Method for providing a solidifiable liquid substance

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing a solidifiable liquid substance (13), in particular an inert substance (13), preferably water, in a container (16), characterized in that a calculation model (203) is used for predicting the amount (V13) of liquid or solid substance (13) in the container (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing a solidifiable liquid substance. Background Art

[0002] For motor vehicles and their internal combustion engine-type drive devices, the requirements for carbon dioxide emissions are getting higher and higher. Therefore, the internal combustion engine is further optimized in terms of its consumption directly related to the carbon dioxide emissions associated therewith, that is to say, the consumption is reduced. For this reason, known measures are, for example, to increase compression. In addition, such internal combustion engines are more and more often designed and sold on the market, and their displacement is small (miniaturization, high specific displacement power) and in addition these internal combustion engines are combined with single-stage or two-stage turbochargers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, such internal combustion engines cannot be operated in an optimized operating point in terms of consumption in an operating point with high load. This is, for example, that the operation is limited by the so-called knock tendency of the fuel and / or high exhaust gas temperature. A measure for reducing the knock tendency is to delay the ignition. Delay means that the ignition time point is postponed so late that the pressure rise accompanying the combustion in this case not only reaches its maximum value near the top dead center after the ignition time point, but also so late that the risk of knocking combustion is avoided by the simultaneous expansion of the gas mixture being burned in the working stroke and thereby reducing the pressure rise. However, this has the disadvantage that a higher fuel input is required for the same power generation in the case of delayed ignition compared to earlier ignition. In order to reduce the exhaust gas temperature, so-called mixture enrichment (λ<1, for example λ=0.9) is also carried out.

[0003] Another possible measure for reducing the knock tendency and lowering the gas temperature is to inject an inert liquid, such as water. Here, it can be directly injected into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine or the intake mechanism of the internal combustion engine. For example, a method for providing a liquid substance (water) is known from the open document DE26 02 287A1. Water is stored in a water tank and may freeze overnight in a parked motor vehicle in winter. In order to melt ice and / or heat the water tank to a preselected temperature, engine cooling water is used. Water is transported by means of a water pump, such as a gear pump operated by an electric motor. The disadvantage is that in order to melt the ice in the water tank, a long time is required because the cooling water of the internal combustion engine must first be heated and directed to the heat exchange tube in the water tank. The duration until the first available amount of water melts may be very long and cannot be estimated technically without a large expenditure. Alternatively, an electric tank heating device can also be used for. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a solidifiable liquid substance, in particular an inert substance, preferably water, in a container is provided. Here, a calculation model is used for or for the prediction of the amount of liquid or solid substances in the container. The advantage of this approach is that, through the calculation model used, it is determined when the amount of the mentioned liquid substance can be used for other method steps. These method steps may include, for example, injecting the substance into the combustion chamber, thereby affecting the combustion process. The more accurate the calculation model is, the more appropriately the calculation model can release the purpose-oriented use of the liquid substance. This can, for example, result in that, through the calculation model, for example, the liquid substance can be used as early as possible in the combustion process and thus, for example, the temperature curve (cooling) of the combustion process can be affected. Through this influence on the temperature curve of the combustion process, the generation of harmful substances in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine can be affected and thus also the amount of harmful substances.

[0005] Furthermore, the use of such a calculation model can determine the amount of water required for the water injection, depending on the design (e.g., depending on the driving characteristics in winter). Thus, for example, the heating power in the container can also be adapted in order to produce, for example, the minimum amount of melted liquid substance required as economically as possible. Thus, for example, in the case of below-average water consumption or liquid consumption or liquid substance consumption, the corresponding injection can be activated earlier. Thus, in the case of above-average consumption, the injection of the substance can be used relatively late, but for this purpose, for example, the injection can be run without interruption.

[0006] If a solidifiable liquid substance is stored at a temperature below the solidification temperature (freezing point), the substance can be completely or partially solidified or frozen, as already mentioned. If it is desired to deliver the liquid substance or water to a consumer (e.g. an internal combustion engine) as quickly as possible, a certain minimum amount of liquid substance is required for such a release, wherein it is sufficient if only a small part of the substance in the container is liquid. That is, when the corresponding release is provided for use, in addition to the liquid substance, there is also solid solidified substance in the container.

[0007] In this context, it is advantageous to heat the intake manifold (intake area) very specifically at the start of a driving cycle or a driving operation in order to make substances present in this area (for example ice) quickly available so that they can be pumped out as water or liquid.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a calculation model is used, according to which a property is detected which indicates that at least partial solidification of the substance may occur. In particular, it is provided that the property is temperature. If the solidifiable liquid substance is, for example, water, the corresponding temperature is below 0° C., which indicates that at least partial solidification of the substance may occur.

[0009] The temperature may be, for example, the temperature of the substance in the container or the temperature of the surroundings of the container. If the container is arranged, for example, in the body of a vehicle, the temperature of the surroundings of the container may be, for example, the temperature in the body, for example, the temperature in the engine compartment. Alternatively, the temperature may also be the temperature of the surroundings outside the body, or alternatively the temperature of the surroundings of the space in which the container is located. This may be, for example, the air temperature of a garage or also the air temperature above a road or parking lot or other artificial or natural surroundings.

[0010] According to another viewpoint of the present invention, it can be provided that a detection duration is detected during which the temperature mentioned is equal to or lower than the solidification temperature of the material. Here, for example, the end of the mentioned duration can be the start of operation of the inert material consumption device. Here, the consumption can be the internal combustion engine already mentioned. However, the end of the duration can also be another time / time point that has been in the past. That is to say, the following duration can also be detected, during which the solidification temperature is exceeded again. Thus, in the method according to the present invention, the corresponding heating stage can be considered when determining the amount of liquid or solid material in the container. Accordingly, according to another viewpoint of the present invention, a so-called temperature-time curve can be obtained, in which the freezing time and the melting time are especially obtained. Accordingly, when obtaining this temperature-time curve, a start time and an end time will be obtained, at which the temperature starts below the solidification temperature and at which the temperature ends below the solidification temperature, so that if necessary, it also starts above the solidification temperature and ends, for example, above the solidification temperature.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, within the scope of the method, it is provided, for example, that the amount of liquid substance in the container predicted or determined or calculated by means of a calculation model at least in the time period until the start of pumping or delivery from the container is divided into a plurality of partial quantities or derived from different partial quantities. The partial quantities are in particular the pipeline filling amount, the pressure-dependent expansion filling amount and the consumption buffer amount. It is worth mentioning here that the amount of liquid substance complementary to the solid amount can also be determined while taking into account the filling level or the total filling amount. Different designs can be realized for the consumption buffer amount mentioned and to be provided.

[0012] In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that the calculation model used to predict the amount of liquid or solid substance in the container takes into account the past operating characteristics of the outflow from the container. This has the advantage that the liquid or liquefied substance can be used for the purposeful consumption as uninterrupted as possible. This is the case, for example, when further actuation of the tank heater or container heater during driving operation results in less substance being melted overall than was consumed or used or sprayed in the same period of time.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the past outward delivery operating characteristics are described according to the past operating characteristics of the liquid substance consumption device, especially the operating characteristics of the internal combustion engine. Here, the internal combustion engine can be operated in a vehicle or can also be operated immobile, for example in a central thermal power station.

[0014] Here, the further detailed scheme of the present invention can be carried out in this way, and its way is: in order to describe the past operating characteristics of the consumption device, a plurality of characteristic categories are determined. These characteristic categories respectively describe different operating characteristics of the liquid substance consumption device. Here, the operating phase can be classified into a characteristic category after the operating phase of the consumption device. Here, one or more characteristic categories can be set, which, for example, describe the consumption. This can be, for example, and usually, a specific consumption of the substance, such as the consumption per time unit or the consumption per section. This classification can realize the corresponding matching of the driving characteristics so far for the expected or future operating characteristics. If, for example, the section to be traveled is known, that is, the section has been traveled and the corresponding specific characteristics or the specific consumption of the substance are known, it can be assumed for the section to be traveled: the corresponding consumption is the same. Correspondingly, for example, the consumption buffer device already mentioned can be matched with this. For example, the driving characteristics so far can also be assigned to different users of the device. Therefore, this assignment can be carried out, for example, by different identification devices (such as car keys, user certificates, interior cameras with personnel identification) or, for example, by specific setting measures (such as stored driver seat settings). In this case, under different operating or consumption characteristics, the release for the consumption of liquid substance (e.g. water injection) can be activated individually and differently, and here earlier for one operation and later for another operation. For example, a larger consumption buffer is provided for users with a higher consumption of liquid substance, so that, for example, the release for the consumption of liquid substance takes place later, but without interruption. For users with a lower consumption of liquid substance, a smaller consumption buffer is provided, so that, for example, the release for the consumption of liquid substance can take place earlier, perhaps even immediately.

[0015] In conjunction with the description of the different operating characteristics of the liquid substance consumer and the grouping of the operating phases into a characteristic class, provision can be made to ascertain a corresponding number of past operating characteristics for each individual characteristic class. This allows a relatively precise prediction of the expected consumption.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of time categories are provided, which respectively describe different duration levels of the operating characteristics of the liquid substance consumption device, and after the operating phase of the consumption device, the operating phase is classified into a time category. A time category may include, for example, a short section, which may be driven over, for example, within ten minutes. Another time category may include, for example, a medium section, which may be driven over, for example, within half an hour.

[0017] In conjunction with the grouping of past operating phases of the consumer into time categories, it is provided that a corresponding number of past operating characteristics are ascertained for each time category.

[0018] In order to give a specific weight to the individual classes (either time classes or property classes), a factor can be assigned to each class in order to enable a correspondingly suitable precalculation to be carried out when determining and providing the liquid substance.

[0019] In conjunction with the precalculation or ascertainment of the amount of liquid or solid substance in the container by means of a calculation model and thus prediction, according to another aspect of the invention, it is determined which characteristic class and / or which time class is to be expected for the start of the outflow operation. This has the advantage that the prediction tends to be more precise.

[0020] It is expected that the prediction of the required amount of liquid or solid substance in the container will be particularly accurate if, for the start of the outflow operation, the expected driving route that the motor vehicle is expected to travel is determined based on the expected operating characteristics of the internal combustion engine as a liquid substance consumer and a special calculation model for the prediction is subsequently selected based on the characteristics of the driving route. The expected driving route of the motor vehicle is determined, for example, in a navigation device based on a navigation method or with the aid of a navigation device.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an orientation value for the delivery characteristic is provided or such an orientation value is provided to be stored in a memory. This can be done, for example, during the manufacturing process of the device or the controller or the motor vehicle. Such an orientation value, for example, represents an average driving characteristic or delivery characteristic, which, for example, describes the consumption in units of volume per time unit. By means of the method according to the present invention, such a system is provided more quickly for operators or users or drivers who, for example, can be described by the concept of "conservative driving mode" and have a consumption of liquid substances (water) below the average level. That is, possible alternative measures for power reduction are cancelled more quickly during operation and thus, for example, the maximum power capacity can be achieved. For operators, users or drivers who, for example, can be described by the concept of "dynamic driving mode" and have a consumption of liquid substances above the average level, the system for using liquid substances can be used without interruption only after a later release according to expectations, but then the maximum power of the device can be continuously used without loss due to alternative measures.

[0022] In this context, a further advantage is that uninterrupted operation can increase the service life of the system, since the wear on the conveying device is reduced due to the theoretically possible dry operation.

[0023] Further advantages emerge from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings show:

[0025] Figure 1 A device for introducing a liquid substance into another device is shown schematically,

[0026] Figure 2 In a similarly schematic manner, a further device is shown, which is designed here, for example, as an internal combustion engine; the two devices indicated by 1 and 2 in the figure can be functionally combined with one another.

[0027] Figure 3 An overview of a device for introducing a liquid substance and a further device as a consumer, which is also designed as an internal combustion engine, is also shown in a schematic manner.

[0028] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the method is shown in short form.

[0029] Figure 5 By way of example, an arbitrary time segment of the temperature curve of a substance over time t is shown,

[0030] Figure 6 A matrix of different operating characteristics and the assignment of factors is shown in a table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] exist Figure 1 , a device 10 is schematically shown in FIG. 1 , which is used to introduce a liquid substance 13 into another device. Preferably, water is introduced as the liquid substance 13, for example, into the intake pipe of an internal combustion engine. The device 10 (here, exemplarily, a so-called water injection device) has different components or parts. These components include, for example, a container 16, an intake pipe 19, a filter 22, a first pipeline 25, a pump 28, a second pipeline 31, an intermediate storage 34, which is also called a rail, and in this case, a plurality of valves 37. The number of valves 37 can depend on different conditions. For example, the other device is an internal combustion engine with cylinders, so the number of valves 37 is usually one. If the number of cylinders is greater than 1, a single valve 37 can be used for each cylinder. However, other quantitative relationships of the number of valves / number of cylinders are also possible.

[0032] The substance 13 is stored in a container 16 (e.g., a tank). If the substance 13 is liquid and the pump 28 is operated, the substance 13 is pumped through the intake pipe 19 into the filter 22, through the first line 25, through the pump 28 into the second line 31 and from there into the intermediate storage 34. Subsequently, depending on the requirements of another device, the valve 37 is opened at the right time and the substance 13 is injected or injected into the other device. Depending on the system configuration, the pump 28 can also be positioned in the container 16.

[0033] exist Figure 2 , another device 40 is schematically shown. Here, the other device 40 is the already mentioned exemplary internal combustion engine. The device 40 has an inlet chamber 43, which has such a name because the substance 13 is injected into this chamber. The inlet chamber 43 is, for example, the so-called intake pipe or injection pipe of the above-mentioned internal combustion engine.

[0034] As an internal combustion engine, the device 40 has different components or parts. These components include, for example, a throttle valve 46 located in the inlet chamber 43, an injection valve closure 49, a combustion chamber 52 surrounded by a cylinder 55, a piston 58 that can move in the cylinder 55 and usually slides linearly, and the piston is connected to a drive shaft (crankshaft) not shown here via a connecting rod 61, for transmitting pressure from the piston 58 to the drive shaft via the connecting rod 61. The injection valve 63 is used to inject fuel into the combustion chamber 52, so that the fuel is used to generate pressure through its combustion. The injection valve 63 is supplied with fuel via a supply line not shown here. The burned fuel-air mixture, exhaust gas, is discharged into the surrounding environment through the outlet 65. For this purpose, the outlet valve closure 68 opens the connection between the combustion chamber 52 and the outlet 65.

[0035] exist Figure 3 , a combination of a device 10 for spraying a liquid substance 13 and another device 40 (also an internal combustion engine in this case) is also shown schematically. The main difference is that Figure 1 and Figure 2 The combination of the devices in the embodiment of the present invention is used to inject the liquid substance 13 into the inlet chamber 43 (inlet pipe, injection pipe), and Figure 3 The device shown in the embodiment of the present invention is arranged to realize the injection of the liquid substance 13 by premixing with the fuel and then directly injecting it into the combustion chamber 52 with the aid of the injection valve 63. In this regard, the difference with the above combination is discussed: the liquid substance 13 is supplied to the valve 71 (sometimes also referred to as the metering valve) through the second pipeline 31. The valve 71 is either opened or closed, and the liquid substance 13 can be supplied to another pump 74, which is, for example, a high-pressure pump. The drive device of the pump 74 is not discussed here because it is known. In addition to the liquid substance 13 (preferably water), another liquid substance (here, fuel 77) is also supplied to the pump 74. The fuel 77 is also located in the container 80 (fuel tank). From the pump 74, through the third pipeline 83, the intermediate storage 34, which is also usually referred to as the rail, is supplied with either pure fuel 77 or a mixture consisting of fuel 77 and another liquid substance 13 (water) according to the composition. The fuel-substance mixture or pure fuel 77 is directly injected into the internal combustion chamber 52 from the intermediate storage 34. As an alternative here, the pump 28 can also be situated inside the container 16 .

[0036] In the two corresponding overall devices shown in the aforementioned figures, the following problem exists under certain conditions: if the amount of liquid substance 13 available is large enough for the preferred continuous consumption of this substance 13, then the liquid substance 13 may theoretically be needed or consumed in another device 40. This certain condition belongs to the temperature TS of the substance 13. If the temperature TS of the substance 13 is below its specific solidification temperature, then under normal conditions (such as normal air pressure) it can be considered that the substance 13 is not liquid, but solid, because it is solidified. In this case, the pump 28 cannot convey the substance 13 from the container 16 and supply it to the valve 37 for consumption. In particular, in a device 40 that can be operated under different operating conditions (for example, an internal combustion engine belongs to this), the bandwidth of possible operating conditions is limited if necessary. This may, for example, result in that the theoretical maximum power output of the device 40 cannot actually be achieved as long as the substance 13 cannot be conveyed for consumption. Therefore, a method 200 ( Figure 4) for providing a solidifiable liquid substance 13, wherein the substance 13 is in particular an inert substance 13, which can be water, for example. The substance 13 should be able to be stored in a container 16 and should also be provided there. Within the scope of the method 200, a prediction of the amount V13 of the liquid or solid substance 13 in the container 16 is provided. Here, a calculation model 203 is used. Therefore, if the method 200 is started in step 201, the amount V13 is determined in a prediction step 202 while applying the calculation model 203 and the amount V13 is provided in a further step 204 for further method steps. The further method steps can be, for example, a decision, which, after evaluating the amount V13, for example, results in the following result: the substance 13 cannot yet be used or is not yet desired in the device 40.

[0037] In particular, it is provided that the calculation model 203 is used after a property is detected which indicates that at least partial solidification of the substance 13 may occur. This property may be, for example, a temperature, in particular a solidification temperature TE13. For example, if the solidifiable liquid substance 13 is water, the solidification temperature TE13 is at 0° C. Accordingly, the detected property is a temperature T which is below the solidification temperature TE13.

[0038] According to a refinement of the method 200, the temperature T is, for example, the temperature T13 of the substance 13 in the container 16 or the temperature TU16 of the surroundings of the container 16. In another alternative, the temperature T can also be the temperature TU of the surroundings, in which, for example, there is a device 85 in which the container 16 is arranged. As the device 85 mentioned here, for example, a motor vehicle with a body is considered.

[0039] Accordingly, the surroundings may thus be a space in which the vehicle body is located, ie, for example, a garage.

[0040] In another refinement of the method 200, it is provided that a time period dT is detected during which the temperature T is below the solidification temperature TE13 of the substance 13, see Figure 5 .exist Figure 5In the figure, an arbitrary time period of a temperature curve over a time t is shown by way of example. Here, the temperature T can be, for example, the usual ambient temperature TU. As can be clearly seen here, the time period starts with a temperature T of approximately 3°C and drops to below the solidification temperature TE at a point in time tA after an indefinite time. For this duration dT, the temperature T remains below the solidification temperature TE until a point in time tE. Therefore, during this duration dT, there is the possibility that the substance 13 in the container 16 solidifies at least partially, if not completely. Depending on the position at which the temperature T is measured, the degree of significance of the state of aggregation of the substance 13 varies. If the measured temperature T is, for example, the temperature of the substance 13 in the container 16, this has greater significance than if the temperature T is the ambient temperature TU of the air surrounding the vehicle body. For example, depending on Figure 5 It can be seen that the temperature T13 of the substance 13 is also higher than the ambient temperature TU during the duration dT. Figure 5 , the duration dT13 can be less than the duration dtTU. Depending on the duration dT and the temperature or temperature curve below the solidification temperature TE, the aggregation state in the container 16 can be uniform, that is to say, for example, the substance 13 in the container 16 can be completely solidified, because the duration dT is long enough or the temperature T13 is relatively low. On the contrary, if the duration dT is relatively short, the aggregation state in the container 16 can be uneven. This can mean, for example, that the so-called inner wall of the container 16 is completely covered by the substance frozen or solidified. On the contrary, there may be a liquid center in such an ice layer or other solidified layer. For this liquid center (liquid substance 13), the duration dT during the existence of the solidification temperature TE13 is either too short, or the duration dT is relatively long, but the temperature T is relatively close to the solidification temperature TE13. Therefore, overall, the energy flow is too slow, so that the contents of the container 16 may be completely frozen or solidified.

[0041] If with the help of Figure 5As can be easily understood, the question of the homogeneity or inhomogeneity of the contents of the container 16 is also a question of the point in time at which the contents of the container 16 are observed. Thus, for example, at the point in time tS1 it can be determined that the contents of the container 16 observed at the point in time tE and completely solidified are partially melted at the point in time tS1, because heat is transferred to the substance 13 through the wall of the container 16 and melts the substance at least in the boundary area toward the inner wall. On the contrary, if the contents of the container 16 are observed at the point in time tS2, the contents of the container 16 may, for example, be completely homogeneous again and completely melted, so that the substance 13 is present in liquid form overall. Therefore, as is clear from this consideration and determination, it is advantageous to determine the temperature-time curve in the calculation model 203. Then, from a curve of this type, for example, based on physical conditions (such as the thermal conductivity of materials such as the container material and the body material), it can be determined whether liquid substance 13 is available or not available at the questioned point in time, because the substance 13 is still solid. It is therefore important how long the freezing time lasts and how long the subsequent melting time has lasted.

[0042] In this case, it is provided within the scope of the method that the amount V13 of the liquid substance 13 in the container 16, predicted or determined or calculated by means of the calculation model 203, is divided into a plurality of partial amounts or is derived from different partial amounts, at least in the time period until the start of pumping or conveying out of the container 16 at the time tP, in particular into a line filling amount VLF, a pressure-dependent expansion filling amount VLD and a consumption buffer amount VP. At the time tP, the amount V13 of the liquid substance 13 is ideally so large that the line from the container 16 to the valves 37 or the valve 37 can be completely filled with the liquid substance 13, at first, pressure-free, with the line filling amount VLF. Furthermore, if it is important for the system, the increase in the volume of the line from the container 16 to the valve 37 or the valves 37 is taken into account under the impression of the increase in the liquid pressure in the line and is also filled with the pressure-dependent expansion filling amount VLD. In addition, a consumption buffer amount VP is provided.

[0043] For this purpose, the consumption buffer VLD is used to enable the consumption in the device 40, in particular in the internal combustion engine, to be fully realized. In this case, the consumption buffer VLD can be designed according to different criteria and can therefore also be generated by different methods.

[0044] Thus, for example, according to a variant of the method for predicting the required amount or minimum amount of liquid substance 13 in container 16, the calculation model 203 used can, for example, take into account the past outward delivery operating characteristics from container 16. This outward delivery operating characteristic is described, for example, in the following way: a certain, for example, average amount of substance 13 is delivered per time unit. Thus, for example, in the case of an outward delivery operating characteristic that only requires a small volume per unit time, it is only necessary to provide a small consumption buffer amount VLD at the beginning of delivery from container 16. On the contrary, if the device 40 is used, for example, by a user who requires a high consumption of liquid substance 13, a relatively large consumption buffer amount VLD is generated before the first delivery from container 16. If the technical conditions or preconditions are the same in the two aforementioned application cases, this can, for example, mean that in the case of a user who requires a high consumption buffer amount, the first delivery from container 16 is started later (in any case later than in the case of a user with a small consumption buffer amount). This conclusion is in turn based on the assumption that the substance 13 should be conveyed from the container 16 continuously, ie without interruption, starting from the first conveying into the container 16 .

[0045] Accordingly, it is provided that the past outward delivery operating characteristics are described according to the past operating characteristics of the consumer 40 of the liquid substance 13 (especially the operating characteristics of the internal combustion engine). In particular, in order to describe the past operating characteristics of the consumer 40, a plurality of characteristic categories can be determined, which respectively describe different operating characteristics of the consumer 40 of the liquid substance 13. Thus, for example, after the end of an operating phase of the consumer 40, the operating phase can be described by a characteristic category. Here, such a characteristic category can classify the length of the operating phase that lasted before into a time category. Such a time category can, for example, describe a short operating phase or, for example, a long operating phase. For example, a medium-length operating phase can also be described. The number of operating phases to be described is in principle unlimited, but, for example, an operating phase of less than 10 minutes can be described in the category "short operating phase". A "medium-length operating phase" can, for example, describe a phase between 10 minutes and 30 minutes, and a "long operating phase" can, for example, detect all operating phases of more than 30 minutes. If the consumer 40 is, for example, an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, the corresponding operating phase is, for example, the driving duration. Alternatively, the operating phase can also be determined as a percentage relative to the total driving time.

[0046] Accordingly, within the scope of the method, for example, after the end of an operating phase, the operating phase is classified into a characteristic class corresponding to the duration of the operating phase. For this purpose, the mentioned time classes are determined, which respectively describe different durations of an operating phase or an operating characteristic of a consumer 40 of liquid substance 13. Accordingly, for example, a corresponding number of determined past operating characteristics can be determined for each time class, wherein the respective corresponding operating phases in the respective time classes are added up.

[0047] Another type of characteristic class can also describe, for example, a specific consumption of the substance 13. Thus, for example, a characteristic class of "low substance consumption" or a characteristic class of "medium substance consumption" or a characteristic class of "high substance consumption" can be used. Thus, for example, the characteristic class of "low substance consumption" can detect operating phases with a consumption of less than 1 ml / min. For example, the characteristic class of "medium substance consumption" can detect operating phases with a consumption from at least 1 ml / min to less than 10 ml / min. For example, the characteristic class of "high substance consumption" can detect operating phases with a consumption of at least 10 ml / min. Accordingly, within the scope of the present method, for example, after the end of an operating phase, it is classified into the characteristic class that describes the substance consumption just described. Accordingly, for example, a corresponding number of determined past operating characteristics can be determined for each characteristic class, wherein the corresponding operating phases in each individual characteristic class are added up.

[0048] exist Figure 6 A table is shown in which a possibility is shown according to another method variant for determining factors that can be assigned to individual consumption buffer devices, taking into account the above-mentioned characteristic categories. Thus, column C1 shows in principle characteristic categories of material consumption, which according to row L1 indicate low material consumption, according to row L2 characterize medium or normal material consumption, and according to row L3 characterize high material consumption. In column C2, factors for short operating phases are described, and in column C3, factors for long operating phases are described. These factors are associated with the corresponding material consumption in accordance with their classification in the corresponding row L1, L2 or L3. This means in this case that, in accordance with the meaning, a factor that is much smaller than 1 is selected or predetermined for low material consumption in the case of short operating durations. For normal or medium material consumption in the case of short operating durations, for example, a factor that is only slightly smaller than 1 can be selected or predetermined. For high material consumption in the case of long operating phases, for example, a factor that is greater than 1 can be selected or predetermined. Other correlations correspond to Figure 6 Thus, a factor is assigned to a category (characteristic category, time category).

[0049] In order to keep the software requirements low in the controller to be used, the matrix shown in the table can also be used in a further simplified manner by reducing it, for example, to only two independent operators: In this case, the adaptation factor for the fuel or water consumption is reduced in the case of low-consumption operation or low-consumption driving, remains constant in the case of driving or operation with normal consumption, and is also increased in the case of operation or operation with increased consumption. The adaptation factor for the driving duration is reduced in the case of short trips and increased in the case of long trips. Thus, two independent factors for changing the consumption buffer can be determined using a suitable conversion formula or a suitable calculation model 203.

[0050] According to a further method variant, it is provided that for an expected outflow operation and therefore for the start of the outflow operation it is determined in advance which property class and / or time class is to be expected.

[0051] According to another configuration of the method, it can be provided that, for the start of the outward delivery operation, the expected driving section that the motor vehicle is expected to pass is determined according to the expected operating characteristics of the consumption device 40 in the form of an internal combustion engine of the liquid substance 13, wherein the internal combustion engine is operated in the motor vehicle. For this purpose, in particular, the navigation system currently widely used is used for the expected driving section. Then, according to the characteristics of the driving section, a calculation model 203 is selected, in which the data of the navigation system are used, for example, to determine the estimated waiting driving duration and thereby determine the required amount of the substance 13 or water. In addition, depending on the individualization possibility or personalized possibility of the setting, the personalized driving characteristics and thus the consumption characteristics can also be additionally or independently considered for the calculation model 203 after the identification of a certain driver. Therefore, firstly, the vehicle-specific consumption buffer device is determined and confirmed under the condition of weighing the uninterruptedness when conveying the liquid substance 13 and the fast and reliable availability of the liquid substance. Then, the consumption buffer device can be changed according to the driving behavior or operating characteristics of the user or driver obtained.

[0052] According to another method variant, an orientation value for the delivery characteristic is determined. Such an orientation value can be, for example, a value of the engine or consumer manufacturer, which is previously determined within the scope of the vehicle application, which is stored in the control unit at the factory and represents, for example, a previously determined, for example average, driving characteristic or consumption characteristic.

[0053] For example, the assignment of the material injection curve can also be carried out or changed in such a way that operating phases or trips are weighted more heavily at an ambient temperature TU below a predetermined temperature threshold value. Similarly, for example, trips or operating phases that were traveled recently or more recently can be weighted with a higher factor, so that, for example, the material can be adapted to the injection curve more quickly in the case of a change in the primary driver or frequent user.

[0054] When the consumer or the internal combustion engine is started, before the liquid substance is provided, a substance usage curve (water injection curve) is determined, for example, based on the maximum probability for the expected consumption characteristics. This determination can be carried out, for example, based on the most common operating characteristics. If a corresponding substance usage curve with, for example, a short operating duration or driving duration is used, then before the consumption of the substance 13 can be realized, for example, a corresponding consumption buffer can be produced or provided by means of a heating characteristic designed based on this in the container 16 with the help of a heating device installed there. If, for example, it is determined during the operating duration or driving duration that this duration is longer than the assumed duration, the heating strategy in the container 16 can also be adapted. This should mean, for example, that the heating power in the heating device is increased.

[0055] In this case, the calculation model 203 of the liquid substance 13 in the container 16 can take into account, for example, the downtime duration of the consumer or the vehicle, the speed of the vehicle, the temperature in the container 16, the filling position in the container 16, the water consumption or the substance consumption and the heating power in the container 16. In addition, the modeled liquid and frozen water or substance quantities at the end of a previously performed driving cycle or operating behavior can be input into the calculation model 203. Furthermore, the ambient temperature TU can be used when the consumer is down and at other discrete time points during the downtime phase to improve the quality of the calculation model 203.

[0056] As has already been shown several times, it is provided that the solidifiable liquid substance 13 is injected into at least one combustion chamber 52 of the internal combustion engine. The combustion process in the combustion chamber 52 is intended and will be influenced thereby.

[0057] In order to be able to calculate exact values, it is provided that the calculation model 203 is calibrated regularly. Thus, for example, complete freezing of the substance 13 in the container 16 becomes recognizable when the temperature T13 of the substance 13 in the container 16 drops significantly below the freezing temperature TE. Correspondingly, in the case of complete liquefaction of the container contents, the temperature of the substance 13 in the container 16 also rises above the freezing temperature TE. In this case, a corresponding calibration can be performed either passively by the influence of the surroundings or actively by completely melting the tank contents or the container contents or the substance 13 by means of a heating device installed in or on the container 16.

Claims

1. A method for providing a solidifiable liquid substance (13) in a container (16), characterized in that Using a computational model (203) for predicting the amount (V13) of a liquid or solid substance (13) in the container (16), wherein the computational model (203) is used after detecting a property indicating that at least partial solidification of the substance (13) may occur, wherein the property is temperature (T), and wherein a duration (dT) is detected during which the temperature (T) is below the solidification temperature (TE13) of the substance (13).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substance (13) is an inert substance.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The inert substance is water.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The temperature (T) is the temperature of the substance (13) in the container (16) or the ambient temperature (TU16) of the container (16) or the ambient temperature of the device (85) in which the container (16) is located.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Obtain the temperature-time curve.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A quantity (V13) of the liquid substance (13) in the container (16) predicted by means of the calculation model (203) at least in the time period until the start of delivery out of the container (16) is divided into a plurality of partial quantities or is derived from different partial quantities.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The partial quantity is divided into a line fill quantity (VLF), a consumption buffer quantity (VP) and, if applicable, a pressure-dependent expansion quantity (VLD).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The calculation model used to predict the amount of liquid or solid substance in the container takes into account past operating characteristics of the outflow from the container.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The past outflow operating characteristics are described based on the past operating characteristics of the consumer of the liquid substance (13).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The operating characteristic is an operating characteristic of the internal combustion engine.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: In order to describe the past operating characteristics of the consumer (40), a plurality of characteristic categories are determined, each of which describes a different operating characteristic of the consumer (40) of the liquid substance (13), and after an operating phase of the consumer (40), the operating phase is assigned to a characteristic category.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that For each characteristic category, a corresponding number of past operating characteristics are determined.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that A plurality of time classes are determined, each describing a different duration of an operating behavior of the consumer (40) of the liquid substance (13), and after an operating phase of the consumer (40) the operating phase is assigned to a time class.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that For each time category, a corresponding number of past operating characteristics are obtained.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that A factor is assigned to each category.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that For the start of the outflow operation, it is determined which characteristic class and / or which time class is to be expected.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that For starting the outward delivery operation, it is determined based on the expected operating characteristics of an internal combustion engine as a consumer of the liquid substance (13): which expected driving route the motor vehicle is expected to travel, and a calculation model is selected based on the characteristics of the driving route, wherein the internal combustion engine is operated in the motor vehicle.

18. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Determines the orientation value for the conveying property.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The solidifiable liquid substance (13) is injected into at least one combustion chamber (52) of an internal combustion engine, whereby the substance influences the combustion process in the combustion chamber (52).

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