turn risks\ndamaging the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomasgroupltd.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Picture2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4000\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Some glow plugs have extended post-heating functionality. How does this help to reduce emissions?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Extended post-heating functionality means the glow plugs are active before, during and 60-180 seconds after the combustion cycle. This ensures the combustion process is fully completed, with all air and fuel vaporised and no harmful carbon particles released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the benefit of using glow plugs made with ceramics as opposed to other materials?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The ceramics used in glow plugs are semiconductors. This means they have both electrical insulating and electrical conducting properties. Ceramic glow plugs have quick heat-up times, long-lasting heat retention and high heat resistance, thus contribute to lower emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is an instant heating double coil glow plug? How do they differ from ceramic glow plugs?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>An instant heating double coil glow plug has a heating coil and a regulating coil integrated into its probe. This helps it to heat up faster than a ceramic glow plug, further improving engine efficiency and lowering emissions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomasgroupltd.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Picture3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4001\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How can drivers and workshop technicians ensure good glow plug performance to control emissions?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Drivers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Use good quality fuel.<\/li><li>Look out for black\/blue or white smoke coming from the exhaust \u2013\ntake the car to a workshop immediately if this is noticed.<\/li><li>Look out for the DPF warning light \u2013 take the car to a workshop\nimmediately if this is noticed.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Technicians:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Conduct regular checks of the complete ignition system, including\nglow plugs, glow plug control module, glow plug relay system, fuel pumps and\ninjectors, EMS and battery.<\/li><li>Before installing a new glow plug, thoroughly clean the glow plug\nposition to eliminate any carbon deposits.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What future developments could impact glow plugs and emissions?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The future of diesel engines and glow plugs is unpredictable \u2013 many OEMs have turned away from developing diesel engines in favour of alternative fuels such as electricity. However, in order to make diesel engines more efficient, thinner and longer glow plugs are being developed. Thinner glow plugs result in faster heating times, helping to improve engine starts and reduce emissions through complete combustion and DPF support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a9\ufe0f Denso<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Governments, drivers and automotive manufacturers are more aware than ever before of the need to reduce vehicle emissions. We are still some time away from the widespread adoption of zero-emissions vehicles \u2013 but in the meantime, action can be taken to ensure the engines we are using are as efficient as possible. This article investigates [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[13],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.9.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Glow plugs and emissions: your questions answered - Thomas Group<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Governments, drivers and automotive manufacturers are more aware than ever before of the need to reduce vehicle emissions. 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