A new infra red sensor that records accurate tyre carcass temperature has been developed by Beru f1systems. The DigiTyre IR provides accurate temperature and pressure data unaffected by heat soak from the rim and brakes. Tyre temperature sensors are normally fitted to the rim as part of the valve. Heat soak from the rim and brakes distorts results from a traditional wheel sensor. The new system uses IR sensors to measure the inside temperature of the tyre itself, not air temperature. Engineers can correlate accurate tyre carcass temperature to wear, traction and loading. Information about the tyre carcass temperature could help to identify tyre deflation issues quicker too. If a tyre develops a puncture, tyre and air temperatures rise with a short lag between the two. The new system will receive data about changes to the carcass temperature, so it could determine a puncture faster.
The system offers high resolution (0.25ºC) and accuracy (0.5ºC) across an extended temperature range (-40 ºC to 215ºC). The wheel sensor transmits pressure, air and tyre temperature at 1Hz, through antennae to the ECU. Existing Beru f1systems' customers can simply upgrade their existing TPMS with new wheel electronics and software. The system is also compatible with CAN bus, making its use in OEM applications equally relevant. The sensor also includes a LF (low frequency) receiver allowing engineers using remote devices to receive data. This also allows tyre temperature and pressure to be monitored when the wheels are not fitted to a vehicle but on dynos or test beds.
The system is now being tested in F1 where tyre setup and pressure is essential to lap times and race success. For tyre manufacturers, the IR sensor will provide information on how tyre temperature affects tyre performance and wear. Beru f1systems provides tyre pressure monitoring systems to leading motorsport and OEMs, both in the road and commercial vehicle markets.
