Methanol fuel supply system control method, methanol fuel supply system and vehicle

By introducing a control method in the methanol fuel supply system, the electric pump adjusts the working state according to the engine status, solving the problems of high energy consumption and large noise caused by the continuous operation of the electric pump in the prior art, and achieving the effect of reducing energy consumption, extending service life and improving user experience.

CN119145963BActive Publication Date: 2025-03-18WEICHAI POWER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411649165.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-19
Publication Date
2025-03-18
Estimated Expiration
2044-11-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing methanol fuel supply system, electric pumps continue to work during the vehicle operation, resulting in high energy consumption and high noise, which affects service life and customer experience.

Method used

By introducing a control method in the methanol fuel supply system, the electric pump determines whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state after the vehicle power switch is powered on. If so, it starts and continues to work until the engine stops. If otherwise, it does not work, and avoids unnecessary energy consumption and noise.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the difficulty of starting the engine, reduces the energy consumption of electric pumps, extends the service life of electric pumps, and improves the user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of fuel supply, and discloses a methanol fuel supply system control method, a methanol fuel supply system and a vehicle. The methanol fuel supply system control method is used to control a methanol fuel supply system, and the methanol fuel supply system includes an electric pump and a fuel tank. The methanol fuel supply system control method controls the working state of the electric pump by judging whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state. If the engine is in a difficult-to-start state, the electric pump works until the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed and then stops, which is convenient for starting the engine; if the engine is in a non-difficult-to-start state, the electric pump can start the engine normally without working. The methanol fuel supply system control method enables the electric pump to start when the engine is in a difficult-to-start state, and does not start first in a non-difficult-to-start state, thereby reducing energy consumption, and avoiding noise from the electric pump, ensuring user experience, while reducing electric pump losses and increasing the service life of the electric pump.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel supply, and in particular to a methanol fuel supply system control method, a methanol fuel supply system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Methanol has the advantages of low cost and low carbon emissions, and is an ideal alternative fuel for engines. Methanol engines have been gradually introduced to the market. The supply of methanol fuel is achieved through an electric pump. In the prior art, after the vehicle's power switch T15 is powered on, the electric pump starts, and the electric pump is always in working state during the operation of the vehicle. The electric pump drive will be cut off only after the vehicle's power switch T15 is powered off, which causes the electric pump to be in a continuous working state, which not only affects the working life of the electric pump, but also causes a large noise in the cockpit when the engine is not working, affecting the customer experience. In addition, the continuous operation of the electric pump will also cause the battery power to be continuously consumed, resulting in waste.

[0003] Therefore, a methanol fuel supply system control method, a methanol fuel supply system and a vehicle are needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a methanol fuel supply system control method, a methanol fuel supply system and a vehicle, which are used to reduce the difficulty of starting an engine, reduce the energy consumption of an electric pump, and increase the service life of the electric pump.

[0005] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A methanol fuel supply system control method is used to control a methanol fuel supply system, wherein the methanol fuel supply system comprises an electric pump and a fuel tank, and is characterized in that the methanol fuel supply system control method comprises the following steps:

[0007] S10, determining whether the vehicle's power switch T15 is powered on, if so, proceeding to S20;

[0008] S20, determining whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state, if so, proceeding to S30;

[0009] S30, the electric pump works until the methanol fuel supply system is exhausted and then stops;

[0010] S40: The engine is started, and the electric pump continues to work until the engine stops working.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the S20 further includes: if the engine is in a difficult-to-start state, entering S50;

[0012] S50: The electric pump does not work.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, determining whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state in S20 specifically includes:

[0014] The downtime T of the vehicle is compared with the first preset time T1. If T>T1, it is determined that the engine is in a difficult-to-start state; and / or, the running mileage K of the vehicle is compared with the first preset mileage K1. If K<K1, it is determined that the engine is in a difficult-to-start state; and / or, the fuel level H in the fuel tank of the vehicle is compared with the first preset level H1. If H

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the downtime T of the vehicle is the time difference between the last time the power switch T15 of the vehicle was powered off and the time when the power switch T15 of the vehicle was powered on, as collected by the control module.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, determining whether the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed includes the following:

[0017] Compare the working time t of the electric pump with the second preset time T2, and if t>T2, determine that the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed;

[0018] And / or, the oil pressure value p in the low-pressure oil circuit is compared with a preset oil pressure value P, and if p>P, it is determined that the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, the value range of the second preset time T2 is 1min≤T2≤3min.

[0020] The present invention also adopts the following technical solutions:

[0021] A methanol fuel supply system, the methanol fuel supply system comprises an electric pump and a fuel tank, the fuel tank is connected to the electric pump, and the methanol fuel supply system adopts the methanol fuel supply system control method as described above.

[0022] As an optional technical solution, the methanol fuel supply system further includes a relay, wherein the relay is electrically connected to the electric pump, and the relay is used to control the start and stop of the electric pump.

[0023] As an optional technical solution, the methanol fuel supply system further includes a liquid level detection instrument, which is arranged on the fuel tank and is used to detect the fuel level in the fuel tank in real time.

[0024] The present invention also adopts the following technical solutions: ​

[0025] A vehicle comprises an engine, and the vehicle further comprises the methanol fuel supply system as described above, wherein the methanol fuel supply system is used to provide methanol fuel to the engine.

[0026] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0027] The present invention discloses a methanol fuel supply system control method, which is used to control the methanol fuel supply system. The methanol fuel supply system includes an electric pump and a fuel tank. The methanol fuel supply system control method includes the following steps: S10, judging whether the power switch T15 of the vehicle is powered on, if so, entering S20; S20, judging whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state, if so, entering S30; S30, the electric pump works until the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed and then stops; S40, the engine is started, and the electric pump continues to work until the engine stops working. This methanol fuel supply system control method can adjust the working state of the electric pump based on the starting condition of the engine. When the engine is in a difficult-to-start state, the electric pump starts working until the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed and then stops, and then the engine is started, which is conducive to the smooth starting of the engine. If the engine is in a non-difficult-to-start state, the electric pump does not start, which is conducive to reducing energy consumption and avoiding the electric pump from generating noise, affecting user experience, and can also reduce the loss of the electric pump and improve the service life of the electric pump.

[0028] The present invention also discloses a methanol fuel supply system, which includes an electric pump and a fuel tank, wherein the fuel tank and the electric pump are connected. The methanol fuel supply system uses the above-mentioned methanol fuel supply system control method to control the start and stop of the electric pump, so that the system has the advantages of low noise and low energy consumption, and can improve the service life.

[0029] The present invention also discloses a vehicle, which comprises the above-mentioned methanol fuel supply system, improves the performance of the vehicle engine, and reduces noise and energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a methanol fuel supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 is a working principle diagram of a methanol fuel supply system control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a methanol fuel supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] In the figure:

[0034] 10. Electric pump; 20. Relay; 30. Fuel tank; 31. Liquid level detection instrument; 40. Methanol filter; 50. Pressure limiting valve; 60. Methanol rail assembly; 70. Methanol injector; 80. ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only parts related to the present invention, rather than all structures, are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", etc., directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish in the description and have no special meaning.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a methanol fuel supply system control method for controlling a methanol fuel supply system, wherein the methanol fuel supply system includes an electric pump 10 and a fuel tank 30. The methanol fuel supply system control method includes the following steps.

[0040] S10, determine whether the vehicle's power switch T15 is powered on, if so, proceed to S20.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the vehicle's power switch T15 is powered on. If the vehicle's power switch T15 is powered on, the vehicle's engine has the starting conditions. If the vehicle's power switch T15 is not powered on, it means that the vehicle's engine does not need to be started and there is no need to start the electric pump 10.

[0042] S20: Determine whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state. If so, proceed to S30.

[0043] Specifically, in this embodiment, it is determined based on vehicle information whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state. If so, it is necessary to improve the engine starting conditions to facilitate the supply of methanol fuel to the engine, thereby facilitating the engine starting.

[0044] S30: The electric pump 10 works until the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed and then stops.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, improving the starting conditions of the engine mainly involves discharging the gas in the low-pressure oil circuit, so as to facilitate the supply of methanol fuel to the engine when the engine starts, increase the proportion of methanol fuel in the low-pressure oil circuit, reduce the difficulty of starting the engine, facilitate the starting of the engine, and improve the user experience.

[0046] S40: The engine is started, and the electric pump 10 continues to work until the engine stops working.

[0047] Specifically, in this embodiment, the power switch T50 of the engine is powered on, the engine is started, and the electric pump 10 continues to work to pump methanol fuel into the low-pressure oil circuit, thereby ensuring the continuous operation of the engine.

[0048] Furthermore, S20 also includes: if the engine is in a non-difficult-to-start state, entering S50; S50, the electric pump 10 does not work.

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the engine is in a non-difficult-to-start state, the electric pump 10 does not need to work in advance, and the engine can start normally, reducing the working time of the electric pump 10, thereby increasing the service life of the electric pump 10, and can reduce noise and improve the user experience.

[0050] Furthermore, determining whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state in S20 specifically includes: comparing the vehicle's downtime T with a first preset time T1, and if T>T1, determining that the engine is in a difficult-to-start state; and / or, comparing the vehicle's running mileage K with a first preset mileage K1, and if K<K1, determining that the engine is in a difficult-to-start state; and / or, comparing the fuel level H in the vehicle's fuel tank 30 with a first preset level H1, and if H

[0051] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the vehicle is parked for a long time, there is a large amount of gas in the low-pressure oil circuit, and the low-pressure oil circuit is not smooth. If the engine is started directly, the methanol fuel cannot enter the engine in time, resulting in difficulty in starting the engine; if the vehicle's mileage is too short, it means that the vehicle is relatively new and is still in the running-in period, and the engine will be difficult to start; if there is less fuel in the vehicle's fuel tank 30, the methanol fuel is difficult to fill the entire low-pressure oil circuit, and the engine will be difficult to start due to insufficient fuel. As long as one of the above situations exists, it will cause difficulty in starting the engine. Therefore, the electric pump 10 is required to work in advance to reduce the difficulty of starting the engine.

[0052] When none of the above conditions exist, it indicates that the engine is in a non-difficult-to-start state, and the electric pump 10 does not need to work in advance. The vehicle's engine can start normally, avoiding the extra work of the electric pump 10, which is beneficial to reducing energy consumption and increasing the service life of the electric pump 10.

[0053] Specifically, the vehicle's downtime T is compared with the first preset time T1. If T>T1, the vehicle has been parked for a long time. At this time, the engine meets the definition of a difficult-to-start state, and the electric pump 10 needs to work in advance.

[0054] Specifically, the downtime T of the vehicle is the time difference between the power-off time of the power switch T15 of the last vehicle and the power-on time of the power switch T15 of the current vehicle collected by the control module. The control module is ECU80. When the power switch T15 of the last vehicle is powered off, ECU80 records the power-off time, and when the power switch T15 of the current vehicle is powered on, ECU80 records the power-on time, and calculates the time difference between the power-off time and the power-on time to obtain the parking time T of the vehicle.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first preset time T1 is calibrated according to actual use, which will not be elaborated here.

[0056] ​Specifically, the running mileage K of the vehicle is compared with the first preset mileage K1. If K<K1, it is determined that the engine is in a difficult-to-start state. In this embodiment, the running mileage K of the vehicle is recorded in the ECU 80. The first preset mileage K1 is a value calibrated according to actual conditions. If the running mileage K of the vehicle is less than the first preset mileage K1, it is considered that the vehicle has not completed the running-in process and is still in the running-in state, and the engine is in a difficult-to-start state.

[0057] Specifically, the fuel level H in the fuel tank 30 of the vehicle is compared with the first preset level H1. If H

[0058] Specifically, in this embodiment, a liquid level detection instrument 31 is provided in the fuel tank 30 , and the liquid level detection instrument 31 is connected to the ECU 80 . The ECU 80 can obtain parameters of the liquid level detection instrument 31 , and then obtain the fuel level H in the fuel tank 30 .

[0059] The liquid level detection instrument 31 is a prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] Further, determining whether the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed includes the following contents.

[0061] The working time t of the electric pump 10 is compared with the second preset time T2. If t>T2, it is determined that the gas in the low-pressure oil circuit is completely discharged; and / or, the oil pressure value p in the low-pressure oil circuit is compared with the preset oil pressure value P. If p>P, it is determined that the gas in the low-pressure oil circuit is completely discharged.

[0062] Specifically, in the present embodiment, there are two ways to determine whether the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed. One is to limit the working time of the electric pump 10. When the working time of the electric pump 10 reaches the second preset time T2, it is determined that the gas in the low-pressure oil circuit is completely exhausted. The other is to detect the oil pressure value p in the low-pressure oil circuit through the rail pressure sensor provided on the methanol rail assembly 60, and compare the oil pressure value p with the preset oil pressure value P. If p>P, it is determined that the gas in the low-pressure oil circuit is completely exhausted.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second preset time T2 and the preset oil pressure value P can be specifically calibrated according to actual conditions, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0064] Furthermore, the value range of the second preset time T2 is 1min≤T2≤3min.​

[0065] This methanol fuel supply system control method can adjust the working state of the electric pump 10 based on the starting state of the engine. When the engine is in a difficult-to-start state, the electric pump 10 starts working first, and can discharge the gas in the low-pressure oil circuit, which is conducive to the smooth starting of the engine. If the engine is in a non-difficult-to-start state, the electric pump 10 will not start, which is conducive to reducing energy consumption and avoiding the electric pump 10 from generating noise and affecting the user experience. At the same time, it can reduce the loss of the electric pump 10 and increase the service life of the electric pump 10.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the present embodiment also provides a methanol fuel supply system, which includes an electric pump 10 and a fuel tank 30, the fuel tank 30 and the electric pump 10 are connected, and the methanol fuel supply system uses the above-mentioned methanol fuel supply system control method to control the start and stop of the electric pump 10, so that the system has the advantages of low noise and low energy consumption, and can improve the service life.

[0067] Furthermore, the methanol fuel supply system further includes a relay 20, which is electrically connected to the electric pump 10, and the relay 20 is used to control the start and stop of the electric pump 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the relay 20 is electrically connected to the electric pump 10, and the start and stop of the electric pump 10 can be controlled by controlling the action of the relay 20, and the adjustment is fast and efficient.

[0068] Furthermore, the methanol fuel supply system further includes a liquid level detection instrument 31, which is disposed in the fuel tank 30 and is used to detect the fuel level in the fuel tank 30 in real time. Specifically, in this embodiment, the liquid level detection instrument 31 in the fuel tank 30 can detect the liquid level of the methanol fuel in the fuel tank 30 in real time, and then compare it with the first preset liquid level H1, so as to determine whether the vehicle is in a low fuel state, and then adjust the operation of the electric pump 10.

[0069] Furthermore, the methanol fuel supply system in this embodiment further includes a methanol filter 40, a pressure limiting valve 50, a methanol rail assembly 60, a methanol injector 70 and an ECU 80. Specifically, in this embodiment, the methanol filter 40 is disposed between the fuel tank 30 and the electric pump 10, and the pressure limiting valve 50, the methanol rail assembly 60 and the methanol injector 70 are sequentially connected and disposed downstream of the pressure limiting valve 50.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, the pipeline between the electric pump 10 and the methanol rail assembly 60 is a low-pressure oil circuit. The methanol rail assembly 60 includes a rail pressure sensor, which is connected to the ECU 80. The ECU 80 monitors the oil pressure value p in the low-pressure oil circuit through the rail pressure sensor, and then compares it with the preset oil pressure value P to determine whether the methanol fuel supply system has been exhausted.

[0071] Specifically, in this embodiment, ECU80 is electrically connected to the liquid level detection instrument 31, and ECU80 can obtain the fuel liquid level H in the fuel tank 30 fed back by the liquid level detection instrument 31, and then compare it with the first preset liquid level H1 to determine whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state.

[0072] Specifically, in this embodiment, the ECU 80 is connected to the relay 20 , and controls the start and stop of the electric pump 10 by controlling the operation of the relay 20 . The relay 20 is a prior art and will not be described in detail herein.

[0073] This embodiment also provides a vehicle, which includes the above-mentioned methanol fuel supply system, which can improve the performance of the vehicle engine, reduce noise and energy consumption, and enhance the user experience.

[0074] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various obvious changes, readjustments and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a methanol fuel supply system, for controlling a methanol fuel supply system, wherein the methanol fuel supply system comprises an electric pump (10) and a fuel tank (30), wherein: The methanol fuel supply system control method comprises the following steps: S10, determining whether the vehicle's power switch T15 is powered on, if so, proceeding to S20; S20, determining whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state, if so, proceeding to S30; if the engine is in a non-difficult-to-start state, proceeding to S50; S30, the electric pump (10) operates until the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed and then stops; S40, the engine is started, and the electric pump (10) continues to work until the engine stops working; S50, the electric pump (10) does not work; Wherein, determining whether the engine is in a difficult-to-start state in S20 specifically includes: Comparing the downtime T of the vehicle with a first preset time T1, if T>T1, determining that the engine is in a difficult-to-start state; and / or, comparing the running mileage K of the vehicle with a first preset mileage K1, and if K<K1, determining that the engine is in a difficult-to-start state; And / or, comparing the fuel liquid level H in the fuel tank (30) of the vehicle with a first preset liquid level H1, and if H<H1, determining that the engine is in a difficult-to-start state.

2. The methanol fuel supply system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The downtime T of the vehicle is the time difference between the last time the power switch T15 of the vehicle was powered off and the time when the power switch T15 of the vehicle was powered on, which is collected by the control module.

3. The methanol fuel supply system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Determining whether the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed includes: Comparing the working time t of the electric pump (10) with a second preset time T2, and if t>T2, determining that the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed; And / or, the oil pressure value p in the low-pressure oil circuit is compared with a preset oil pressure value P, and if p>P, it is determined that the exhaust of the methanol fuel supply system is completed.

4. The methanol fuel supply system control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The value range of the second preset time T2 is 1min≤T2≤3min.

5. A methanol fuel supply system, comprising an electric pump (10) and a fuel tank (30), wherein the fuel tank (30) is connected to the electric pump (10), and characterized in that: The methanol fuel supply system adopts the methanol fuel supply system control method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. The methanol fuel supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The methanol fuel supply system further comprises a relay (20), wherein the relay (20) is electrically connected to the electric pump (10), and the relay (20) is used to control the start and stop of the electric pump (10).

7. The methanol fuel supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The methanol fuel supply system further comprises a liquid level detection instrument (31), wherein the liquid level detection instrument (31) is arranged in the fuel tank (30), and the liquid level detection instrument (31) is used to detect the fuel liquid level in the fuel tank (30) in real time.

8. A vehicle including an engine, characterized in that The vehicle further comprises a methanol fuel supply system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the methanol fuel supply system is used to provide methanol fuel to the engine.

Citation Information

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