NTK VEHICLE ELECTRONICS’ RANGE PROVIDES STRONG SALES OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AFTERMARKET
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors (EGTS)
EGTS serve as a temperature monitor for turbochargers, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters and nitrogen oxide reduction systems. They are used to monitor the optimum operating point, to protect the relevant components from temperature overload and to keep them in the desired temperature range for optimal conversion rates. In this task, EGTS are an important component for the reduction of harmful emissions from vehicles.
There are two different types of EGTS: PTC and NTC. With PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) sensors, resistance increases with rising temperature. With NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensors, on the other hand, resistance decreases with rising temperature.
NTK Vehicle Electronics has been providing NTC sensors to OE and the Aftermarket for many years, and this year it has also introduced PTC sensors. This development facilitates the increased complex requirements in vehicles’ engines as well as stricter emissions standards. Indeed, many vehicle manufacturers are now installing both PTC and NTC sensors in order to be able to reliably measure the exhaust gas temperatures at different points.
NTK Vehicle Electronics offers 285 Aftermarket part numbers, covering 61 million cars in Europe. Its EGTS use temperature resistant elements that cover a range from -40°C up to 900°C.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valves (EGR valves)
Present in all European diesel engines as well as in a growing number of petrol ones (in order to meet strict European Emissions Standards), EGR valves are used to reduce NOx emissions which have negative health and environmental effects. Produced during the combustion process, NOx is created when high combustion temperatures enable the nitrogen and oxygen present in the air-fuel mixture to combine.
To reduce these harmful emissions, the EGR valve takes exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold and reintroduces them into the intake manifold, mixing them with fresh air. This has a double effect, reducing the amount of oxygen in the air-fuel mixture and reducing the temperature, and thereby reducing the amount of NOx the engine produces. This can truly be described as a smart use of air.
NTK Vehicle Electronics offers three different types of EGR valves – ‘pneumatic’, ‘electric’ and ‘electric with cooler’. Pneumatic EGR valves have a vacuum-controlled diaphragm. Electric EGR valves are controlled through integrated electronics. These valves are run directly by the engine’s control unit and can be much more precisely regulated. And then there are electric EGR valves that have a cooling unit to further reduce the temperature of the exhaust gases.
The NTK Vehicle Electronics range of EGR valves is currently 94 part numbers, which cover 40% of the market, with this number reaching by the end of November 100 part numbers and 42% coverage of the European Car Park.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) and Manifold Absolute/Boost Pressure (MAP) sensors
An integral part of the engine management system, MAP and MAF sensors’ task is to send information to the vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU), enabling it to define the right amount of fuel currently needed for optimised engine operation.
The majority of MAF sensors come in two variations: hot-wire technology and hot-film technology. These MAF sensors have no moving parts and use electrical current to measure air mass. Situated between the intake manifold and the air filter, the MAF sensor plays a vital role in the engine management system and determines the mass of air flowing into the intake system of diesel and petrol combustion engines. Based on the air mass information, the engine control unit is able to balance and deliver the correct fuel quantity to the engine. In diesel engines, the MAF sensor serves mainly to control the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
MAP sensors, on the other hand, can be classified in two groups: manifold pressure type and boost pressure type. They provide immediate data on the manifold/boost pressure to the ECU, measuring air pressure to make calculations for fuel, and ignition calibration, which is vital to maintain engine efficiency.
With 377 MAP and MAF part numbers available, NTK Vehicle Electronics provides the highest market coverage (MAF – 156 million vehicles & MAP – 213 million vehicles). This additionally includes five plug-in types which cover 25 million vehicles.
Engine Speed and Position Sensors (ESPS)
Timing is a key factor when it comes to keeping an internal combustion engine running properly. In the highly complex engine processes, the purpose of engine speed and position sensors is to provide the engine’s ECU with the most essential information needed to run the engine, by sending it signals about the rotational speed and relative positions of the crankshaft and camshaft.
NTK Vehicle Electronics produces two types of engine speed and position sensors: crankshaft sensors and camshaft sensors. The crankshaft, which is connected to the pistons, converts the linear, vertical movements of the pistons into rotary motion that powers the engine and makes the vehicle move. The crankshaft speed sensor keeps track of this rotational speed of the crankshaft, as well as its position.
The purpose of the camshaft, on the other hand, is to open and close the valves. It is connected to, and driven by, the crankshaft and rotates at half of the crankshaft’s speed. The camshaft position sensor continually measures the location of the camshaft and supports the ECU to define the right ignition and fuel injection timing.
With 562 part numbers, NTK Vehicle Electronics provides 78% coverage, more than any other premium brand on the market.
Already the world’s leading sensor specialist, NTK Vehicle Electronics is set to focus even further on adding to its already comprehensive Aftermarket range, as it continues on its mission to ensure the efficient combustion of all vehicles.