Eaton Introduces Electronic Fuel Vapor
Management Valve for Hybrid-Electric Vehicles
That Increases Safety, Reduces Emissions
March 03, 2010 04:17 PM Eastern Time
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation
today introduced an electronic fuel vapor management valve for hybrid-electric vehicles that manages fuel vapor
pressure contained within the fuel tank, increasing safety and enabling automakers to meet strict emissions
regulations. The new system is expected to be in production vehicles by 2012.
“With the proliferation of hybrid vehicles, automakers are researching technologies to improve the performance of
fuel systems while meeting safety and emissions regulations,” said Julie Tolley, general manager, Fuel Emissions and
Powertrain Controls, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “Hybrid-electric vehicles have significantly reduced the time the engine
is on, which inhibits the ability to purge fuel vapor stored in the carbon canister. Eaton’s Hybrid Fuel Tank Isolation
Valve enables fuel vapor containment within the tank until the engine is available and prevents canister saturation and
hydrocarbon leakage. Our Fuel Tank Isolation Valve design allows for quick tank venting, minimizing refueling
‘splash-back’ caused by high fuel tank pressures.”
The Fuel Tank Isolation Valve leverages two key Eaton technologies – solenoids and vapor management valves –
into a simpler, customizable, smaller and smarter system than traditional venting systems. “Eaton’s design uses an
optimized solenoid design and integrates functions to reduce the number of parts required, resulting in a 33 percent
weight savings and a significant reduction in size,” said Tolley. “The Fuel Tank Isolation Valve also has an available
integrated pressure sensor that can be used for fuel system leak detection and purge control. Optional temperature
sensing can be added for additional system monitoring and control. In addition, it provides flexible mounting and
porting option