Multi-fuel system and method for managing performance

Abstract

A multi-fuel system and a method for supplying one or more fuels to an engine in a vehicle having the multi-fuel system are disclosed. Embodiments may determine an amount of fuel added to one or more tanks, determine an energy content and a quality property of each fuel stored in the tanks, and supply one or more fuels from the tanks to achieve operating parameters of the vehicle. Embodiments may analyze a route and determine whether to supply a first fuel having a first set of characteristics or to supply a second fuel having a second set of characteristics for a road segment on the route. Selecting a single fuel or a mixture of two or more fuels for a road segment may be based on costs and / or characteristics associated with emissions or power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to multi-fuel storage, filling, and delivery for fuel-agnostic (FA) engines, generators, and other related applications. Background Art

[0002] Conventional vehicles, engines, and power generation systems tend to operate on a single fuel, or include separate systems, where a first system (e.g., a fuel-based system) supplies power, or a separate system (e.g., an electric (battery) system) supplies power. Summary of the invention

[0003] Embodiments of the multi-fuel system include a fuel-agnostic (FA) engine and / or generator capable of producing mechanical and electrical power from the fuel energy content of a variety of fuels.

[0004] A multi-fuel storage, filling and delivery solution enables the use of a variety of fuels in FA engines, generators and / or other related applications. Utilizing the described systems and methods in this regard is advantageous.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a multi-fuel system may include different storage tanks that can independently separate and manage fuels for both filling and metering of the FA engine and / or generator. This may allow a vehicle to operate on certain fuels (e.g., hydrogen) in certain areas (e.g., zero emission vehicle (ZEV) areas or ultra-low emission areas), and operate the same engine on other fuels in areas outside of the ZEV area or ultra-low emission area when zero or ultra-low emissions are not required.

[0006] In certain embodiments, a multi-fuel system may include a combination tank system designed to accommodate multiple fuels having different physical filling characteristics and / or properties. Such mixed fuel storage allows the operator to fill the tank with a variety of gaseous fuels depending on availability, price, preference, etc. The fuel tank should have the appropriate pressure rating and material for pure and / or mixed gas use.

[0007] Embodiments of the multi-fuel system allow for maximum utilization of available or preferred fuels. Embodiments of the multi-fuel system allow each of the multiple tanks to be filled with one or more fuels, rather than individual tanks carrying a single specific fuel (which limits the amount of a specific fuel filled / dispensed). Embodiments of the multi-fuel system can also determine the volumetric energy content of the mixed gaseous fuel, which is also beneficial for travel distance calculations.

[0008] A contact switch or flow switch can indicate which fill port is being used. With a known volume of the fuel storage tank (V=constant) and a known energy content of the incoming fuel, the fuel controller can use the ideal gas law and the law of partial pressures to calculate the new energy content knowing the starting pressure and temperature (P1, T1) and the ending pressure and temperature (P2, T2). This allows for a clear understanding and indication of the stored energy content. Density, viscosity and other gas properties can also be calculated. In addition to knowing the energy content and gas mixture properties, a desired air / fuel ratio (i.e., Lambda) can be mixed to achieve proper and efficient combustion.

[0009] Embodiments of the multi-fuel system may also be implemented to determine the volumetric energy content of the mixed gas fuel. A portion of the fuel gas mixture may be passed through a flow switch or other metering / measuring device (e.g., a Coriolis meter) that provides a volumetric flow rate and density at a determined pressure and temperature. The metered amount of fuel (including the mixed fuel) may be combusted with a proportional / metered amount of air, resulting in a combustion temperature that may be measured with a thermocouple. The combustion temperature may be referenced to the temperature of the inlet gas (fuel and air) to determine the temperature rise. These readings of flow, density, and temperature allow calculations to determine the mixed fuel gas energy content.

[0010] Fuel energy content information may be communicated to an energy conversion device (ie, an engine and / or generator) so optimized combustion, combustion, electrochemical conversion, etc. may be optimized.

[0011] Additionally, knowledge of pressure, temperature, volume, and energy content allows for greater accuracy in predicting travel distance. For example, a low energy fuel may exhibit a certain tank pressure, but this low energy fuel may not support the vehicle travel distance that a high energy fuel can provide. When combined with "look-ahead" travel path technology, a higher accuracy distance estimation capability can be achieved. This "look-ahead" also considers efficiency, road grade, speed, distance, and other attributes.

[0012] A multi-fuel system may include at least one fuel tank, a first fuel container configured to receive a first fuel, at least a second fuel container configured to receive a second fuel, at least one sensor configured to detect a fuel fill specific to each respective fuel container, at least one sensor configured to detect an amount of the first fuel or the second fuel, a fuel-independent engine configured to selectively combust one or more of the first fuel and the second fuel, and a fuel controller. The fuel controller includes a processor that executes instructions to determine an energy content of the first fuel in the at least one fuel tank, determine an energy content of the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank, determine a mass property of the first fuel in the at least one fuel tank from the sensed fuel fill, determine a mass property of the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank from the sensed fuel fill, and determine a fuel ratio of the first fuel and the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank based on the energy content and the mass property of the first fuel in the at least one fuel tank and the energy content and the mass property of the second fuel.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first tank of the at least one fuel tank stores a mixture of the first fuel and the second fuel, and a second tank of the at least one fuel tank stores a single fuel. The processor executes the instructions to determine the fuel ratio of the first fuel and the second fuel in the first fuel tank based on the energy content and the mass properties of the first fuel in the first fuel tank and the energy content and the mass properties of the second fuel, and determine the amount of the single fuel in the second fuel tank.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multi-fuel system includes a flow switch configured to measure a flow rate of the first fuel or the second fuel entering the at least one tank, wherein the processor executes the instructions to determine one or more of the energy content and the mass properties of the first fuel based on the measured flow rate of the first fuel through the flow switch.

[0015] In some embodiments, the multi-fuel system includes an on switch coupled to the first fuel container, wherein the on switch is configured to communicate a signal to the processor when an external fuel source is connected to the first fuel container. The processor executes the instructions to determine that the first fuel is being added and determines one or more of the energy content and the mass property of the first fuel based on a measured flow rate of the first fuel through the flow switch.

[0016] A method for fueling a vehicle may include a fuel controller obtaining values ​​of a set of tank parameters for each tank corresponding to a fuel type, determining the composition (including properties) of the fuel in the tank, and preparing to receive the fuel, which may include opening or closing one or more check valves and shutoff valves, performing a set of pre-fill checks, communicating with the check valves corresponding to the fuel to open to receive the fuel, updating fuel properties including gas energy content and properties, and updating fuel composition.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fuel controller also communicates with a set of sensors to monitor for any fuel filling safety faults, communicates with a fuel pressure sensor to determine if the current fuel pressure is below a maximum fuel pressure, and determines if a command has been received indicating that the fuel filling process should be terminated. If any fuel filling safety faults are detected, the fuel controller sends a report indicating any faults.

[0018] A method for fueling a vehicle may include a fuel controller obtaining a fuel characteristic of a fuel in each of a plurality of tanks, determining a target value of an operating parameter of the vehicle on a route, determining a predicted value of an operating parameter of the engine on the route using a first fuel, and comparing the predicted value with the target value to determine whether the vehicle can meet a set of operating requirements using only the first fuel on the route. If the fuel controller determines that the vehicle cannot meet all operating requirements for traveling on the route using only one fuel, then the fuel controller may identify one or more sections of the route to use a second fuel to supply to the engine. If the fuel controller determines that the vehicle operating with the engine supplied with the first fuel and / or the second fuel on each section cannot meet all requirements, then the fuel controller may determine that the vehicle needs to add one or more of the first fuel and the second fuel. The fuel controller communicates with a fuel pressure sensor, a fuel temperature sensor, a forward pressure regulator, and a flow control valve to supply one of two (or more) fuels to the engine according to a performance plan.

[0019] Some embodiments may be communicatively coupled via a network to a route planning server configured to acquire route data and design / calculate a performance plan. The performance plan includes target values ​​for a set of operating parameters of the engine, M / G, battery system, and the multi-fuel system to minimize the operating cost of the vehicle on the route, minimize the environmental impact of the vehicle on the route, maximize power, or extend the service life of the vehicle. The performance plan may be sent prior to the start of a route, and an updated performance plan may be sent in real time to adjust for weather, traffic, changes to the route, or lower than expected vehicle performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A diagram depicting a multi-fuel system for storing two or more fuels and for supplying one or more fuels to a multi-fuel capable engine;

[0022] Figure 2 A diagram depicting a multi-fuel system for storing two or more fuels and supplying one or more fuels to a multi-fuel capable engine;

[0023] Figure 3 A diagram depicting a multi-fuel system for storing two or more fuels and for supplying one or more fuels to a multi-fuel capable engine;

[0024] Figure 4 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for a multi-fuel system to supply one of a first fuel or a second fuel to a multi-fuel capable engine;

[0025] Figure 5 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for a multi-fuel system to determine which of a first fuel, a second fuel, or both fuels to supply to a multi-fuel enabled engine;

[0026] Figure 6 A flow chart depicting a method for generating a performance plan for a multi-fuel system;

[0027] Figure 7 represents a data structure containing values ​​of tank parameters for a vehicle having a multi-fuel system; and

[0028] Figure 8 A data structure representing a set of characteristics of fuels in a vehicle having a multi-fuel system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following description, details are set forth by way of examples to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments.

[0030] Can be referenced Figures 1 to 8 The particular embodiments are best understood wherein like numerals are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.

[0031] System Overview

[0032] The embodiments may form part of a vehicle, such as a hybrid electric truck or a hybrid electric truck-trailer combination, or an all-electric truck, or an all-electric truck / trailer combination as disclosed herein. Figures 1 to 3 , embodiments of the multi-fuel system 100 may be configured to receive and store one or more fuels in a plurality of tanks and supply the one or more fuels to a fuel agnostic (FA) engine and / or generator that is selectively capable of operating on the various fuel types.

[0033] Multi-fuel system

[0034] Figure 1 A diagram of one embodiment of a multi-fuel system 100 for storing one or more fuels and selectively supplying the one or more fuels for use by a vehicle 40 is depicted.

[0035] like Figure 1 , a multi-fuel system 100 includes a fuel filling manifold 10 that includes a plurality of fuel containers 12-1 to 12-N, wherein each fuel container 12 may be configured to receive a specific type of fuel or may be configured to receive any of a plurality of fuel types (e.g., fuel container 12-1 may be configured to receive hydrogen, and fuel container 12-2 may be configured to receive compressed natural gas (CNG)). The multi-fuel system 100 further includes valves (which may include check valves 14 and / or shutoff valves 16) between each fuel container 12 or the fuel filling manifold 10 and one or more of the plurality of tanks 18. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 As depicted in , the shutoff valve 16 may be a solenoid valve. The fuel is stored in a plurality of tanks 18, wherein each tank 18 may be configured to store a plurality of different fuels or a single fuel. Each tank 18 may have a set of sensors including a fuel pressure sensor 20 and a fuel temperature sensor 22.

[0036] The fuel control system controls the flow of fuel stored in the tanks 18 through the forward pressure regulators 24 and flow control valves 26 to the optional mixing manifold 226 to supply the fuel to the engine 30. In some embodiments, the engine 30 may be an internal combustion engine, including a generator capable of operating on a variety of fuel types including liquid and gaseous fuels or a fuel-independent generator. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with the check valves 14, the shutoff valves 16, the fuel pressure sensor 20, the fuel temperature sensor 22, the forward pressure regulators 24, the flow control valves 26, and the engine 30 to determine what fuel is in the tanks 18 and how much fuel is in each tank 18, and supply fuel from one or more tanks 18 to the engine 30 based on a performance plan (discussed in more detail below). Figure 1, the multi-fuel system 100 may be configured with a single temperature sensor 20-1 and pressure sensor 22-1 for monitoring the temperature and pressure in tanks 18-1 and 18-2 storing the same fuel. In other embodiments, each tank 18 may include a corresponding temperature sensor 20 and pressure sensor 22.

[0037] Embodiments of the multi-fuel system 100 may store and supply a variety of different types of fuels in the tank 18. For example, the fuel container 12-1, the check valve 14-1, the shutoff valve 16-1, the tanks 18-1 and 18-2, the fuel pressure sensor 20-1, the fuel temperature sensor 22-1, the forward pressure regulator 24-1, and the flow control valve 26-1 may be configured to receive, store, and supply a first fuel (e.g., hydrogen), and the fuel container 12-2, the check valve 14-2, the shutoff valve 16-2, the fuel tank 18-2, the fuel pressure sensor 20-2, the fuel temperature sensor 22-2, the forward pressure regulator 24-2, and the flow control valve 26-2 may be configured to receive, store, and supply a second fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas, CNG). However, it will be appreciated that any mix of tank / fuel combinations may be used in the multi-fuel system 100.

[0038] Figure 2 A diagram of an embodiment of a multi-fuel system 200 for storing two or more fuels and for supplying one or more fuels for use by a vehicle 40 is depicted.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 , the multi-fuel system 200 includes a fuel fill manifold 10 that includes a plurality of fuel containers 12 - 1 to 12 -N, wherein each fuel container 12 may be configured to receive a specific type of fuel or configured to receive any of a plurality of fuel types.

[0040] The multi-fuel system 200 further includes valves (which may include check valves 14 and / or shut-off valves 16) between each fuel container 12 or fuel fill manifold 10 and a tank 18 of the plurality of tanks 18. Figure 2 , check valve 14-1 may be opened and check valve 14-2 may be closed to route a first fuel (e.g., hydrogen) to tank 18-1 configured to store only the first fuel as a single fuel, and check valve 14-2 may be opened and check valves 14-1 and 14-3 may be closed to route the first fuel to tanks 18-2 and 18-3 configured to store two or more fuels as a mixed fuel. Check valve 14-3 may be opened and check valve 14-2 may be closed to route a second fuel (e.g., CNG) to tanks 18-2 and 18-3.

[0041] In some embodiments, the multi-fuel system 200 includes switches 206. The switches 206 may indicate to the fuel controller 32 (discussed below) which fuel container 12 is being used with the associated fuel. Each switch 206 may be an on switch configured to indicate when an external fuel source is connected to the corresponding fuel container 12 (e.g., the first switch 206-1 may be an on switch configured to indicate when an external fuel source is connected to the fuel container 12-1, the second switch 206-2 may be an on switch configured to indicate when an external fuel source is connected to the fuel container 12-2, etc.).

[0042] In some embodiments, the multi-fuel system 200 includes one or more flow switches 208. In some embodiments, the flow switch 208 can be configured to allow fuel to be supplied at a specific rate, or can measure the flow rate of fuel during fuel filling. In some embodiments, the flow switch 208 includes a flow meter for determining how much fuel to add to one or more tanks 18.

[0043] The fuel is stored in one or more of a plurality of tanks 18 , wherein each tank 18 may be configured to store a plurality of different fuels or a single fuel. Each tank 18 may have a set of sensors including a fuel pressure sensor 20 and a fuel temperature sensor 22 .

[0044] The fuel stored in tank 18 may be supplied to engine 30 independently (as a single fuel, e.g., in tank 18-2) or in combination (as a mixed fuel, e.g., in tank 18-2 and / or tank 18-3). The fuel stored in tank 18 may flow through forward pressure regulator 24 and flow control valve 26 to engine 30. In some embodiments, engine 30 may be an internal combustion engine, a generator, or a fuel-independent generator capable of operating on a variety of fuel types.

[0045] The fuel controller 32 may control whether a single fuel or a mixture of two or more fuels is supplied to the engine 30. To do this, the fuel controller 32 may know which fuel is in each tank 18.

[0046] During the fuel supply, the fuel controller 32 may communicate with the pressure sensor 20 and the temperature sensor 22 to determine the starting pressure (P1) and the starting temperature (T1) of each tank 18. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with one or more of the fuel switches 206 to determine when to start the fuel supply, including which fuel to add. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with the flow switch 208 to determine the flow rate of the fuel being added. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with one or more check valves 14 and / or shutoff valves 16 to determine which tanks 18 the fuel is routed to for storage. As the fuel is added, the fuel controller 32 may communicate with the pressure sensor 20 and the temperature sensor 22 to determine the ending pressure (P2) and the ending temperature (T2) of each tank 18.

[0047] With a known volume (V=constant) of each tank 18 and a starting pressure (P1), starting temperature (T1), ending pressure (P2), and ending temperature (T2), and a known energy content of the incoming fuel, the fuel controller 32 can use the ideal gas law and the law of partial pressures to calculate the energy content of the fuel added to one or more tanks 18. The calculated energy content of the added fuel can be added to the stored value of the energy content of the fuel already stored in the tank 18 to determine the total energy content of the fuel stored in the tank 18. The fuel controller 32 can also calculate density, viscosity, and other gas properties through this process. With the energy content and gas mixture properties known, the fuel controller 32 can communicate with the fuel pressure regulator 24 and the flow control valve 26 to route a single fuel or a mixed fuel to the desired air / fuel ratio (e.g., Lambda) of the engine 30. In some embodiments, the fuel controller 32 can communicate with the fuel pressure regulator 24 and the flow control valve 26 to route one or more fuels to the mixing manifold 28 to supply the mixed fuel to the engine 30.

[0048] In some embodiments, engine 30 may be an internal combustion engine, an electric generator, or a fuel-independent electric generator capable of operating on a variety of fuel types.

[0049] Figure 3 A diagram of an embodiment of a multi-fuel system 300 for storing two or more fuels and for supplying one or more fuels for use by a vehicle 40 is depicted.

[0050] like Figure 3 , a multi-fuel system 300 includes a fuel fill manifold 10 that includes a plurality of fuel containers 12 - 1 through 12 -N, wherein each fuel container 12 may be configured to receive a specific type of fuel or configured to receive any of a plurality of fuel types.

[0051] The multi-fuel system 300 further includes valves (which may include check valves 14 and / or shut-off valves 16 ) between each fuel container 12 or fuel fill manifold 10 and the plurality of tanks 18 .

[0052] If a first fuel (e.g., hydrogen) is to be added to tank 18, check valve 14-1 and shutoff valve 16 may be opened, and check valve 14-2 may be closed to route the first fuel to tank 18, which stores two or more fuels as a mixed fuel. If a second fuel (e.g., CNG) is to be added to tank 18, check valve 14-2 and shutoff valve 16 may be opened, and check valve 14-1 may be closed to route the second fuel into tank 18. In some embodiments, shutoff valve 16 may be a solenoid valve.

[0053] In some embodiments, the multi-fuel system 300 includes switches 206. The switches 206 may indicate to the fuel controller 32 (discussed below) which fuel container 12 is being used with the associated gas. Each switch 206 may be an on switch configured to indicate when an external fuel source is connected to the corresponding fuel container 12 (e.g., the first switch 206-1 may be an on switch configured to indicate when an external fuel source is connected to the fuel container 12-1, the second switch 206-2 may be an on switch configured to indicate when an external fuel source is connected to the fuel container 12-2, etc.).

[0054] In some embodiments, the multi-fuel system 300 includes one or more flow switches 208. The flow switch 208 can be configured to allow fuel to be supplied at a specific rate or can measure the flow rate of the fuel. In some embodiments, the flow switch 208 includes a flow meter for determining the rate at which fuel is added to the tank 18.

[0055] The fuel is stored in one or more of a plurality of tanks 18, wherein each tank 18 may be configured to store a plurality of different fuels as a single fuel or a blend of two or more fuels. Each tank 18 may have a set of sensors including a fuel pressure sensor 20 and a fuel temperature sensor 22.

[0056] Fuel stored in tank 18 may flow through forward pressure regulator 24 and flow control valve 26 to engine 30. In some embodiments, engine 30 may be an internal combustion engine, a generator, or a fuel-independent generator capable of operating on a variety of fuel types.

[0057] The fuel controller 32 may control whether a single fuel or a mixture of two or more fuels is supplied to the engine 30. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with the pressure sensor 20 and the temperature sensor 22 to determine the starting pressure (P1) and the starting temperature (T1) of each tank 18. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with one or more fuel switches 206 to determine when to start fueling, including which fuel to add. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with one or more flow switches 208 to determine the flow rate of the fuel being added. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with one or more of the valves 14, 16 to determine which tanks 18 the fuel is routed to for storage. As the fuel is added, the fuel controller 32 may communicate with the pressure sensor 20 and the temperature sensor 22 to determine the ending pressure (P2) and the ending temperature (T2) of each tank. With the known volume (V=constant) of the tank 18, the starting pressure (P1), the starting temperature (T1), the ending pressure (P2), and the ending temperature (T2), and the known energy content of the incoming fuel, the fuel controller 32 can use the ideal gas law and the law of partial pressures to calculate the energy content of the added fuel in the tank 18. The calculated energy content of the added fuel can be added to the stored value of the energy content of the fuel already stored in the tank 18 to determine the total energy content of the fuel stored in the tank 18. The fuel controller 32 can also calculate density, viscosity, and other gas properties through this process. With the known energy content and gas mixture properties, the fuel controller 32 can communicate with the fuel pressure regulator 24 and the flow control valve 26 to route a single fuel or a mixed fuel to the desired air / fuel ratio (e.g., lambda) of the engine 30. In some embodiments, the fuel controller 32 can communicate with the fuel pressure regulator 24 and the flow control valve 26 to route one or more fuels to the mixing manifold 226 to supply the mixed fuel to the engine 30.

[0058] In some embodiments, engine 30 may be an internal combustion engine, an electric generator, or a fuel-independent electric generator capable of operating on a variety of fuel types.

[0059] Each fuel tank can store a single fuel or a fuel mixture

[0060] Figure 1 A multi-fuel system is depicted having a single tank 18 for each fuel. Figure 2 A multi-fuel system 200 is depicted having a first set of tanks (eg, tank 18 - 1 ) for storing a single fuel and a second set of tanks (eg, 18 - 2 and 18 - 3 ) for storing multiple fuels as a blend. Figure 3 Depicted is a multi-fuel system 300 having multiple tanks for storing a mixture of fuels as a mixed fuel. The fuels may include, for example, hydrogen, diesel, gasoline, propane, biodiesel, ethanol (E85), and compressed natural gas (CNG).

[0061] Fuel selection is based on operational requirements and fuel properties

[0062] Figure 4 A flow chart depicting a method for the multi-fuel systems 100 , 200 , and 300 to determine a fuel or a group of fuels based on a set of operating requirements for the vehicle 40 for a route and the characteristics of each fuel stored in the tank 18 .

[0063] At step 402, the fuel controller 32 obtains values ​​for a set of tank parameters for each tank 18 corresponding to the fuel type. The values ​​for the set of tank parameters may include constants, such as tank volume and maximum fuel pressure, and may include variables, such as maximum fuel pressure based on ambient temperature or fuel temperature. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with the fuel pressure sensor 20 to determine a starting fuel pressure (P1), and communicate with the fuel temperature sensor 22 to determine a starting fuel temperature (T1).

[0064] At step 404, the fuel controller 32 determines the composition (including characteristics) of the fuel in the tank 18. In some scenarios, the tank 18 may contain a single fuel (e.g., hydrogen) with defined composition and properties. In other scenarios, the tank 18 may contain a fuel mixture, where the fuel controller 32 may calculate the fuel composition, or may refer to a data structure stored in a memory to determine the composition of the fuel mixture. The fuel controller 32 may determine the fuel composition by communicating with a memory storing values ​​of the fuel composition, or may calculate the fuel composition. For example, the characteristics may include, for example, a maximum fuel pressure, a minimum fuel pressure, and a maximum rate at which fuel can flow into the tank 18.

[0065] At step 406, the fuel controller 32 prepares to receive fuel, which may include opening or closing one or more check valves 14 and shutoff valves 16. For example, the fuel controller 32 may communicate with the switch 206 to determine whether an external fuel source is connected to the fuel container 12, and communicate with the flow switch 208 to begin measuring the rate at which fuel flows to the tank 18. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with other components of the powertrain on the vehicle 40 to prepare to receive fuel. For example, the fuel controller 32 may communicate with the battery system to ensure that the battery system supplies power to the components of the multi-fuel system 100, 200, or 300 during the fuel filling process.

[0066] At step 408, the fuel controller 32 performs a set of pre-fill checks. The pre-fill checks may include determining the ambient air temperature and calculating a temperature-based maximum fuel pressure based on the ambient air temperature. In some embodiments, the pre-fill checks may include communicating with the tank pressure sensor 20 and the tank temperature sensor 22 to determine a starting fuel pressure (P1) and a starting fuel temperature (T1) and calculating a temperature-based maximum fuel pressure based on the fuel temperature.

[0067] At step 410, the fuel controller 32 communicates with the check valve 14 corresponding to the fuel to open to receive the fuel. In some embodiments, the fuel controller 32 communicates with the shutoff valve 16 corresponding to the fuel to open to receive the fuel.

[0068] At step 412 , the fuel controller 32 communicates with a set of sensors to monitor for any fuel fill safety faults. For example, the fuel controller 32 may communicate with the fuel pressure sensor 20 to ensure that the fuel pressure is above the minimum fuel pressure required to receive fuel.

[0069] At step 414, the fuel controller 32 communicates with the fuel pressure sensor 20 to determine if the current fuel pressure is below a maximum fuel pressure. The maximum fuel pressure may be an absolute maximum fuel pressure that the tank 18 can withstand or a maximum fuel pressure based on temperature.

[0070] At step 416, the fuel controller 32 determines whether a command has been received indicating that the fuel filling process should end. The operator may not want to fill the tank 18 to the maximum fuel pressure every time fuel is added. In some embodiments, the fuel controller 32 receives a signal (or stops receiving a signal) from the switch 206 indicating that the external source of fuel is to be disconnected from the fuel container 204.

[0071] At step 418 , if any fuel fill safety faults are detected, the fuel controller 32 sends a report indicating any faults detected during the fill process.

[0072] At step 420, the fuel controller 32 communicates with the check valve 14 and the shutoff valve 16 to close. For example, if any sensor detects a fuel fill safety fault (e.g., the fuel pressure sensor 20 indicates that the fuel in the tank 18 is at the maximum fuel pressure, or the fuel controller 32 receives a signal indicating that the fuel fill process should end), the fuel controller 32 communicates with the check valve 14 and the shutoff valve 16 to close. The fuel controller 32 may communicate with the flow switch 208 to stop measuring the flow rate.

[0073] At step 422, the fuel controller 32 updates the fuel characteristics, including gas energy content and properties. Updating the fuel characteristics may include determining the end pressure (P2) and end temperature (T2) in one or more tanks 18, and utilizing the ideal gas law and the law of partial pressures to calculate the energy content of the added fuel within the tank 18.

[0074] At step 424, the fuel controller 32 updates the fuel composition. If the tank 18 contains a single fuel, the fuel controller 32 may simply add the added fuel amount to the previous fuel amount. If the tank 18 contains a mixture of two fuels, the fuel controller 32 may calculate the fuel composition, including any changes in determined properties. Updating the fuel composition may include updating the cost of the fuel in the tank 18.

[0075] Supply fuel to meet the vehicle's operating requirements

[0076] When the vehicle 40 is operating with the engine 30 generating electricity, embodiments of the multi-fuel system 100 , 200 , or 300 may supply fuel to the engine 30 from one or more tanks 18 .

[0077] Figure 5 A flow chart depicts a method for supplying fuel to the engine 30 using the multi-fuel system 100 , 200 , or 300 .

[0078] At step 502 , the fuel controller 32 obtains fuel characteristics of the fuel in each of the plurality of tanks 18 .

[0079] At step 504, the fuel controller 32 determines target values ​​for operating parameters of the vehicle 40 on the route. In some embodiments, the fuel controller 32 determines target values ​​for operating parameters of the vehicle 40 based on a performance plan (discussed in detail below).

[0080] At step 506, the fuel controller 32 determines predicted values ​​of operating parameters of the engine 30 on the route using the first fuel. In some embodiments, the fuel controller 32 determines predicted values ​​of operating parameters of the engine 30 based on a performance plan (discussed in detail below).

[0081] At step 508, the fuel controller 32 compares the predicted value to the target value to determine whether the vehicle 40 can meet a set of operating requirements using only the first fuel on the route. For example, the operating requirement may be that the fuel cost of the engine 30 is below a threshold amount or a threshold rate. As another example, the operating requirement may be that the vehicle 40 emits zero emissions on a segment of the route. Other examples include that the vehicle 40 is able to travel a minimum distance, that the battery system in the vehicle 40 has a minimum state of charge (SOC) at the end of the segment or at the end of the route, and / or that the amount of the first fuel and / or the second fuel is above a minimum fuel amount.

[0082] At step 510, if the fuel controller 32 determines that the vehicle 40 can travel on the route using only one fuel and meet all operating requirements of the vehicle 40, the fuel controller 32 can communicate with the fuel pressure sensor 20, the fuel temperature sensor 22, the forward pressure regulator 24, and the flow control valve 26 to supply only one fuel to the engine 30 on all sections of the route. The fuel controller 32 communicates with the engine 30 to monitor operating parameter values ​​of the engine 30, including operating efficiency and engine output power. Sensors on the engine 30 can monitor the performance of the engine 30 and transmit signals to the fuel controller 32 to adjust the fuel flow rate or fuel pressure to adjust the performance of the engine 30 to meet the operating requirements of the vehicle 40.

[0083] At step 512 , if the fuel controller 32 determines that the vehicle 40 cannot meet all operating requirements for travel on the route using only one fuel, the fuel controller 32 may identify one or more segments of the route to use a second fuel to supply to the engine 30 .

[0084] At step 514 , the fuel controller 32 determines whether all operating requirements of the route can be met by the vehicle 40 operating with the engine 30 supplied with the first fuel or the second fuel on each segment of the route.

[0085] At step 516, if the fuel controller 32 determines that the vehicle 40 cannot meet all requirements on each route segment with the engine 30 supplied with the first fuel and / or the second fuel operating, the fuel controller 32 may determine that the vehicle 40 needs to add one or more of the first fuel and the second fuel. The fuel controller 32 may determine when and where to add fuel, including which type of fuel to add and how much to add.

[0086] At step 518, the fuel controller 32 communicates with the fuel pressure sensor 20, the fuel temperature sensor 22, the forward pressure regulator 24, and the flow control valve 26 to supply one of the two (or more) fuels to the engine 30. The fuel controller 32 can communicate with the engine 30 to determine values ​​of operating parameters of the engine 30, including operating efficiency and engine output power, and adjust a first fuel flow rate or a first fuel pressure for a first group of segments, and adjust a second fuel flow rate or a second fuel pressure for a second group of segments.

[0087] Fuel controller uses performance plan to manage fuel supply

[0088] The fuel controller 32 on the vehicle 40 may communicate with the engine 30 and other systems on the vehicle 40 to collect current powertrain configuration information including values ​​of operating parameters and determine a performance plan using a set of powertrain configuration instructions including target values ​​of one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 40 for the route. In some embodiments, the fuel controller 32 may communicate with a server (not shown) on a network that is configured to determine the performance plan and send the performance plan to the vehicle 40.

[0089] The performance plan may include powertrain configuration instructions to operate the engine 30 , to not operate the engine 30 , to operate the M / G as a motor, to operate the M / G as a generator, to supply power from the battery system to the M / G operating as a motor, and to supply fuel or a mixture of two fuels to the engine 230 .

[0090] The performance plan may include values ​​for a set of operating parameters of the vehicle 40, including values ​​for operating the engine 30 below a maximum engine operating speed value or within a range of engine operating speed values, for operating the M / G as a motor below a maximum motor operating speed value or within a range of motor operating speed values, and for operating the M / G as a generator below a maximum generator operating speed value or within a range of generator operating speed values.

[0091] Before the vehicle 40 begins traveling on the route, the performance plan may be communicated to the vehicle 40. As the vehicle 40 travels on the route, subsequent performance plans may be communicated to the vehicle 40. For example, traffic, accidents, or road closures may cause delays, which may affect fuel levels below a minimum amount, or vehicle performance may be lower than predicted due to weather or road conditions. In some embodiments, the performance plan may be communicated to the vehicle 40 periodically.

[0092] The performance plan communicated to the vehicle 40 may provide general operating parameters, but still allow the driver to drive the vehicle based on actual road conditions, traffic, visibility, weather, and other safety issues. For example, the route speed limit may be 65 miles per hour, and the vehicle 40 may be traveling on the route at 45 miles per hour because the driver has determined that it is unsafe to travel at 65 miles per hour (there may be inclement weather, poor visibility, accidents, road maintenance, etc.). An embodiment may determine the powertrain configuration of the vehicle 40 based on the current vehicle speed of 45 miles per hour and generate a performance plan with a set of operating parameters for the vehicle 40, but without sending any instructions to accelerate the vehicle 40. The performance plan may be updated in real time to adapt to changes in traffic, weather, route, etc.

[0093] Figure 6 A flow chart depicting a method for generating a performance plan for a vehicle 40 having a multi-fuel system 100 , 200 , or 300 .

[0094] The performance plan may be based on, for example, the distance of segments of the route or the total distance, the route topography, the proximity or location of various types of fueling stations along the route, identified green zones or areas where regulations require the vehicle 40 to operate based on the values ​​of one or more specific operating parameters, or a feedback loop based on the values ​​of operating parameters (e.g., temperature). The performance plan may include fuel selections of a single fuel or a mixture of two or more fuels for a portion or the entire route, and values ​​for operating the engine 30 using a single fuel or a mixture of two or more fuels. A mixture of two or more fuels may include ratios of the two or more fuels.

[0095] At step 602, a server communicatively connected to the fuel controller 32 obtains route data points for the route that the vehicle 40 is expected to travel on. The route data points may be retrieved from an external source (e.g., through a server in communication with a global positioning satellite (GPS) source server), and may contain a large number of route data points. In some embodiments, the route data points for the route that the vehicle 40 is expected to travel on may be collected from one or more vehicles 40 that have previously traveled on the route. In some embodiments, the route data points may be stored in a data structure in the server.

[0096] At step 604, the server generates or compresses the route data points into linearized segments. Compressing the route data points into linearized segments includes analyzing the route data points to determine a set of route data points indicating an uphill segment, a downhill segment, and a flat segment, and determining the slope and distance of each segment. Determining the linearized segment may further include determining an altitude, a road surface, and other information about the segment. In some embodiments, determining the linearized segment may include determining that the segment forms at least a portion of a zone associated with reduced emissions. Information about each linearized segment may be stored in a data structure on the server.

[0097] At step 606, the server determines the current powertrain configuration information of the vehicle 40. As used herein, the current powertrain configuration information refers to which components are installed on the vehicle 40 and how they operate. For example, the powertrain configuration may include information that the powertrain includes the engine 30, the motor / generator, and the battery system. The powertrain information may also include information such as that the engine 30 has a specific displacement (e.g., 8.2L), is capable of providing a specific output power (e.g., 400kW), and uses a specific type of fuel (e.g., diesel) or multiple types of fuel (e.g., CNG, hydrogen), the motor / generator (M / G) can be operated as a motor to provide rotational power (e.g., 400kW), and can be operated as a generator to provide manual power (e.g., 350kW), and the battery system has a maximum charging capacity (e.g., 500Amp-hr), a maximum charging rate, a minimum charging capacity, a maximum discharge rate, and a maximum operating temperature. The powertrain configuration information may also include real-time information, such as that the engine 30 operates at an efficiency of 85% to generate 400kW of power.

[0098] At step 608, the server may determine the vehicle weight. The vehicle weight includes the weight of the vehicle 40 plus the weight of any trailer coupled to the vehicle 40 and any cargo in the vehicle 40 or trailer. In some embodiments, the server retrieves the vehicle weight information stored in a memory in the vehicle 40.

[0099] Single fuel supply on route

[0100] At step 610, the fuel controller 32 or a server communicatively connected to the fuel controller 32 determines a target value for an operating parameter for each road segment. The target value for the operating parameter indicates how the powertrain should operate to drive the vehicle on the road segment in the route. In some embodiments, the target value for the operating parameter may be based on the vehicle 40 emitting zero or low emissions in the road segment. For example, a target value for an engine operating with zero emissions may indicate operating the engine 30 using a fuel that does not produce carbon emissions. Other target values ​​may include an engine speed range (e.g., 1800 to 2400 RPM), an M / G power range (e.g., 55 to 60% peak power), a maximum battery discharge rate, a maximum battery temperature, etc.

[0101] At step 612, an embodiment determines a first set of predicted values ​​for a set of operating parameters of the vehicle 40 corresponding to supplying a single first fuel to the engine 30. The set of operating parameters may include emissions output, engine efficiency, engine output power, motor efficiency of the M / G operating as a motor, generator efficiency of the M / G operating as a generator, and battery state of charge (SOC).

[0102] At step 614, an embodiment determines a second set of predicted values ​​for a set of operating parameters of the vehicle 40 corresponding to supplying a second fuel to the engine 30. The second fuel may correspond to a single fuel (e.g., Figure 1 and 2 In some embodiments, the second fuel may correspond to one or more fuels stored as a mixed fuel (e.g. Figure 2 and 3 ).

[0103] At step 616 , an embodiment compares the first set of predicted values ​​to the second set of predicted values ​​to determine whether to supply the first fuel or the second fuel to the engine 30 based on the operating requirements.

[0104] Fuel switching

[0105] At step 618 , an embodiment determines a first fuel current amount of a first fuel.

[0106] At step 620 , an embodiment determines a second fuel current amount of a second fuel.

[0107] At step 622 , an embodiment may determine that the first fuel or the second fuel is insufficient to meet all operational requirements of the route.

[0108] At step 624 , an embodiment determines a first set of road segments for the route for which operating the engine supplied with the first fuel will satisfy the first operating requirement.

[0109] At step 626 , an embodiment determines a second set of road segments for the route for which operating the engine supplied with the second fuel will satisfy the second operating requirement.

[0110] At step 628, the fuel controller 32 determines a performance plan, or a server communicatively connected to the fuel controller 32 sends a performance plan to the fuel controller 32. The performance plan includes a set of powertrain configuration instructions and values ​​for a set of operating parameters of the vehicle 40 for at least one segment of the vehicle 40's route. The performance plan may include a set of powertrain configuration instructions for supplying a single fuel to all road sections, a set of powertrain configuration instructions for supplying two or more fuels as a mixed fuel to all road sections, may include a first set of powertrain configuration instructions for supplying a first fuel to the engine 30 and operating the engine 30 in a first powertrain configuration on each road section in a first set of sections, and a second set of powertrain configuration instructions for supplying a second fuel to the engine 30 and operating the engine 30 in a second powertrain configuration on each road section in a second set of sections, or may include a first set of powertrain configuration instructions for supplying a first fuel to the engine 30 and operating the engine 30 in each road section in the first set of sections according to a set of operating parameters, and a second set of powertrain configuration instructions for supplying two or more fuels as a mixed fuel to the engine 30 and operating the engine 30 in the second powertrain configuration on each road section in a second set of sections.

[0111] At step 630, the fuel controller 32 receives the performance plan and communicates with the pressure regulator 24 and the one or more flow control valves 26 to supply one or more fuels to the engine 30 for each segment based on the performance plan. In some embodiments, the flow controller 32 communicates with the pressure regulator 26 and the flow controller 28 to control the flow of the one or more fuels to the engine 30 based on the fuel energy content or mass properties. Controlling the flow of the one or more fuels may include allowing only a single fuel to flow to the engine 30. Controlling the flow of the one or more fuels may include allowing only fuel from a single tank 18 or a group of tanks 18 to flow to the engine 30. If two or more fuels are to be supplied to the engine 30, controlling the flow of the one or more fuels may include controlling the ratio of the two or more fuels.

[0112] In some embodiments, flow controller 32 communicates with pressure regulator 26 and flow controller 28 to control the flow of one or more fuels to engine 30 based on temperature feedback received from engine 30 .

[0113] Box characteristics

[0114] Figure 7A data structure 700 is depicted containing rows 704 corresponding to each tank 18 and columns 702 corresponding to characteristics of each tank 18. Tank column 702-1 may contain an identifier of a fuel tank 18. Volume column 702-2 may contain a value for the volumetric capacity of the tank 18. Maximum pressure column 702-3 may contain a value for the maximum pressure that the tank 18 can withstand. Maximum fill rate column 702-4 may contain a value for the maximum rate at which fuel may be added to the tank 18. Maximum fill pressure column 702-5 may contain a value for the maximum pressure at which fuel may be added to the tank 18.

[0115] Fuel characteristics

[0116] Figure 8 Depicted is a data structure 800 including fuel characteristics of the fuel stored in each tank 18. Tank column 802-1 contains an identifier of the fuel tank 18, fuel column 802-2 contains a value for the type of fuel stored in tank 18, maximum fuel pressure column 802-3 contains a value for the maximum fuel pressure of the fuel in tank 18, current fuel pressure column 802-4 contains a value for the current fuel pressure of the fuel in tank 18, current fuel temperature column 802-5 contains a value for the current fuel temperature of the fuel in tank 18, current fuel quantity column 802-6 contains a value for the current quantity of fuel in tank 18, emissions column 802-7 contains a value for the emissions generated when operating the engine with the fuel in tank 18, and cost column 802-8 contains a value for the cost of the fuel in tank 18. Data structure 800 may also contain other columns of information. For example, data structure 800 may store a value for each fuel that corresponds to how much power the engine can generate when fuel is supplied in tank 18 and the efficiency associated with the engine being supplied with fuel. Data structure 800 contains a row 804 for each tank 18. For example, the data structure 800 contains four rows 804 - 1 through 804 - 4 corresponding to a vehicle 40 having four fuel tanks 18 .

[0117] The values ​​of the maximum fuel pressure column 802-3, the emissions column 802-7, and the cost 802-8 depend on the characteristics of the fuel in the tank 18. For example, hydrogen has a higher maximum fuel pressure than CNG and has zero emissions, but the cost per unit may be higher than CNG. The value of the current fuel amount column 802-6 depends on the characteristics of the fuel in the tank 18, the current fuel pressure, and the current fuel temperature.

[0118] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative, not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A multi-fuel system for a vehicle, comprising: at least one fuel tank; a first fuel container configured to receive a first fuel; at least a second fuel container configured to receive a second fuel; at least one sensor configured to detect a fuel fill specific to each respective fuel container; at least one sensor configured to detect an amount of the first fuel or the second fuel; a fuel-independent engine capable of being configured to selectively combust one or more of the first fuel and the second fuel; and A fuel controller comprising a processor that executes instructions to: determining an energy content of the first fuel in the at least one fuel tank; determining an energy content of the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank; determining a mass property of the first fuel in the at least one fuel tank from the sensed fuel fill; determining a mass property of the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank from the sensed fuel fill; determining a fuel ratio of the first fuel and the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank based on the energy content and the mass property of the first fuel and the energy content and the mass property of the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank; and Supplying at least one of the first fuel and the second fuel to the fuel is not limited to the engine.

2. The multi-fuel system of claim 1, wherein: A first tank of the at least one fuel tank stores a mixture of the first fuel and the second fuel; A second fuel tank of the at least one fuel tank stores a single type of fuel; and The processor executes the instructions to: determining the fuel ratio of the first fuel and the second fuel in the first fuel tank based on the energy content and the mass properties of the first fuel in the first fuel tank and the energy content and the mass properties of the second fuel; determining an amount of the single fuel in the second fuel tank; and Supplying the mixture of the first fuel and the second fuel, the second fuel, or a combination thereof to the fuel does not define an engine.

3. The multi-fuel system according to claim 1 further comprises a flow switch configured to measure a flow rate of the first fuel or the second fuel entering the at least one fuel tank, wherein the processor executes the instructions to determine one or more of the energy content and the mass properties of the first fuel or the second fuel based on the measured flow rate of the first fuel or the second fuel through the flow switch.

4. The multi-fuel system of claim 3, further comprising an on switch coupled to the first fuel container, wherein the on switch is configured to communicate a signal to the processor when an external fuel source is connected to the first fuel container, wherein the processor executes the instructions to: determining that the first fuel is being added; and One or more of the energy content and the mass property of the first fuel is determined based on a measured flow rate of the first fuel through the flow switch.

5. The multi-fuel system of claim 1 , wherein the fuel controller processor executes instructions to: determining a route associated with the vehicle; determining a plurality of road segments for the route; determining a performance plan for the vehicle for at least one road segment of the plurality of road segments; and The performance plan is communicated to the vehicle, the performance plan comprising a set of powertrain configuration instructions to operate a powertrain of the vehicle for the at least one of the plurality of road segments, wherein the set of powertrain configuration instructions includes instructions for supplying the first fuel, the second fuel, or a combination thereof to operate the engine on the at least one of the plurality of road segments.

6. The multi-fuel system of claim 5, wherein: The first fuel is associated with zero emissions; and The processor executes the instructions to: determining a current amount of the first fuel; determining a current amount of the second fuel; determining that the powertrain system is incapable of operating the engine over the plurality of road segments using only the current amount of the first fuel; determining that the powertrain is incapable of operating the engine over the plurality of road segments using only the current amount of the second fuel; determining that a first set of road segments includes at least one road segment having an operating requirement for operating the vehicle with zero emissions; and The performance plan is communicated to the vehicle, wherein the first set of powertrain configuration instructions includes fuel instructions for supplying the first fuel to the engine and engine operating instructions for operating the engine in a first powertrain configuration on each of the first set of road segments.

7. The multi-fuel system of claim 5, wherein the fuel controller processor executes instructions to: determining one or more of a performance of the engine, a location of the vehicle relative to a zero emission zone, a change in the route, traffic on the route, or weather on the route; and An update is communicated to the performance plan, the update comprising an updated set of powertrain configuration instructions to operate the powertrain of the vehicle for the at least one of the plurality of road segments, wherein the updated set of powertrain configuration instructions includes instructions for supplying the first fuel, the second fuel, or a combination thereof based on the performance of the engine, the location of the vehicle, the change in the route, the traffic on the route, or the weather on the route.

8. The multi-fuel system of claim 6, wherein the processor executes the instructions to: determining a first fuel current amount of the first fuel; determining a second fuel current amount of the second fuel; determining a first set of road segments for the route for which operating the engine supplied with the first fuel will satisfy a first operating requirement; determining a second set of road segments for the route for which operating the engine supplied with the second fuel will satisfy a second operating requirement; and The performance plan includes: a first set of powertrain configuration instructions for supplying the first fuel to the engine and operating the engine in a first powertrain configuration on each of the first set of road segments; and A second set of powertrain configuration instructions are for supplying the second fuel to the engine and operating the engine in a second powertrain configuration on each of the second set of road segments.

9. The multi-fuel system of claim 8, wherein: The first fuel comprises a first gaseous fuel having a first fuel pressure between a first fuel minimum pressure and a first fuel maximum pressure; the second fuel comprising a second gaseous fuel having a second fuel pressure between a second fuel minimum pressure and a second fuel maximum pressure; The processor executes the instructions to: determining the first fuel current amount based on the first fuel pressure; and The second fuel current amount is determined based on the second fuel pressure.

10. A method of supplying one or more fuels to support engine operation, comprising: communicating with a sensor to determine an amount of fuel, one of a first fuel or a second fuel, added to a fuel system including a plurality of fuel tanks; a fuel tank in communication with a set of valves to route the fuel to the plurality of fuel tanks; determining an energy content of the first fuel in at least one fuel tank; determining an energy content of the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank; determining a mass property of the first fuel in the at least one fuel tank from the sensed fuel fill; determining a mass property of the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank from the sensed fuel fill; determining a fuel ratio of the first fuel and the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank based on the energy content and the mass property of the first fuel and the energy content and the mass property of the second fuel in the at least one fuel tank; and At least one of the first fuel and the second fuel is supplied to a fuel-independent engine.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein supplying at least one of the first fuel and the second fuel to the fuel-independent engine includes communicating with one or more flow control valves to adjust the flow of one or more of the first fuel and the second fuel based on at least one of the energy content of the first fuel and the energy content of the second fuel.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein supplying at least one of the first fuel and the second fuel to the fuel-independent engine includes communicating with one or more flow control valves to adjust the flow of one or more of the first fuel and the second fuel based on temperature feedback from the engine.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising determining a current amount of a first fuel based on a first fuel pressure; determining a current amount of a second fuel based on a second fuel pressure; determining that the second fuel is associated with a lower operating cost of the vehicle; determining that the powertrain system is incapable of operating the engine over a plurality of road segments using only the first current amount of fuel; determining that the powertrain system is incapable of operating the engine over the plurality of road segments using only the second current amount of fuel; determining that the second set of road segments does not include at least one road segment having an operating requirement for operating the vehicle with zero emissions; and A performance plan is communicated to the vehicle, wherein a second set of powertrain configuration instructions includes fuel instructions for supplying the second fuel to the engine and engine operating instructions for operating the engine in a second powertrain configuration on each of the second set of road segments.

14. A method for controlling operation of a vehicle having a multi-fuel system, the method comprising: determining a route associated with the vehicle; determining a plurality of road segments for the route; Determining a performance plan for the vehicle for at least one of the plurality of road segments includes: determining one or more characteristics of a first fuel in the first tank; and determining one or more characteristics of a second fuel in the first tank or the second tank; and A performance plan is communicated to the vehicle, the performance plan comprising a set of powertrain configuration instructions to operate a powertrain of the vehicle for the at least one of the plurality of road segments, wherein the set of powertrain configuration instructions includes instructions for supplying the first fuel, the second fuel, or a combination thereof to an engine of the vehicle on the at least one of the plurality of road segments.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: determining a set of operating parameters of the vehicle corresponding to supplying the first fuel, the second fuel, or a combination thereof to the engine, the set of operating parameters comprising emissions output, engine efficiency, engine output power, motor efficiency of an M / G operating as a motor, generator efficiency of the M / G operating as a generator, battery state of charge (SOC), or a combination thereof; determining a second set of values ​​for the set of operating parameters of the vehicle corresponding to supplying the second fuel to the engine; and The first set of values ​​is compared to the second set of values ​​to determine whether to supply the first fuel or the second fuel to the engine based on operating requirements.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: determining a first fuel current amount of the first fuel; determining a second fuel current amount of the second fuel; determining a first set of road segments for the route for which operating the engine supplied with the first fuel will satisfy a first operating requirement; determining a second set of road segments for the route for which operating the engine supplied with the second fuel will satisfy a second operating requirement; and Determine that the performance plan includes: determining a first set of powertrain configuration instructions for supplying the first fuel to the engine and operating the engine in a first powertrain configuration on each of the first set of road segments; and A second set of powertrain configuration instructions is determined for supplying the second fuel to the engine and operating the engine in a second powertrain configuration on each of the second set of road segments.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein: The first fuel comprises a first gaseous fuel having a first fuel pressure between a first fuel minimum pressure and a first fuel maximum pressure; the second fuel comprising a second gaseous fuel having a second fuel pressure between a second fuel minimum pressure and a second fuel maximum pressure; and Determine that the performance plan includes: determining the first fuel current amount based on the first fuel pressure; and The second fuel current amount is determined based on the second fuel pressure.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The first fuel is associated with zero emissions; Determine that the performance plan includes: determining the first fuel current amount based on the first fuel pressure; determining a current amount of the second fuel based on the second fuel pressure; determining that the powertrain system is incapable of operating the engine over the plurality of road segments using only the first current amount of fuel; determining that the powertrain system is incapable of operating the engine over the plurality of road segments using only the second current amount of fuel; and determining that the first set of road segments includes at least one road segment having an operating requirement for operating the vehicle with zero emissions, The first set of powertrain configuration instructions includes fuel instructions for supplying the first fuel to the engine and engine operating instructions for operating the engine in a first powertrain configuration on each of the first set of road segments.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein determining the performance plan comprises: determining the first fuel current amount based on the first fuel pressure; determining a current amount of the second fuel based on the second fuel pressure; determining that the second fuel is associated with a lower operating cost of the vehicle; determining that the powertrain system is incapable of operating the engine over the plurality of road segments using only the first current amount of fuel; determining that the powertrain system is incapable of operating the engine over the plurality of road segments using only the second current amount of fuel; determining that the second set of road segments does not include at least one road segment having an operational requirement for operating the vehicle with zero emissions, The second set of powertrain configuration instructions includes fuel instructions for supplying the second fuel to the engine and engine operating instructions for operating the engine in a second powertrain configuration on each of the second set of road segments.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the set of operating parameters includes emissions output, engine efficiency, engine output power, motor efficiency of the M / G operating as a motor, generator efficiency of the M / G operating as a generator, battery state of charge (SOC), or a combination thereof.

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