The model SSU a low-cost, highly reliable LNG Fuel Quantity Indication (FQI) Level Sending Module for capacitance probes typically used in Trucks, Buses and other LNG powered Vehicles using cryogenic LNG as an alternative to Diesel fuel.
The FQI module interfaces to the capacitance probe located inside the LNG fuel tank and the fuel-gauge or digital system inside the cab. A fuel-gauge will display the LNG fuel-level inside the tank. Other options are 0-5V analog signal for Digital display or ECU input.
A capacitance probe integrated inside the LNG fuel tank is the proven and reliable method for direct fuel level measurement of a cryogenic fuel such as Liquefied Natural Gas or Liquid Hydrogen. The capacitance probe has no moving parts, therefore is immune to shock and vibration with no components to wear out or fail. The internal capacitance probe combined with our FQI sending module directly measures LNG fuel level in the vehicle tank using a single coax-cable. The level is displayed inside the cab with a standard fuel gauge or to a digital ECU system compatible with any 9V-32V DC vehicle systems.
The FQI module was designed to be flexible and compatible with a variety of applications. No need to purchase multiple modules that are specifically calibrated to match a specific tank-size, probe or cable length. The same FQI module can accommodate a wide range of probe capacitance values.
TECHNOLOGY: The FQI module utilizes a RISC micro-controller that precisely monitors the LNG fuel level using digital technology. No analog component drift or error during measurement. Calibration values are permanently stored in EEPROM for the lifetime of the vehicle, even if power is lost up to 10-years! LED indicators provide visual activity status during set-up and operation.
FEATURES: The FQI is not specific to any particular tank size or capacitance probe length or installation configuration. The FQI module can be quickly field-calibrated or -re-calibrated at the factory, providing plug-and-play installation. The FQI is designed to be flexible and versatile to work with a wide-range of LNG tank sizes and vehicle configurations. These features make our FQI module compatible with virtually any LNG vehicle requiring a fuel-gauge.
OUTPUT SIGNAL OPTIONS: Three signal output options are available:
SSU-33/240-12M: 33-ohm to 240-ohm output (GM fuel-gauge)
SSU-4/20-12M: 4ma~20mA Current Output
SSU-0/5-12M: 0~5V Analog Voltage Output.
SSU-0/5V-12M-LH Internally limited to 100mA @ 24VDC (Liquid Hydrogen applications)
User can determine what signal output is compatible with their application. A signal-output & fuel-gauge combination can be recommended if there is no particular preference in the application.
POWER: Wiring is standard 12V/24 VDC @ 5A, (18ga~22ga typical) for power, signal & ground. Module is also compatible with 24VDC input power. Module input voltage is qualified up to 60VDC MAX input for jump-start over-voltage conditions. The 3rd wire is the gauge signal for output.
CALIBRATION: Calibration is a simple push-button operation or EZ-CAL laptop software (free) is available to quickly set the EMPTY & FULL levels. The cab FUEL gauge needle can also be adjusted to display exactly where desired. Tolerance and needle position error that is a common issue with low-cost production automotive fuel gauges has been eliminated. Every gauge in every vehicle can be adjusted to display exactly “F” when full and “E” when empty. Calibration compensates for a variety of capacitance probe lengths (tank sizes) and cable lengths, making this ideal for all cryogenic / LNG fuel level measurement applications. No need to match the sending unit to a particular cable or probe length. This will reduce costs, eliminate purchasing headaches and inventory issues by having one module that works with every vehicle application.
CAPACITANCE PROBE: A capacitance probe integrated inside the LNG fuel tank is the proven and reliable method for direct fuel level measurement of a cryogenic fuel or liquid. The probe has no moving parts, is immune to shock and vibration and has no components to wear out or fail. The internal capacitance probe combined with our sending module and a fuel-gauge directly measures LNG fuel level in the vehicle tank using a single coax-cable. The level is displayed inside the cab with a standard fuel gauge. The same module can be used in single or dual (multiple) tank configurations.
SIMPLE SETUP
SIMPLE SET-UP: A serial communication port is integrated for optional EZ-LAPTOP calibration.
Software is provided to display Calibration / Set-up parameters, as well as Diagnostic information.
Calibration is as simple as pressing a button once the fuel tank is confirmed EMPTY or FULL.
Simple calibration eliminates multiple fill-empty cycles and guesswork, saving both time and money.
LED’s guide user through the calibration process and provide system status.
Live data can also be displayed, providing full control over calibration, monitoring of process & level indication system status when connected to a laptop or PC.
Other features such as adjustable alarm options for high & low thresholds. Pump control process with latching, adjustable fail-safe functions are also featured for process / level control & monitoring with alarms.
An standard USB Serial interface adapter is required for laptop calibration.
SPECIFICATIONS: LNG FUEL GAUGE
- Ratings: IP67, IP68, NEMA 4X,6,6P,12,13
- Compliance: Designed to be compliant with ISO16750-2 / ISI11452-5 standards
- Power Input: 9V~32VDC (+/- 20%) Suggested Fuse for power circuit at 500mA
- Supply Current: Under 25mA quiescent current power during operation
- Output Options: (specify output when ordering)
- Current sinking, Transistor drive (standard 33~240 ohm FUEL Gauge)
- 4mA~20mA current
- 0~5VDC Analog Voltage
- Temperature Range: Operational -40F to +176F (-40C to +80C)
- Capacitance Probe: Typical 100pF~1000pF, configurable to others.
- Other Features: Optional Adjustable Alarm indication, Level-Control with Alarm functions.
MOUNTING / DIMENSIONS
DUAL-TANK / MULTIPLE TANK APPLICATION
(floats are a graphic representations of the liquid level measured by the capacitance probe)
Custom probes can be designed for conductive liquid measurement such as water levels, conductive liquids / brine or petroleum based liquids.
NOTES: This same technology can also be used for other Cryogenic Liquids and various other liquid level measurement
CONTACT US: To discuss your specific application. We specialize in Capacitance / Level measurement instrumentation and willing to work to customize our technology to your application, without expensive up front NRE charges! We will work with you so your design is compliant to Automotive standards.
Contact us to discuss your application!
DEALERS & REP’S WELCOME