Kenyan engineer’s novelty gives car engines fresh breath

A young Electrical Engineer in Kenya is giving old model vehicles a new lease of life by replacing the carburetor with a fuel injection system to heightened the car’s carbon emissions.

Peter Mbiria a 34-year-old siding at Miti Kenda, off Eastern Bypass in Kiambu County has designed and developed a cutting-edge standalone Voltarent Engine Control Unit (ECU).

“The ECU is helping me to replace the outdated K-Jetronic system (also known as FD) helping the vehicles to be reborn with unparalleled performance, unrivaled fuel economy, and unmatched reliability,” said Mbiria.

Mbiria added that the vehicle equipped with the Voltarent ECU achieves a remarkable balance between power and economy.

“The standalone ECU meticulously manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and airflow, optimizing performance on every level,” he said.

ECU advanced algorithms and real-time monitoring ensure a seamless integration with the engine, resulting in improved power delivery, enhanced throttle response, and greater reliability.

Transforming

At the moment Mbiria is transforming the Mercedes Benz model but the ECU can seamlessly be installed in a wide range of carbureted vehicles.

“Whether it is a classic car, a vintage beauty, or a performance-oriented machine that relies on a carburetor, the Voltarent ECU brings forth a new era of performance, efficiency, and reliability,” he posed.
The carburetor was developed in 1880s with the aim of supplying a spark-ignition engine with a mixture of fuel and air to the engine.

Components of carburetors usually include a storage chamber for liquid fuel, a choke, an idling (or slow-running) jet, a main jet, a venturi-shaped air-flow restriction, and an accelerator pump.

But in 1990s, the use of carburetors stopped because they heightened the car’s carbon emissions.

“Classic and older cars were made before strict environmental guidelines were introduced to the auto industry. Manufacturers have phased out carburetors in new engines because they can lead to higher carbon emissions,” said Mbiria.

Greener future

With the Voltarent ECU, it drives the vehicle towards a greener future. By introducing precise fuel control and combustion optimization, it maximizes fuel efficiency, reducing overall consumption and minimizing harmful emissions,” he said.

Mbiria says the technological advancements of the Voltarent ECU not only enhance the driving experience but also align with environmentally conscious values.

Carburetors have been largely replaced by fuel injection for cars and trucks.

Though new model cars are using fuel injection systems, Kenyans are still using old model vehicles using carburetors, some expressing their frustrations over their malfunctioning.