Liquid filter service interval based on motor load

Abstract

An apparatus and method for determining a service interval of a fluid filter including a filter and a pump driven by an electric motor. The control module calculates a voltage drop across the filter with the voltage, current, and / or PWM provided to the electric motor. The control module monitors a rate of change in pressure drop across the filter over useful life of the filter. The volume flow rate of the fluid may remain constant or not. The apparatus and method provide one or more notifications according to a characteristic of a change in pressure drop across the filter if a sharp or sudden characteristic change in the pressure drop across the filter occurs, or if the pressure drop across the filter exceeds a threshold amount, which notifications are that the filter needs to be replaced or repaired, or a mechanical condition may have occurred.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 733,863, filed on April 29, 2022. This patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and control logic for effectively determining an appropriate maintenance interval for a fluid filter and / or diagnosing a fluid filter fault, and a method for using the same. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for measuring filter degradation in a vehicle fluid system using an electrically driven fluid pump by determining fluid flow resistance based on a load applied to the electrically driven fluid pump. Technical Background

[0004] Vehicles are provided with a variety of fluid systems for purposes such as lubrication, cooling, hydraulic power and fuel. Specifically, as non-limiting examples, such fluid systems may include one or more cooling systems, one or more engine oil systems, one or more power steering systems, one or more transmission fluid systems, one or more diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) delivery systems and / or one or more fuel delivery systems. Each of these systems may be provided with one or more fluid filters to remove particles and other contaminants from the fluid. Removing these particles and other contaminants is very important for reducing wear on the affected systems. Vehicle fluid filters typically use paper or similar materials as filter elements, which become increasingly clogged with particles over the life of the filter, thereby resisting fluid flow.

[0005] In order to prevent the fluid system from being unable to fully perform their functions as the fluid filters become clogged, the filter elements or filter cartridges containing the elements may be removed and replaced. Typically, such filters and / or filter cartridges vary based on any vehicle accumulated mileage or usage interval. As a result, such filters and / or filter cartridges are often replaced before they are necessary or are used beyond their useful life. In addition, problems with the fluid system and the mechanical systems it supports often manifest themselves in shortened filter service life due to increased particulate contamination, which often remains undiagnosed and may even be exacerbated by reduced fluid flow.

[0006] Automakers are increasingly using electrically driven automotive accessories, such as cooling fans, power steering pumps, air conditioning compressors, coolant pumps, etc., to reduce parasitic loads on automotive engines, particularly where full fluid flow from the fluid system is not required. Therefore, there is an unmet need for an apparatus and method for more effectively determining appropriate service intervals for fluid filters, diagnosing malfunctions of fluid filters, and measuring filter degradation in a vehicle fluid system utilizing an electrically driven fluid pump. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of a motor load-based fluid filter service interval, a vehicle has a device for determining a service interval for a fluid filter. The device includes a fluid circuit having a fluid filter and a fluid pump driven by an electric motor. The device also includes a control module. The control module is configured to calculate a pressure drop across the fluid filter by means of a voltage, current, and / or pulse width modulation (PWM) provided to the electric motor. The control module is further configured to monitor a rate of change of the pressure drop across the fluid filter over the life of the filter.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the motor load-based fluid filter maintenance interval, a device for determining a maintenance interval of a fluid filter includes a fluid filter and a fluid pump driven by an electric motor. The device also includes a control module. The control module is configured to calculate a pressure drop across the fluid filter using a voltage, current, and / or PWM provided to the electric motor. The control module is also configured to monitor a rate of change of the pressure drop across the fluid filter over the service life of the filter.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the motor load-based fluid filter maintenance interval, a method for determining a maintenance interval for a fluid filter includes several steps. The first step is to arrange a fluid circuit including a fluid filter and a fluid pump driven by an electric motor. The second step is to configure a control module to calculate the pressure drop across the fluid filter using the voltage, current and / or PWM provided to the electric motor. The third step is to also configure at least one control module to monitor the rate of change of the pressure drop across the fluid filter over the service life of the filter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle implementing an embodiment of a motor load based fluid filter service interval in accordance with the present disclosure as described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Embodiments described herein relate to devices and control logic for effectively determining appropriate maintenance intervals for fluid filters and / or diagnosing fluid filter failures, and methods of using the same. Specifically, as previously described, embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods for measuring filter degradation in vehicles and other fluid systems using electrically driven fluid pumps, by determining fluid flow resistance based on a load applied to the electrically driven fluid pump. Embodiments of the device and control logic and methods of using the same can be applied to a variety of types of passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, and commercial vehicles, such as road vehicles or semi-tractors with and without auxiliary power units (APUs), straight trucks (single-frame trucks) with and without APUs, buses, fire trucks, agricultural vehicles, construction vehicles, campers, RVs, motorcycles, scooters, railroad wagons, and trailers with APUs or refrigeration units, as non-limiting examples. It is further contemplated that, although embodied herein as being described as being used with a diesel engine, embodiments of the device and method can be applied to vehicles having engines configured for various fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, and hydrogen, as non-limiting examples. Furthermore, embodiments of the apparatus and control logic and methods of use thereof may be applied to stationary applications, such as industrial and commercial hydraulic systems, as non-limiting examples.

[0012] "Filtration is a physical separation process that separates solid matter and fluid from a mixture using a complex filter medium through which only the fluid can pass. Solid particles that cannot pass through the filter medium are called oversized particles, and the fluid that passes is called filtrate. Oversized particles may form a filter cake on the top of the filter or they may clog the filter grid, preventing the fluid phase from passing through the filter... The size of the largest particle that can successfully pass through the filter is called the effective pore size of the filter. The separation of solids and fluids is not perfect; solids will be contaminated with some fluid, and the filtrate will contain fine particles (depending on the pore size, filter thickness...)" (Filtration, January 24, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2022. https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Filtration).

[0013] For example, “An oil filter is a filter designed to remove contaminants from engine oil, transmission oil, lubricating oil, or hydraulic oil. Their primary use is in internal combustion engines used in motor vehicles (on-road and off-road), powered aircraft, railroad locomotives, ships and boats, and in stationary engines such as generators and pumps. Other vehicle hydraulic systems, such as those in automatic transmissions and power steering, are often equipped with oil filters… The mechanical design employs elements made of bulk material… or pleated filter paper to capture and isolate suspended contaminants. As material accumulates on (or in) the filter media, oil flow is gradually restricted. This requires periodic replacement of the filter element (or the entire filter, if the element cannot be replaced individually)…” (Oil Filter, January 24, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2022. https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Oilfilter).

[0014] Further example, “A fuel filter is a filter in the fuel line that screens dirt and rust particles from the fuel and is typically manufactured as a cartridge filled with filter paper. They are found in most internal combustion engines. Fuel filters play a vital role in today’s modern, close tolerance engine fuel systems. Unfiltered fuel can contain several contaminants, such as paint chips and dirt that have been knocked into the tank during fill-up, or rust caused by moisture in the steel tank. If these are not removed before the fuel enters the system, they will cause rapid wear and failure of the fuel pump and injectors due to the abrasive effects of the particles on the high precision components used in modern injection systems. Fuel filters can also improve performance because the fewer contaminants in the fuel, the more efficiently it can burn” (Fuel Filter, September 19, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2022. https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Fuel-filter).

[0015] “Fuel filters require maintenance at regular intervals. This is usually a case of simply disconnecting the filter from the fuel line and replacing it with a new one, although some specially designed filters can be cleaned and reused multiple times. If the filter is not replaced regularly, it can become clogged with contaminants and cause fuel flow to be restricted, resulting in a noticeable decrease in engine performance as the engine struggles to draw in enough fuel to continue operating normally. (cited above)”

[0016] Embodiments of motor load-based fluid filter maintenance intervals measure filter degradation in a vehicle fluid system utilizing an electrically driven fluid pump by determining fluid flow resistance based on a load applied to the electrically driven fluid pump. Embodiments of the apparatus and method may be used with any electrically driven fluid pump used in conjunction with a vehicle fluid circuit that includes a filter. Non-limiting examples may include an engine coolant pump, an engine oil pump, a power steering pump, a hydraulic pump, a fuel pump, a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pump, and / or a transmission oil pump. The apparatus and method use voltage, current, and / or pulse width modulation (PWM) to determine the motor force required to support a given fluid pressure and flow provided by an electrically driven fluid pump.

[0017] Specifically, "the power applied to the fluid (by the pump) increases the energy per unit volume of the fluid." The power relationship is therefore the conversion of mechanical energy between the pump mechanism and the fluid elements within the pump. Generally, this is governed by a series of simultaneous differential equations, known as the Navier-Stokes equations. However, a simpler equation involving only the different energies in the fluid can be used, known as Bernoulli's equation. Therefore, the power required by the pump, P, is:

[0018] P=(Δp x Q) / η

[0019] Where Δp is the total pressure change between the inlet and outlet (in Pa), and Q is the volume flow rate of the fluid in m 3 / s...η is the pump efficiency, which can be given by the manufacturer's information, such as in the form of a pump curve, and is usually derived from fluid dynamics simulations...or by testing. The efficiency of the pump depends on the construction of the pump and the operating conditions (such as speed, fluid density and viscosity, etc.)

[0020] ΔP=(v2 2 –v1 2 ) / 2+Δzg+Δp 静态 / p

[0021] For a typical "pumping" configuration, work is done on the fluid and is therefore positive... The power required to drive the pump is determined by dividing the output power by the pump efficiency."

[0022] Therefore, the pressure drop across the filter, Δp 过滤器 Can be based on motor / pump power P 泵 , the volume flow rate Q of the fluid, the pressure drop Δp through the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 and pump efficiency η 泵 To calculate:

[0023] ((P 泵 xη 泵) / Q)–Δp 回路 =Δp 过滤器

[0024] Meanwhile, regarding the power produced by an electric motor, “where rpm is the shaft speed and T is the torque, the motor mechanical power output P em Given in English units, T is expressed in foot-pounds,

[0025] P em = (rpm x T) / 5252 (horsepower), and

[0026] In SI units, shaft angular velocity is expressed in radians per second and T is expressed in Newton-meters,

[0027] Pem = angular velocity x T (watts)...

[0028] Motor losses are primarily due to resistive losses in the windings. Iron losses and mechanical losses in the bearings, and aerodynamic losses, especially where cooling fans are present, also occur. Losses also occur in commutation, mechanical commutator sparks, and electronic commutator, and heat dissipation… To calculate motor efficiency, the mechanical output power is divided by the electrical input power:

[0029] η=P m / P e

[0030] Where η is the energy conversion efficiency, P e is the electrical input power, and P m is the mechanical output power:

[0031] P e =I x V

[0032] P m =T xω

[0033] where V is the input voltage, I is the input current, T is the output torque, and ω is the output angular velocity” (Electric Motor, February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 16, 2022. https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Electric motor).

[0034] Solving for the mechanical output power yields P e xη 马达 =P m Setting the electric motor mechanical output power equal to the pump input power yields:

[0035] Δp 过滤器 =((I x V xη 马达 xη 泵 ) / Q)–Δp 回路

[0036] Therefore, assuming that the volume flow rate Q of the fluid remains constant, the pressure drop Δp across the filter 过滤器 is a function of the current I and the voltage V, because for a given flow rate Q, the pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 Alternatively, if the volume flow rate Q of the fluid is not constant, the pressure drop Δp across the filter 过滤器 It is also the current I, voltage V, volume flow rate Q of the fluid and the pressure drop Δp on the rest of the fluid circuit. 回路 In this case, the pressure drop Δp over the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 It is a function of the volume flow rate Q of the fluid, which can be experimentally determined and mapped.

[0037] The pressure drop across a vehicle fluid filter may increase linearly or nonlinearly over the life of the filter as particles accumulate on the surface and within the matrix of the filter element. Conversely, the effectiveness of the filter in preventing the passage of smaller particles may actually increase over the life of the filter as larger pores in the filter media become plugged by particles. Therefore, while the filter must not allow excessive restriction of fluid flow due to pressure drop caused by accumulated particles, replacing the filter too frequently can actually reduce overall filtration effectiveness and increase maintenance costs and downtime.

[0038] Other mechanical conditions may cause sudden characteristic changes in the pressure drop across a vehicle's fluid filter. For example, a sudden mechanical failure may generate a large amount of particulates, which may suddenly increase the accumulation of debris on the filter. By way of further example, coolant contamination in the engine oil or water contamination in the vehicle's fuel may cause the filter element to swell and restrict flow. Additionally, mechanical failures to the filter element itself, such as punctures, may cause a sudden decrease in flow restriction.

[0039] Thus, the present embodiment of the motor load based fluid filter maintenance interval calculates the pressure drop across the vehicle fluid filter using the calculation formula given above and monitors the pressure drop over the service life of each filter. If the pressure drop across the vehicle fluid filter changes dramatically or suddenly, or if the pressure drop across the vehicle fluid filter exceeds a threshold amount, the apparatus and method provide one or more notifications based on the characteristics of the pressure drop change across the vehicle fluid filter that the vehicle fluid filter needs to be replaced or serviced, or that a mechanical condition may have occurred. The notification may be via a vehicle indicator or remote indication via an electronic signal.

[0040] As non-limiting examples, abrupt or sudden characteristic changes in pressure drop across a vehicle fluid filter may include:

[0041] An abnormal or sudden increase in the rate of increase of pressure drop, regardless of whether the pressure drop value exceeds the normal end of filter life threshold, which indicates a sudden mechanical failure that generates a large amount of particulates.

[0042] Abnormally nonlinear or rapid changes in the rate of increase of pressure drop, which indicates fluid contamination in the fluid system.

[0043] A sudden decrease in pressure drop, which indicates a failed or punctured filter element, or a sustained failure of the fluid pump itself.

[0044] Other abnormal or dramatic changes in the rate of increase of pressure drop, which would indicate a malfunction such as a leak or blockage in the fluid circuit itself.

[0045] Current embodiments of motor load based fluid filter service intervals may use software resident in an engine control module, an engine control unit, a vehicle control module, or another dedicated control module to accomplish their calculation of the pressure drop across (one or more) vehicle fluid filters, sensing of current, voltage and / or flow, calculation of the pressure drop across the rest of the fluid circuit, and / or monitoring of the rate of change of pressure drop across the vehicle fluid filters.

[0046] As mentioned previously, pulse width modulation (PWM) can be used instead of current to determine the motor force required to support a given fluid pressure and flow rate provided by an electrically driven fluid pump. "Pulse width modulation ... is a method of reducing the average power delivered by an electrical signal by effectively splitting the electrical signal into discrete components. The average value of the voltage (and current) is used to control the current fed to the load by rapidly turning the switch between the power source and the load on and off. The longer the period that the switch is on compared to the off period, the higher the total power delivered to the load ... PWM is particularly useful for running inertial loads, such as motors, which are less susceptible to such discrete switching because their inertia causes them to react slowly. The PWM switching frequency must be high enough so as not to affect the load, that is, the resultant waveform seen by the load must be high enough to not affect the load." As smooth as possible. … The main advantage of PWM is that the power losses in the switching device are very low. When the switch is off, there is virtually no current, and when the switch is on / open and transferring power to the load, there is almost no voltage drop across the switch. The power loss is the product of voltage and current, so it is close to zero in both cases. PWM also works well with digital control, and due to its on / off nature, the desired duty cycle can be easily set" (Pulse Width Modulation, January 24, 2022. Retrieved February 16, 2022. https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Pulse width modulation). In embodiments where PWM is used instead of current to determine the motor force required to support a given fluid pressure and flow provided by an electrically driven fluid pump, the average current is derived from discrete portions of the power delivered to the electric motor.

[0047] Embodiments of the present motor load based fluid filter service interval provide a means and method for more efficiently determining an appropriate service interval for a vehicle fluid filter, avoiding unnecessary replacement of the vehicle fluid filter, and providing the ability to diagnose faults in the vehicle fluid system and vehicle components and their associated components. This contributes to improved efficiencies such as less downtime for owners and operators, particularly in commercial vehicles. Embodiments of the present motor load based fluid filter service interval may require no or minimal additional hardware, and may only require additional software and calibration.

[0048] Now go to Figure 1, shows a vehicle 10 implementing an embodiment of the present motor load based fluid filter service interval. An electric coolant pump 20 is powered by a coolant pump electric motor 22 that is connected to one or more controllers (not shown) via at least one coolant pump electrical connector 24. The electric coolant pump 20 pumps coolant through a cooling circuit that includes at least one coolant filter 26. The present motor load based fluid filter service interval embodiment calculates the pressure drop across the at least one coolant filter 26 via the calculations previously presented and monitors the pressure drop over the useful life of the at least one coolant filter 26. If a characteristic change in the pressure drop across the at least one coolant filter 26 occurs that is drastic or sudden, or if the pressure drop across the at least one coolant filter 26 exceeds a threshold amount, the apparatus and method provide one or more notifications based on the characteristics of the change in the pressure drop across the at least one coolant filter 26 that the at least one coolant filter 26 needs to be replaced or serviced, or that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

[0049] Similarly, the electric engine oil pump 30 is powered by an engine oil pump electric motor 32, which is also connected to one or more controllers (not shown) via at least one engine oil pump electrical connector 34. The electric engine oil pump 30 pumps engine oil through an engine oil circuit that includes at least one engine oil filter 36. The present embodiment of the motor load based fluid filter service interval calculates the pressure drop across the at least one engine oil filter 36 via the calculations previously presented and monitors the pressure drop over the useful life of the at least one engine oil filter 36. If the pressure drop across the at least one engine oil filter 36 changes dramatically or suddenly in a characteristic manner, or if the pressure drop across the at least one engine oil filter 36 exceeds a threshold amount, the apparatus and method provide one or more notifications based on the characteristics of the change in pressure drop across the at least one engine oil filter 36 that the at least one engine oil filter 36 needs to be replaced or serviced, or that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

[0050] Likewise, the electric power steering pump 40 is powered by a power steering pump electric motor 42 which is also connected to one or more controllers (not shown) via at least one power steering pump electrical connector 44. The electric power steering pump 40 pumps power steering fluid through a power steering fluid circuit including at least one power steering fluid filter 46. The present embodiment of the motor load based fluid filter service interval calculates the pressure drop across the at least one power steering fluid filter 46 via the calculations previously presented and monitors the pressure drop over the useful life of the at least one power steering fluid filter 46. If the pressure drop across the at least one power steering fluid filter 46 undergoes a sharp or sudden characteristic change, or if the pressure drop across the at least one power steering fluid filter 46 exceeds a threshold amount, the apparatus and method provide one or more notifications based on the pressure drop across the at least one power steering fluid filter 46 that the at least one power steering fluid filter 46 needs to be replaced or serviced, or that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

[0051] Similarly, the electric fuel pump 50 is powered by a fuel pump electric motor 52, which is also connected to one or more controllers (not shown) via at least one fuel pump electrical connector 54. The electric fuel pump 50 pumps fuel through a fuel circuit that includes at least one fuel filter 56. The present embodiment of the motor load based fluid filter service interval also calculates the pressure drop across the at least one fuel filter 56 via the calculation method previously given, and monitors the pressure drop over the service life of the at least one fuel filter 56. If the pressure drop across the at least one fuel filter 56 changes dramatically or suddenly, or if the pressure drop across the at least one fuel filter 56 exceeds a threshold amount, the apparatus and method provide one or more notifications based on the characteristics of the pressure drop change across the at least one fuel filter 56, which notifications are that the at least one fuel filter 56 needs to be replaced or repaired, or that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

[0052] Similarly, the electric hydraulic pump 60 is powered by a hydraulic pump electric motor 62, which is also connected to one or more controllers (not shown) via at least one hydraulic pump electrical connection 64. The electric hydraulic pump 60 pumps hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit that includes at least one hydraulic oil filter 66. The present embodiment of the motor load based fluid filter service interval also calculates the pressure drop across the at least one hydraulic oil filter 66 via the calculation method previously given, and monitors the pressure drop over the service life of the at least one hydraulic oil filter 66. If the pressure drop across the at least one hydraulic oil filter 66 changes dramatically or suddenly, or if the pressure drop across the at least one hydraulic oil filter 66 exceeds a threshold amount, the apparatus and method provide one or more notifications based on the characteristics of the pressure drop change across the at least one hydraulic oil filter 66, which notifications are that the at least one hydraulic oil filter 66 needs to be replaced or repaired, or that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

[0053] Similarly, the electric transmission oil pump 70 is powered by a transmission oil pump electric motor 72, which is also connected to one or more controllers (not shown) via at least one transmission oil pump electrical connector 74. The electric transmission oil pump 70 pumps transmission oil through a transmission oil circuit including at least one transmission oil filter 76. The present embodiment of the motor load based fluid filter service interval also calculates the pressure drop across the at least one transmission oil filter 76 via the calculation method previously given, and monitors the pressure drop over the service life of the at least one transmission oil filter 76. If the pressure drop across the at least one transmission oil filter 76 changes dramatically or suddenly, or if the pressure drop across the at least one transmission oil filter 76 exceeds a threshold amount, the apparatus and method provide one or more notifications based on the characteristics of the pressure drop change across the at least one transmission oil filter 76, which notifications are that the at least one transmission oil filter 76 needs to be replaced or serviced, or that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

[0054] Similarly, the electric DEF pump 80 is powered by a DEF pump electric motor 82, which is also connected to one or more controllers (not shown) via at least one DEF pump electrical connector 84. The electric DEF pump 80 pumps fuel through a DEF circuit including at least one DEF filter 86. The present embodiment of the motor load based fluid filter service interval also calculates the pressure drop across the at least one DEF filter 86 via the calculations previously presented and monitors the pressure drop over the service life of the at least one DEF filter 86. If the pressure drop across the at least one DEF filter 86 undergoes a sharp or sudden characteristic change, or if the pressure drop across the at least one DEF filter 85 exceeds a threshold amount, the apparatus and method provide one or more notifications based on the characteristics of the pressure drop change across the at least one DEF filter 86, which notifications are that the at least one DEF filter 86 needs to be replaced or serviced, or that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

[0055] Although an illustrative device and control logic thereof for implementing a motor load-based fluid filter maintenance interval have been described with respect to at least one embodiment, these devices and methods may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as previously described. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or modifications of these devices and methods using its general principles. In addition, the present application is intended to cover such deviations from the present disclosure that are within the known or customary practices in the art to which the present disclosure belongs and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle having an apparatus for determining a maintenance interval of a fluid filter, comprising: a fluid circuit including a fluid filter and a fluid pump driven by an electric motor; at least one control module configured to calculate a pressure drop across the fluid filter via at least one of a voltage, a current, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) provided to the electric motor; as well as The at least one control module is also configured to monitor a rate of change of a pressure drop across the fluid filter over a useful life of the filter.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one control module is configured to calculate the pressure drop across the fluid filter using the following function: Δp 过滤器 =((I x V xη 马达 xη 泵 ) / Q)–Δp 回路 Where Δp 过滤器 is the pressure drop across the fluid filter, I is the current supplied to the electric motor, V is the voltage supplied to the electric motor, η 马达 is the efficiency of the electric motor, η 泵 is the efficiency of the fluid pump, Q is the volume flow rate of the fluid in the fluid circuit, and Δp 回路 is the pressure drop across the rest of the fluid circuit.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The volume flow rate Q of the fluid is kept constant so that the pressure drop Δp across the filter 过滤器 are the current I, the voltage V, the volume flow rate Q of the fluid, and the pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 As a function of, for a given flow rate Q, the pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 Remain unchanged.

4. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The volume flow rate Q of the fluid is not constant, so that the pressure drop Δp across the filter 过滤器 are the current I, the voltage V, the volume flow rate Q of the fluid, and the pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 The pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit is a function of 回路 is a function of the experimentally determined volume flow rate Q of the fluid, and mapped in the at least one control module.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one control module is further configured to determine if the pressure drop or rate of change of pressure drop across the fluid filter exceeds a threshold amount and provide notification that the fluid filter requires replacement or maintenance.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one control module is also configured to determine if a pressure drop or a rate of change of pressure drop across the fluid filter experiences a sharp or sudden characteristic change and provide notification that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The at least one control module is further configured to identify a pressure drop across the fluid filter or An abnormal or sudden increase or decrease in the rate of change of pressure drop, indicating at least one of the following: Mechanical failures that generate large amounts of particles, contamination of the fluid in the fluid circuit, Failure or perforation of the fluid filter, Failure of the fluid pump, and Leaks or blockages in the fluid circuit.

8. A device for determining a maintenance interval of a fluid filter, comprising: a fluid circuit including a fluid filter and a fluid pump driven by an electric motor; at least one control module configured to calculate a pressure drop across the fluid filter via at least one of a voltage, a current, and a PWM provided to the electric motor; as well as The at least one control module is also configured to monitor a rate of change of a pressure drop across the fluid filter over a useful life of the filter.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The at least one control module is configured to calculate the pressure drop across the fluid filter using the following function: Δp 过滤器 =((I x V xη 马达 xη 泵 ) / Q)–Δp 回路 Where Δp 过滤器 is the pressure drop across the fluid filter, I is the current supplied to the electric motor, V is the voltage supplied to the electric motor, η 马达 is the efficiency of the electric motor, η 泵 is the efficiency of the fluid pump, Q is the volume flow rate of the fluid in the fluid circuit, and Δp 回路 is the pressure drop across the rest of the fluid circuit.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The volume flow rate Q of the fluid is kept constant so that the pressure drop Δp across the filter 过滤器 are the current I, the voltage V, the volume flow rate Q of the fluid, and the pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 As a function of, for a given flow rate Q, the pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 Remain unchanged.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The volume flow rate Q of the fluid is not constant, so the pressure drop Δp across the filter 过滤器 are the current I, the voltage V, the volume flow rate Q of the fluid and the pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 The pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit is a function of 回路 is a function of the volume flow rate Q of the fluid determined experimentally and mapped within the at least one control module.

12. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The at least one control module is also configured to determine if a pressure drop or a rate of change in pressure drop across the fluid filter exceeds a threshold amount and provide notification that the fluid filter requires replacement or maintenance.

13. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The at least one control module is also configured to determine if the pressure drop or rate of change of pressure drop across the fluid filter experiences a sharp or sudden characteristic change and provide notification that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that The at least one control module is further configured to identify an abnormal or sudden increase or decrease in the pressure drop or rate of change of the pressure drop across the fluid filter, indicating at least one of: Mechanical failures that generate large amounts of particles, contamination of the fluid in the fluid circuit, Failure or perforation of the fluid filter, Failure of the fluid pump, and Leaks or blockages in the fluid circuit.

15. A method for determining a maintenance interval for a fluid filter, comprising the steps of: arranging a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit comprising a fluid filter and a fluid pump driven by an electric motor; configuring at least one control module to calculate a pressure drop across the fluid filter using at least one of a voltage, a current, and a PWM provided to the electric motor; as well as The at least one control module is also configured to monitor a rate of change of a pressure drop across the fluid filter over a useful life of the filter.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The following steps are also included: The at least one control module is configured to calculate the pressure drop across the fluid filter using the following function: Δp 过滤器 =((I x V xη 马达 xη 泵 ) / Q)–Δp 回路 Where Δp 过滤器 is the pressure drop across the fluid filter, I is the current supplied to the electric motor, V is the voltage supplied to the motor, η 马达 is the efficiency of the electric motor, η 泵 is the efficiency of the fluid pump, Q is the volume flow rate of the fluid in the fluid circuit, and Δp 回路 is the pressure drop across the rest of the fluid circuit.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The following steps are also included: Keep the volume flow rate Q of the fluid constant so that the pressure drop Δp across the filter 过滤器 is the current I, the voltage V, the volume flow rate Q of the fluid, and the pressure drop Δp on the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 As a function of, for a given flow rate Q, the pressure drop Δp across the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 Remain unchanged.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The following steps are also included: The volume flow rate Q of the fluid is allowed to vary so that the pressure drop Δp across the filter 过滤器 is the current I, the voltage V, the volume flow rate Q of the fluid, and the pressure drop Δp on the rest of the fluid circuit 回路 The function of The pressure drop Δp over the rest of the fluid circuit is experimentally determined based on the volume flow rate Q of the fluid 回路 ,as well as The pressure drop Δp on the rest of the fluid circuit is calculated according to the volume flow rate Q of the fluid. 回路 The mapping is within the at least one control module.

19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The following steps are also included: The at least one control module is configured to determine if a pressure drop or a rate of change in pressure drop across the fluid filter exceeds a threshold amount and provide notification that the fluid filter requires replacement or maintenance.

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The following steps are also included: The at least one control module is configured to determine if a pressure drop or a rate of change of pressure drop across the fluid filter experiences a sharp or sudden characteristic change and provide notification that a mechanical condition may have occurred.

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