High-precision capacitive sensors are used along with GPS tracking systems for tracking the level of fuel in the tank and the fuel consumption. The capacitive sensor (also known as a probe) is very appropriate when high precision of fuel measurement is sought after, but it is not a universal decision. We will shortly state which motor vehicles it is appropriate for, for which it is not and why.
Which motor vehicles usually get capacitive sensors?
- Machinery for construction work, heavy load transport, agriculture, trains, trucks, liquid tank vehicles etc.
- Machines with a large capacity of the reservoir and different depths of the tank i.e. there is an opportunity to adjust the depth of the sensor.
- Vehicles with two reservoirs – a probe is put in each tank, both of which cooperatively measure the total fuel level.
- Older vehicles for which the readings from the default sensor are not correct and cannot be used for controlling the fuel level adequately.
- New motor vehicles which don’t have the option of reading the fuel data from the board computer since access to the OBDII and CAN ports is restricted. Access to the board computer is gained in an authorised service of the vehicle manufacturer, which requires additional payment from the client and the price is many times higher than the alternative of installing a capacitive sensor.
- Construction machines, trucks and other transport vehicles with a reservoir of over 100 liters.
As we mentioned earlier, there are certain limitations, which limit the use of capacitive sensors:
What are the limitations for using a capacitive sensors with a GPS system
- In order to mount a capacitive sensor in the reservoir, a distance of at least 40 centimeters above the tank is necessary. This space is necessary for technical reasons i.e. to place the sensor in the reservoir.
- Not applicable for regular cars, buses and board trucks because of the lack of access.
- Cannot be placed in reservoirs with an irregular shape because of contructive reasons, which don’t allow for sustainable attachment.
- It is not advisable to be mounted on transport vehicles under warranty, because the installation of a capacitive sensor is associated with puncturing the reservoir of the car, which could lead to invalidation of the warranty.
A capacitive probe together with a GPS tracking system is a wonderful way to get objective data about the amount of fuel as well as information about fuel consumption of the vehicle.
If you have doubts abour theft of fuel, you want to stop bad practices of draning fuel from tanks of trucks, contruction machinery, agricultural equipment, think about using capacitive sensors and GPS tracking devices. They will allow you to register and document the fuel theft and drainage.