Today, we see robust and fast-moving vehicles running on the roads with unrestrained capabilities, all made possible by the automotive oil pump. This innovative oil pump serves a crucial function by ensuring engine longevity and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
So, let's go on a seamless journey into the superior functioning of these cutting-edge oil pumps.
What is an Automotive Oil Pump?
An automotive oil pump is a critical component of the lubrication system in an internal combustion engine; hence, it is also known as an engine oil pump or a vehicle oil pump. It is responsible for circulating engine oil under pressure to various moving parts that require lubrication during the engine's operation. This engine oil pump also helps with engine cooling by circulating oil to various parts of the engine.
As these oil pumps in cars are essential for improving vehicle performance, their demand has significantly risen in the automotive industry. According to Extrapolate's recent report, the global automotive oil pump market is projected to be valued at $20.75 billion by 2030.
How Does an Automotive Oil Pump Work?
The automotive engine oil pump works as the circulatory system of an internal combustion machine, ensuring vital lubrication and cooling. Driven by the engine, the automotive oil extractor pump draws oil from the sump and pushes it with pressure through the engine block via oil passages.
The pressurized oil lubricates moving parts such as the crankshaft, camshaft, and bearings, reducing friction and heat. As the oil flows, it also absorbs heat from the engine components, aiding in engine cooling. Once the oil has performed its duties, it returns to the sump to begin the cycle anew. Notably, the oil pump sustains the engine's health and performance through its continuous circulation of vital lubricant.
Two Key Types of Automotive Oil Pumps
There are two main types of engine oil pumps used in the automotive space, including:
1. Rotor Oil Pump
This type of oil pump contains an inner gear that turns inside the outer rotor. The inner rotor features one fewer lobe than the outer one, and it is mounted slightly off-center of the outer rotor. This creates a bellow-like pumping action, pulling oil from the inlet port and pushing it towards the outlet port. Close tolerance is required for good pumping continuity, and the pump is mounted in the crankcase.
2. Twin Gear Pump
Twin gear pump. or external pump is fixed inside the oil pan of the engine and uses a pair of intermeshing gears to push oil. One gear is driven by a shaft, and the second gear is driven by the first gear. The direct-drive approach helps avoid the need for another pump drive shaft, and the pump rotates at the same rpm as the engine, generating more pressure at idle than a gear-driven or camshaft pump.
Pros of an Automotive Oil Pump
The engine oil pump provides several crucial benefits to vehicles, such as:
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Lubrication and Cooling
The oil pump ensures that engine components are properly lubricated, reducing friction and heat generation. As engine RPM (revolutions per minute) increases, the pump turns faster, delivering a greater flow of oil for enhanced lubrication and cooling.
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Prevention of Engine Seizures
By delivering oil through galleries and passages around the engine, the oil pump prevents engine parts from overheating and seizing due to a lack of lubrication. If the oil pump stops working or there is insufficient oil due to leaks, engine parts can overheat and stop within seconds.
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Maintenance of Oil Pressure
The oil pump maintains steady oil pressure inside the engine, ensuring that the lubricant flows to every component, crevice, and channel. This is essential for the proper functioning and longevity of the engine.
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Longevity and Reliability
The oil pump's mechanisms, such as rotor-type pumps and twin-gear pumps, are designed for longevity and the ability to pump against high pressures, contributing to the overall reliability and durability of the engine.
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Optimized Fuel Efficiency
Variable displacement oil pumps, which deliver oil to the engine at flow rates and pressures needed at the time, contribute to improved fuel economy by reducing parasitic energy loss.
Innovative Pump Technologies for Automotive
Companies are actively developing innovative pump technologies, such as electric auxiliary oil pumps for turbocharged engines, which provide cooling oil to hot turbocharger bearings after the engine has stopped, contributing to improved performance and durability.
One such company is ebm-papst, which has developed an electric auxiliary oil pump for automatic transmissions using a model-based design. This electric oil pump is used in hybrid vehicles to circulate oil when the combustion engine is shut down, and an electric motor drives it.
How Are Next-Gen Fuel Pumps Reshaping Vehicle Performance?
Oil pump design and technology advancements focus on reliability, performance, and efficiency. For instance, DENSO, a leading automotive technology company, has developed in-tank fuel pumps featuring turbine technology. These pumps offer greater supply capacity and better control over the discharge volume, allowing the performance to be adjusted to suit the specific operating conditions of various engines.
Its V-shaped internal impeller helps minimize motor noise and maintain pump performance for an extended period. Additionally, pressure is continuously measured within the in-tank fuel pumps to ensure the requirements are met for each engine type and specification.
In a Nutshell
Automotive oil pumps are vital components that play a critical role in preserving the health and longevity of a vehicle's engine. By providing essential lubrication, preventing overheating and seizing, maintaining oil pressure, and contributing to overall efficiency and reliability, oil pumps ensure the smooth operation and durability of modern vehicles.
Recent developments in oil pump technology have been focused on efficiency, performance, and material and design innovations to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry. These innovative advancements are committed to offering higher fuel economy, reduced energy loss, and enhanced reliability. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, oil pump advancements will remain integral to the ongoing quest for more efficient, durable, and high-performing vehicles.
