Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi):

Most modern engine's fuel systems use Common Rail Direct Injection or CRDi which is
an advanced technology. Specifically, the term CRDi commonly refers to diesel engines.
Although, there is a similar technology which the petrol engines also use. However, it is
known as Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI). Both these
technologies have a similarity in design since they consist of a common fuel-rail which
supply fuel to injectors. However, they considerably differ from each other in pressures &
type of fuel used.

In Common Rail Direct Injection, commencement of combustion takes place directly into
the main combustion chamber located in a cavity on the top of the piston crown. Today,
manufacturers use CRDi technology to overcome some of the deficiencies
of conventional diesel engines which were sluggish, noisy and poor in performance when
implemented especially in passenger vehicles.

Following is the schematic CRDi line diagram:

CRDi Line Diagram

The CRD-i technology works in tandem with the engine ECU which gets inputs from
various sensors. It then also calculates the precise quantity of fuel and timing of injection.
The fuel system features engine components which are more intelligent in nature and
controls them electrically / electronically. Additionally, the conventional injectors are
replaced with more advanced, electrically operated, solenoid injectors. They open by an
ECU signal, depending upon the variables such as engine speed, load, engine
temperature etc.

Common Rail Fuel System (Courtesy: Bosch)

A Common Rail system uses a common-for-all-cylinders fuel-rail or in simple words a

'fuel distribution pipe'. It maintains optimum residual fuel pressure and also acts as a
shared fuel reservoir for all the injectors. In CRDi system, the fuel-rail constantly stores
and supplies the fuel to the solenoid valve injectors at the required pressure. This is quite
opposite to the fuel injection pump supplying diesel thru independent fuel lines
to injectors in case of earlier generation (DI) design.

Components of CRDi System

1. High Pressure Fuel Pump 2. Common Fuel Rail 3. Injectors 4. Engine Control Unit
Common Rail Fuel System (Courtesy: Bosch)

Working of CRDi -

A high-pressure pump generates pressurised fuel. The pump compresses the fuel at the
pressures of about 1,000 bar or about 15,000 psi. It, then, supplies the pressurised fuel
via a high-pressure pipe to the inlet of the fuel-rail. From there, the fuel-rail distributes it
to the individual injectors which then inject it into the cylinder's combustion chamber.

Most modern CRDi engines use the Unit-Injector system with Turbocharger which
increases power output and meets stringent emission norms. This improves engine
power, throttle response, fuel efficiency and controls emissions. Barring some design
changes, the basic principle & working of the CRDi technology remains primarily the same
across the board. However, its performance depends mainly on the combustion chamber
design, fuel pressures and the type of injectors used.

The manufacturers use custom acronyms to make their diesel CRDi product stand out in
the competition.

SL. Acronym Company

1 CDI Mercedes Benz
2 CRDi Hyundai
3 CR4 Tata
4 CRDe Mahindra
5 D BMW, Volvo
6 DiCOR Tata
7 DDiS Suzuki
8 D-4D Toyota
9 DCi Renault, Nissan
10 DI-D Mitsubishi
11 i-CTDi, i-DTEC Honda
12 JTD Fiat
13 VCDi Chevorlet
14 TDCi Ford
15 TDITM Volkswagen
CRDi Acronyms

TDI - Turbocharged Direct Injection It is developed, produced & trademarked by

Volkswagen group that comprises of a turbo-diesel engine combined with Cylinder-Direct
Injection.

Resource: https://crankit.in/common-rail-direct-injection-crdi/