Abstract: A method of determining the fuel consumption of an internal combustion engine 12, more particularly when operated on a test rig, wherein fuel is supplied in a circuit to the internal combustion engine and discharged therefrom and wherein a quantity of fuel is supplied to the circuit 11 via a branch line 22 from a fuel tank 23 and measured in the branch line, wherein temperature-related changes in the volume of the fuel are determined in the circuit 11 and wherein the consumed quantity {dot over (m)}S determined in the branch line 22 is corrected by a corrective quantity {dot over (m)}K corresponding to the temperature-related changes in volume in the circuit.

Abstract: A device is provided for improving the measuring accuracy of a process for determining the alcohol content and/or the calorific value of fuels by measuring the electrically measurable qualities of fuel. At least one component of the fuel system of an engine is used with a counterelectrode for the capacitive dielectric measurement of the fuel. At the same time, it is suitable to also use a component of the fuel system with respect to a counterelectrode for the measurement of the conductivity of the fuel. The same counterelectrode can be used for the dielectric measurement and for the measurement of conductivity of the fuel.

Abstract: A device for the determination of the alcohol content and/or the calorific value of fuels by measuring the characteristics of the fuel in a measurement cell in which a flow body that is at least partially wetted by the fuel is arranged. The accuracy and speed of this measurement is improved by providing a first electrode for the dielectric measurement of the fuel and a second electrode for the measurement of the conductivity of the fuel on the outside of the flow body. Preferably the first electrode for the measurement of the capacitance, its outer connection and the walls of the measurement cell form a mechanically rigid system. It can also be expedient to mount the measuring circuit for the measurement of at least the capacitance directly on the housing of the measurement cell.