Method and system for a motor-driven metering pump

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for improving the accuracy of fuel metering of a motor-driven fuel pump without the need for a companion controller. Characteristic resistor values dedicated to the fuel pump or motor are used to calculate fuel pump motor speed to regulate fuel delivery to the engine.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a non-provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 404,252, entitled “Methods And Systems For Motor-Driven Metering Pump,” filed on September 7, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Typically, fuel delivery for engine combustion has been carefully controlled by combining a fuel pump type with a fuel metering unit (FMU) to achieve precise fuel metering. However, this increases the number of components and complexity within such systems, increasing size and cost while complicating maintenance, modification, and system upgrades. Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods that improve the metering accuracy of fuel pumps sufficient to eliminate the conventional requirement for a separate or integrated FMU. Summary of the invention

[0004] A system and method for improving the accuracy of fuel metering of a motor-driven fuel pump is disclosed, substantially as shown and described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings. In particular, as disclosed herein, a characterization device specific to a fuel pump is used to identify the performance capabilities of the fuel pump and control fuel delivery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a functional diagram of an example system for delivering fuel to an engine according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An illustration of an example graphical implementation of a list of volumetric efficiency values ​​and calculations for determining the volumetric efficiency of a given fuel pump according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided.

[0007] Figure 3 An example method of regulating fuel delivery to an engine according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example technique for determining the volumetric efficiency of a pump by referencing the motor electrical phasors of the pump according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where appropriate, similar or identical reference numbers are used to refer to similar or identical components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present disclosure provides a system and method for improving the accuracy of fuel metering of a motor-driven fuel pump without the need for a matching controller. This is achieved by adding a characterization device dedicated to the fuel pump, the value of which is used to calculate the fuel pump motor speed to regulate fuel delivery to the engine.

[0011] In some examples, a characterizing device (e.g., an identifier such as a resistor) having one or more characterizing device values ​​(e.g., resistance values) is installed in or otherwise incorporated with the fuel pump motor. The fuel pump motor controller is configured to receive and / or read the device values ​​without necessarily being a matched motor pump and controller set, the device values ​​being used to customize the volumetric efficiency estimate for a particular fuel pump to more accurately set pump operation and / or speed, and therefore fuel delivery, to obtain a desired fuel delivery rate to operate the engine.

[0012] Thus, in some examples, the fuel pump motor controller accesses a list of volumetric efficiencies associated with a particular pump or pump type based on a value (e.g., a resistance value) of a characterizing device (e.g., a characterizing resistor). For example, when a fuel flow command is received from an engine controller, the fuel pump motor controller identifies one or more operating parameters of the fuel pump based on the corresponding volumetric efficiency of the identified fuel pump. The fuel pump is then controlled based on the one or more operating parameters (e.g., temperature, speed, timing, flow rate, etc.).

[0013] In some examples, additional data associated with the fuel pump (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.) is monitored and / or received (e.g., by one or more sensors, input via one or more interfaces, etc.) at the fuel pump motor controller. The fuel pump motor controller may adjust operation of the fuel pump (e.g., speed) in response to the monitored and / or received data falling outside of a predetermined threshold range, which may similarly be associated with a particular pump identified by comparison to a resistance value (e.g., in a list, in a connected list of values, calculated at a processor of the fuel pump motor controller, etc.).

[0014] Accurate fuel metering is important for controlling combustion in many engines, such as air-breathing engines. Typical internal combustion engine-driven vehicles, such as those in the aerospace industry, employ fuel metering systems that rely on transmission-driven fuel pumps. In operation, the transmission-driven fuel pump provides a supply of excess pressurized fuel based on engine speed, regardless of the amount of fuel required to drive the engine. In some examples, a separate FMU receives fuel flow values ​​and timing data from the engine controller and carefully meters excess flow from the pump down to the level required for optimal engine operation.

[0015] Although several functions of the system are described as being controlled via the engine controller 12 and / or the fuel pump motor controller 14, in some examples, a single controller may be employed to control the operation of the disclosed system functions. In some examples where multiple controllers are employed, the controllers may work in concert (e.g., be synchronized, receive instructions from a master controller, etc.), the controllers may operate independently, and / or be selectively controlled to cooperate during certain operating sections (e.g., at startup). Furthermore, the various controllers may be collocated within the system, or may be arranged separately (e.g., near the controlled components).

[0016] Some vehicles do not employ a transmission and therefore require another mechanism to drive the fuel pump to deliver fuel to the burner. In some examples, employing a motor-driven fuel pump enables the fuel system to operate without the use of a transmission, as well as controlling the pump speed independently of engine operating conditions (e.g., speed), thereby enabling the fuel pump to meter fuel flow without the use of an FMU.

[0017] Due to inherent differences in the manufacturing processes of various pump types, it is known that the flow rate delivered from any given pump (such as that delivered based on motor shaft speed) does not have the level of accuracy required to efficiently and effectively deliver fuel for modern fuel metering systems. Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods to improve the metering accuracy of motor-driven fuel pumps, such as systems that do not employ or require an additional FMU.

[0018] In a disclosed example, the system and method employ a brushless direct current (DC) motor configured to drive a fixed displacement pump (such as a gear pump) to provide a fuel flow rate that varies nearly linearly with the speed of the motor. The motor is connected to and / or controlled by a fuel pump motor controller that is configured to receive one or more fuel flow commands, such as from a vehicle and / or engine controller.

[0019] In some disclosed examples, one or more lists (e.g., lookup tables (LUTs), matrices, algorithmic functions, etc.) may be accessed by and / or contained within a controller (logically and / or physically) to provide an expected, calculated, and / or nominal volumetric efficiency of a pump as a function of one or more fuel pump operating parameters. Example fuel pump operating parameters may include one or more of motor speed, volumetric flow rate, pump discharge pressure, and / or fuel temperature. For example, one or more fuel pump operating parameters may be accessed by a fuel pump motor controller and / or via a network interface connected to a data source (e.g., a remote computer).

[0020] In some examples, the fuel pump motor controller includes and / or is configured to access additional lists and / or logic functions that provide known or expected standard deviations of volumetric efficiency as a function of fuel pump operating parameters. For example, the values ​​within the list of volumetric efficiency represent known and / or expected fuel pump types that the fuel pump motor controller can be coupled with and / or controlled.

[0021] Based on the available information, the fuel pump controller is configured to command the fuel flow rate Wf from the following equation 1 cmd Determine and / or otherwise calculate the desired motor speed N cmd :

[0022]

[0023] Equation 1

[0024] in:

[0025] ρ(T) represents the fluid density calculated based on the fluid temperature (T)

[0026] Disp represents the theoretical displacement of the pump

[0027] η v The volumetric efficiency of the pump is expressed as a function of speed (N), pressure (P), temperature (T) and the value of the characteristic resistor (R), η v Based on the following equation 2,

[0028] η v (N,P,T,R)=η vnominal (N,P,T)+K(R)η v1σ (N,P,T)

[0029] Equation 2

[0030] in:

[0031] K(R) is based on a characterizing resistor value (R). For example, one value of R may be mapped to K=0, so that the fuel pump motor controller will use the nominal volumetric efficiency for a given fuel pump. Different pumps may present different values ​​of R that map to K=-0.3, so that the fuel pump motor controller uses the nominal volumetric efficiency minus 0.3 standard deviation.

[0032] In some examples, the characterization resistor may be configured to include one or more discrete sets of resistance values. For example, each resistance value may be mapped to a discrete K(R) value (e.g., 0, +0.2, -0.2, +0.4, -0.4, etc.). Alternatively, the fuel pump motor controller may accept a continuously variable resistor and calculate the K value according to K=f(R). For example, K=0.003(R-1000) would return K=0 for a resistor value of 1000 ohms, or K=0.9 for a resistor value of 1300 ohms.

[0033] Thus, systems and methods employing characterizing resistance for a given fuel pump or fuel pump motor ensure that fluid flow is efficiently metered according to corresponding fuel pump operating parameters controlled by engine commands.

[0034] Although in some examples, the characterizing device is defined as a resistor having a particular resistance value, in some examples, the characterizing device is additionally or alternatively a physical or mechanical device (e.g., an inductor, a capacitor, a resolver offset, etc.), a visual device (e.g., a quick response (QR), a barcode, text, a graphical indication, etc.), and / or an electromagnetic signal (e.g., a signal from a radio frequency (RF) tag, etc.) and / or other types of indications corresponding to the characterizing value and / or the characterizing device 22.

[0035] As used herein, a fuel pump delivers fuel from a fuel tank to a burner of an engine.

[0036] As used herein, a fixed displacement pump is a pump whose flow rate can only be varied by adjusting the speed of the pump.

[0037] As used herein, a combustor is the component of an engine where combustion occurs.

[0038] As used herein, an air-breathing engine is an engine that generates thrust from energy first drawn into the atmosphere and then compressed, heated, and expanded back to atmospheric pressure through a turbine and / or nozzle.

[0039] As used herein, circuitry includes any analog and / or digital components, power and / or control elements such as microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), software, etc., discrete and / or integrated components, or portions and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to list different components or elements of the same type, and do not necessarily imply any particular order. For example, although in some examples, a first compartment is located before a second compartment in an airflow path, the terms "first compartment" and "second compartment" do not imply any specific order in which airflow passes through the compartments.

[0041] Figure 1A is a functional diagram of an example system 10 for delivering fuel to an engine. As disclosed herein, the system 10 includes one or more of the following: a fuel pump 18 having one or more fuel pump motors 20, a fixed displacement pump 24, and / or one or more sensors 26 (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, density meters, flow meters, etc.). In some additional or alternative examples, the pump 24 may be or include a variable displacement pump in which the fluid displacement and / or speed is varied to achieve a desired fuel flow rate. A characterizing device or resistor 22 is integrated with or otherwise electrically connected to the fuel pump motor 20. A fuel pump motor controller 14 is connected to or integrated with the fuel pump 18, and is configured to control the fuel pump motor 20 to regulate fuel metering to the engine 30. For example, the fuel pump 18 delivers fuel from a fuel source / tank 16 to the engine 30 (e.g., a burner) via one or more passages 28. In some examples, the fuel pump motor 20 may include one or more components, including a boost pump 48, a rotary transformer 50, and / or a motor 52.

[0042] The engine controller 12 is connected to and / or communicates with one or both of the engine 30 and the fuel pump motor controller 14 by wire and / or wireless communication (e.g., via communication link 34). The fuel pump motor controller 14 includes one or more components and / or circuit systems, such as a microprocessor / controller 36, a memory storage device 38 (e.g., including a list, matrix, library, etc.), and / or one or more interfaces 40 (e.g., including a user interface, a network interface, a communication interface, etc.). The fuel pump motor controller 14 is further connected to and / or communicates with the fuel pump 18 by wire and / or wireless communication (e.g., transmitting control and / or command signals via digital or analog electrical signals, mechanical changes, hydraulic changes, etc.) via a channel 32.

[0043] In some examples, fuel pump motor 20 receives power (e.g., electrical and / or mechanical power) from a power source (e.g., a battery, a generator output, an engine, an electric motor, etc.). Fuel pump motor controller 14 is configured to regulate power delivery at fuel pump motor 20 by controlling operation of one or more circuits 42 (e.g., control circuits, power conversion circuits, etc.). Although circuits 42 are Figure 1A In the example of the example system 100, circuit 42 is shown as being located on fuel pump motor controller 14, but in some examples, circuit 42 may be located on or integrated with fuel pump 18. Further, in some examples, fuel pump motor controller 14 and associated circuitry are located on or integrated with fuel pump 18. Furthermore, example system 100 may include other components not specifically discussed herein.

[0044] Although system 10 is described as employing a single characterization device 22 , in some examples, multiple devices (eg, 2, 3, or more) may be employed per pump to provide a higher resolution corresponding characterization value for a given pump.

[0045] In some alternative or additional examples, multiple characterization devices are arranged in a manner that predictably changes the characteristics of power flowing through the multiple devices. For example, two or more characterization resistors can be arranged in series or in parallel, and / or one or more characterization resistors can be arranged in parallel or in series with another device such as one or more rotary transformer wires that are already on the motor pump. In such examples, even if additional wires are not required (e.g., for reading the resistor value), the resistance value can still be read at startup or another operating point. For example, additional wiring for monitoring the characterization device value is not added to the wiring harness 32 because dedicated wires for the characterization device are not required. In some additional or alternative examples, dedicated wiring from the characterization device can extend from the device and / or system 10 to be read by a controller (e.g., engine controller 12 and / or fuel pump motor controller 14).

[0046] In some alternative or additional examples, the distance sensor 21 can be used with the characterization device and / or replace such a device. For example, a distance sensor (e.g., a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), a Hall effect sensor, etc.) can be used to measure the distance, and then the distance is incorporated into the unit when the pump is assembled (rather than installing a resistor as a characterization device). In some examples, the threaded distance adjuster 23 (e.g., a threaded rod) can be easier to set up during assembly and provide better resolution than installing discrete resistor values. For example, the gap between the threaded rods can be set and / or measured with an integrated distance sensor so that the gap distance is used to characterize the type of pump used. For example, the distance can be described as the gap between the Hall effect sensor in a fixed position and a target, which can have a variable relative position. The output signal from the Hall effect sensor corresponds to a known relationship based on the distance between the target and the Hall effect sensor, allowing the fuel pump motor controller to regulate the operation of the fuel pump based on one or more characteristics of the output signal. A specific output signal can be compared with a list of output signals corresponding to the distance and a specific fuel pump or pump operating parameter (e.g., stored in a memory storage device), which can be used by the fuel pump controller to regulate the operation of the fuel pump.

[0047] Figure 1B is a functional diagram of an example system 10A for delivering fuel to an engine. Where similar components are presented, Figure 1B Use the corresponding Figure 1BAs shown, the system 10A includes a fuel pump 18 having one or more of a fuel pump motor 20, a pump 24, and / or one or more sensors 26. The example system 10A measures one or more operating parameters of the pump and uses the data to calculate the volumetric efficiency of the pump, rather than using the characterizing resistor 22 of the system 10.

[0048] In some fuel pumps, fuel pump units and variations thereof tend to be more pronounced at low speeds and high pressure differentials. One technique for characterizing pump leakage is to operate the pump for a predetermined duration at a defined operating point (e.g., motor speed, pressure differential, flow, etc.) at a known downstream flow throttle. One or more sensors measure the discharge pressure at the pump, which is calculated as a function of actual pump flow, throttle size, fuel type, and / or temperature. If one or more of the throttle size, fuel type, and temperature are preset (e.g., non-variable), the pump flow at a given pump speed can be determined and the volumetric efficiency of the pump calculated or otherwise determined (e.g., according to Equations 1 and 2). This information (e.g., the volumetric efficiency at a given operating point) can then be used to estimate pump performance at one or more additional or alternative operating points.

[0049] In example system 10A, volumetric efficiency is determined based on measured pump output rather than a characteristic resistor as described with respect to system 10. One example benefit of this approach is that a characterization point can be run at the beginning of each operating cycle, allowing the effects of wear to be compensated for throughout the operating life of the motor pump. In other words, the determination of volumetric efficiency is based on the condition of the pump at the time of measurement, which may change over time. For example, the information captured about the operating efficiency of the pump can also be used to inform maintenance requirements.

[0050] Some engines begin operation through an initial startup sequence, which can serve as a useful operating point for collecting pump output measurements. Advantageously, startup and / or calibration sequences typically operate at low fuel flow levels, and therefore at low pump speeds, so that the variable downstream restriction 46 (e.g., an adjustable valve) can be used to set a sufficiently high pressure drop through which to characterize the condition of the pump.

[0051] In some examples, a user can set a downstream high pressure value (e.g., set at device 46 by adjusting a physical valve, controlling an electromechanical valve via an interface, etc.) Advantageously, this can be used to increase pressure at lower motor speeds, and / or reveal leaks at the pump, as the pump pressure may not match the expected pressure output due to slow throttling from device 46.

[0052] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example implementation of a table or lookup table 38 providing volumetric efficiencies of various fuel pumps as disclosed herein is provided. As shown, Figure 2A shows a range of values ​​of fuel pump speed (in revolutions per minute, rpm) associated with nominal volumetric efficiency (percentage - for a pump with a given fluid type at various operating temperatures and pressures), while Figure 2B A range of values ​​of fuel pump speed (in rpm) associated with a standard deviation (e.g., ±1σ) volumetric efficiency (percent) is shown. Table 38 is accessed and the nominal volumetric efficiency value and / or the standard deviation volumetric efficiency value are used to determine the operating volumetric efficiency of a given fuel pump based on the resistance value of the corresponding characterizing device.

[0053] Figure 3 It is shown that according to Figures 1A to 2B A flow chart of an example method 300 of regulating fuel delivery to an engine by following a plurality of process steps and / or executing machine-readable instructions (such as stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage device) of the described systems and concepts.

[0054] In block 302 , command signals (eg, from a user interface or engine controller) are received (eg, at engine controller 12 ) to operate an engine (eg, engine 30 ).

[0055] In block 304 , a fuel flow command including fuel metering data is received at the fuel pump motor controller 14 from the engine controller (eg, via the communication link 34 ).

[0056] In block 306, the fuel pump motor controller 14 receives a signal corresponding to the resistance value from the characterizing device 22. For example, the fuel pump motor controller 14 may send an interrogation signal to the fuel pump 18 and read the characterizing value from the feedback signal, read a quick response (QR), a bar code, a radio frequency (RF) tag, and / or other types of indications of one or more values ​​of the characterizing device 22.

[0057] In block 308 , fuel pump motor controller 14 compares (eg, via processor 36 ) the resistance value to a list of resistance values ​​(eg, stored in list 38 ) that correspond to volumetric efficiencies of the fuel pump.

[0058] In block 310 , the fuel pump motor controller 14 calculates (eg, via the processor 36 ) a commanded speed for the fuel pump motor 20 .

[0059] In block 312, fuel pump motor controller 14 regulates electrical power (e.g., via passage 32) to control fuel pump motor 20 to regulate fuel delivery to engine 30 based in part on the commanded speed. For example, the commanded speed signal controls the speed (rpms) of the fuel pump motor to deliver fuel based on fuel metering data.

[0060] In additional or alternative block 314, one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 26) measure one or more operating parameters of the fuel and / or the fuel pump motor (e.g., temperature, pressure, density, flow rate, etc.). In block 316, the fuel pump motor controller 14 receives the sensor data and calculates adjustments to the fuel pump motor command speed accordingly.

[0061] The process then returns to block 302 to continue monitoring engine commands and / or sensor data during operation.

[0062] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example technique for determining the volumetric efficiency of a pump by referencing the motor electrical phasors of the pump is shown. For example, some motors (such as brushless permanent magnet motors) typically include a rotor position sensor (e.g., sensor 44) or a rotary transformer (e.g., rotary transformer 50) that can be used for commutation. An example rotor position sensor includes a Hall effect encoder. In some examples, such as in Figure 4A As shown in , during motor assembly, the sensor / resolver is calibrated so that the resolver feedback phasor is aligned with the rotational positioning of the motor electrical phasor. The motor controller (e.g., controller 14) then uses the resolver feedback phasor positioning to control and time the application of current to the motor operating at a rotational speed ω in order to achieve the desired motor operation.

[0063] For example, a motor controller (e.g., controllers 12, 14) may include "auto-tune" logic that is configured to detect and measure the offset between the resolver feedback phasor and the motor electrical phasor / rotation. Here, the offset angle is fixed over the life of the motor. The controller stores this offset angle (e.g., in table 38) and is able to control and time the application of current to the motor as if the resolver had been physically calibrated. This logic routine simplifies motor assembly by eliminating the need for resolver calibration.

[0064] Using this offset value, in an alternative or additional implementation that employs resistors for unit characterization, a predetermined resolver offset can be calibrated during assembly and assigned to the motor pump. Referring to Equation 2, employing discrete K values ​​that are a function of the offset angle rather than the resistor value (e.g., using Instead of K(R). In some examples, the technique is implemented via an auto-tune type function, thereby maintaining physical resolver calibration while providing the benefit of eliminating the need for a characterization device, associated wiring harness, and control circuitry.

[0065] In some disclosed examples, a system for delivering fuel to an engine includes: a fuel pump having a fuel pump motor; a characterization device; and a fuel pump motor controller for regulating fuel metering. The fuel pump motor controller is operable to: receive a value from the characterization device; receive a fuel flow command from the engine; compare the value to a list of values ​​corresponding to volumetric efficiencies of the fuel pump; calculate a commanded speed for the fuel pump motor; and control the fuel pump motor based in part on the commanded speed to regulate fuel delivery to the engine.

[0066] In some examples, the characterization device is integrated with the fuel pump.

[0067] In some examples, the fuel pump motor is a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a brushed DC motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or an induction motor.

[0068] In some examples, the fuel tank is connected to the fuel pump.

[0069] In some examples, the system includes one or more of a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor.

[0070] In some examples, a system includes an engine controller operable to: receive a command signal to operate an engine; and transmit a fuel flow command to a fuel pump motor controller, the fuel flow command including fuel metering data.

[0071] In an example, a fuel pump motor controller is operable to control a speed of a fuel pump motor to deliver fuel based on the fuel metering data.

[0072] In some examples, the characterizing device is a resistor having a resistance including one or more discrete resistance values.

[0073] In an example, the fuel pump motor controller is further operable to: receive a first resistance value of the one or more discrete resistance values ​​to determine a type of pump; and receive a second resistance value of the one or more discrete resistance values ​​to calculate a volumetric efficiency of the fuel pump motor.

[0074] In some examples, the system includes a transmission for modifying a rate of fuel flow from the fuel pump at a given speed of the fuel pump motor.

[0075] In examples, the transmission includes one or more of clutches or gears.

[0076] In some examples, the characterization device includes a distance sensor for measuring a distance between one or more components of the fuel pump.

[0077] In an example, the distance sensor includes one or more of a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) or a Hall effect sensor.

[0078] In an example, the system includes a distance adjuster for setting the distance. In an example, the distance adjuster includes a threaded distance adjuster.

[0079] In some disclosed examples, a system for delivering fuel to an engine includes: a fuel pump having a fuel pump motor; one or more sensors for measuring pump output; and a fuel pump motor controller for regulating fuel metering. The fuel pump motor controller is operable to: receive pump output values ​​from the one or more sensors; calculate a volumetric efficiency of the fuel pump based on the pump output values; calculate a commanded speed of the fuel pump motor based on the volumetric efficiency; and control the fuel pump motor based in part on the commanded speed to regulate fuel delivery to the engine.

[0080] In some examples, one or more sensors are pressure sensors for measuring the pump output as fluid flow or pressure from the fuel pump.

[0081] In some examples, the system includes a variable downstream restriction for regulating an output pressure of the fuel pump.

[0082] In an example, the variable downstream restriction comprises an adjustable valve.

[0083] In an example, a fuel pump motor controller is configured to measure pump output during an engine start or calibration sequence.

[0084] As used herein, "and / or" means any one or more of the items connected by "and / or" in a list. As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" means any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z". As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms "such as" and "for example" delimit a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

[0085] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain implementations, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. For example, the systems, blocks, and / or other components of the disclosed examples may be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and / or system is not limited to the specific implementation disclosed, but the present method and / or system will include all implementations that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for delivering fuel to an engine, the system comprising: a fuel pump having a fuel pump motor; Characterization device; as well as A fuel pump motor controller for regulating fuel metering, the fuel pump motor controller being operable to: receiving a value from the characterization device; receiving a fuel flow command from the engine; comparing the value to a list of values ​​corresponding to volumetric efficiencies of the fuel pumps; calculating a commanded speed of the fuel pump motor; as well as The fuel pump motor is controlled based in part on the commanded speed to regulate fuel delivery to the engine.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The characterization device is integrated with the fuel pump.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The fuel pump motor is a brushless DC motor, a brushed DC motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor or an induction motor. 4 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a fuel tank connected to the fuel pump.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more of a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor.

6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an engine controller operable to: receiving a command signal to operate the engine; and The fuel flow command is transmitted to the fuel pump motor controller, the fuel flow command including fuel metering data.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The fuel pump motor controller is operable to control a speed of the fuel pump motor to deliver the fuel based on the fuel metering data.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The characterizing device is a resistor having a resistance including one or more discrete resistance values.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The fuel pump motor controller is further operable to: receiving a first resistance value of the one or more discrete resistance values ​​to determine a type of pump; as well as A second resistance value of the one or more discrete resistance values ​​is received to calculate the volumetric efficiency of the fuel pump motor.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a transmission for modifying a speed of fuel flow from the fuel pump at a given speed of the fuel pump motor.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The transmission includes one or more of clutches or gears.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The characterization device includes a distance sensor for measuring a distance between one or more components of the fuel pump.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The distance sensor includes one or more of a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) or a Hall effect sensor.

14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a distance adjuster for setting the distance.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The distance adjuster comprises a threaded distance adjuster.

16. A system for delivering fuel to an engine, the system comprising: a fuel pump having a fuel pump motor; one or more sensors for measuring pump output; as well as A fuel pump motor controller for regulating fuel metering, the fuel pump motor controller being operable to: receiving a pump output value from the one or more sensors, calculating a volumetric efficiency of the fuel pump based on the pump output value; calculating a commanded speed of the fuel pump motor based on the volumetric efficiency; as well as The fuel pump motor is controlled based in part on the commanded speed to regulate fuel delivery to the engine.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein: The one or more sensors are pressure sensors for measuring a pump output as fluid flow or pressure from the fuel pump.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising a variable downstream restriction for regulating an output pressure of the fuel pump.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: The variable downstream restriction device includes an adjustable valve.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein: The fuel pump motor controller is configured to measure the pump output during an engine start or calibration sequence.

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