With the charge measuring method, fuel detection is
based upon the measuring of electric charge of fuel. The
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fuel becomes electrically charged when it rubs against
the sensor electrode (Fig. 1) [3] and the other injection
system parts. Fuel droplets hit the sensor electrode at a
velocity of 100–300 m s-1. Thus, the fuel is electrically
charged and this charge is then emitted on contact with
the electrode.
Due to high velocity, the dispersed fuel droplets have
a relatively high kinetic energy, which is transformed
into heat; when the droplets hit the electrode, a time
varying temperature gradient is obtained, itself being a
minor source of electric current