EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

The evaporative emissions control system addresses the challenge of managing hydrocarbon loading in motor vehicle canisters during refueling by using an eductor pump and vapor recirculation system to condense fuel vapor, reducing the canister size requirements and enhancing emissions control.

DE102020126972B4Active Publication Date: 2025-05-28GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102020126972
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-11-20
Filing Date
2020-10-14
Publication Date
2025-05-28
Estimated Expiration
2040-10-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing emissions control systems for motor vehicles struggle to manage hydrocarbon loading in evaporative canisters during refueling events, leading to increased canister size requirements.

Method used

An evaporative emissions control system that includes an eductor pump and a vapor recirculation system, which activates during refueling to draw fuel vapor through an intermediate bypass line and mix it with pressurized fuel, condensing the vapor and reducing the load on the evaporative canister.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively reduces the hydrocarbon loading in the evaporative canister during refueling, thereby minimizing the required size of the canister and enhancing emissions control efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

An evaporative emission control system (30) comprising: an evaporative emission control container (40), hereinafter referred to as evaporative canister; a fuel vapor supply line (70) having a first end (72) fluidly connected to the evaporative canister (40) and a second end (73) connected to an internal combustion engine (16); a vent valve fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line (70); a second fuel vapor supply line (58) having a first end (60) fluidly connected to the evaporative canister (40) and a second end (61) extending into a vehicle fuel tank (18); a fuel vapor vent valve (64) fluidly connected at the second end (61) to the second fuel vapor supply line (58); and a vapor recirculation system (120) having a fuel pump (26) fluidly connected to the second fuel vapor supply line (58) via an intermediate bypass line (59), the first end (62) of which is fluidly connected to an intermediate section of the second fuel vapor supply line (58) and the second end (63) of which extends into the vehicle fuel tank (18) and is connected to the vapor recirculation system (120), wherein the fuel pump (26) comprises an eductor pump (140), wherein the eductor pump (140) has an inlet fluidly connected to a pressurized fuel source and a tapered fuel outlet (144), wherein the vapor recirculation system (120) comprises a vapor reservoir (128) fluidly connected to the second end (63) of the intermediate bypass line (59) and in which the conically tapered fuel outlet (144) of the eductor pump (140) is arranged, wherein the vapor recirculation system (120) comprises a diffuser (150) fluidly connected to the vapor reservoir (128), the diffuser (150) being arranged downstream of the tapered fuel outlet (144) of the eductor pump (140), further comprising: an evaporative emission control module (160); and a refueling sensor (74) that signals to the evaporative emission control module (160) that refueling of the vehicle fuel tank (18) is in progress; wherein, upon receiving a fuel tank refueling event signal, the evaporative emission control module (160) operates the fuel pump (26) and draws fuel vapor through the intermediate bypass line (59) to the vapor reservoir (128) to mix it with the pressurized fuel flowing from the tapered fuel outlet (144) and condensing on the diffuser (150).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the disclosure relates to an emissions control system for a motor vehicle and, more particularly, to an evaporative emissions canister purge system for an emissions control system.

[0002] Most vehicles powered by an internal combustion (IC) engine have one or more emissions control systems. An emissions control system reduces unwanted emissions associated with the combustion and / or transportation of fossil fuels. Emissions control systems may include aftertreatment systems that treat combustion products and evaporative control systems that capture vapors that may be emitted by liquid fossil fuels contained in a vehicle fuel tank. Modern vehicles include fuel systems that do not vent directly to the atmosphere. Instead, the fuel systems vent through an evaporative control canister, which captures fuel vapor and prevents its release into the atmosphere.

[0003] Evaporative canisters may contain activated carbon. Fuel vapor present in the vehicle's fuel tank may be drawn from the tank into the evaporative canister, where the activated carbon absorbs and stores the fuel vapor. During a given vehicle operation, fresh air is drawn through the evaporative canister, drawing the fuel vapor out of the activated carbon and into the internal combustion engine for combustion. Such activity regenerates the evaporative canister and prepares it to store additional fuel vapor from the fuel tank. Vehicle refueling generates a significant amount of fuel vapor in the evaporative canister because the liquid fuel entering the fuel tank displaces the fuel vapor above the liquid fuel level.Anticipating this loading directly impacts the required evaporative canister size, and therefore it is desirable to provide an emissions control system for a vehicle that controls the hydrocarbon loading of the evaporative canister during a refueling event, thereby reducing the required canister size.

[0004] EP 1 734 248 A1 describes a leak detection system for a perspiration venting system comprising a fuel tank and a can. It includes an injector pump that directs atmosphere into the fuel tank using a return flow of excess fuel pumped to the internal combustion engine, internal pressure measuring means, and fuel volume detecting means. After supplying air from pressure medium for a predetermined time, the leak detection system determines that a leak is present if a holding pressure reading in a state where the perspiration venting system is closed is lower than a decompression calculation value calculated from a pressure reading, an air volume, and a leak hole diameter.

[0005] DE 10 2018 108 363 A1 describes an evaporative emission control system including an evaporative emission control canister, a first fuel vapor return line having a first end fluidly connected to the evaporative emission control canister, and a second end connectable to an internal combustion (IC) engine. A first valve is fluidly connected to the first fuel vapor return line. A second fuel vapor return line includes a first end portion fluidly connected to the first fuel vapor return line and a second end portion configured for placement in a fuel tank of a vehicle. A second valve is fluidly connected to the second fuel vapor return line at the second end portion in the fuel tank of the vehicle.A vapor recovery system includes a pump that is fluidly connected to the second valve in the vehicle's fuel tank.

[0006] JP 2008-8238 A describes a lower end of a vent pipe for connecting the fuel tank to a can, which is designed as an opening. When the liquid surface of the fuel reaches the opening, the fuel tank is in a filled state. A communication hole is formed on the vent pipe to regulate the internal pressure of the fuel tank. A circulation pipe is branched from the center of the vent pipe, and a portion of the vaporized fuel gas can be sent to the surroundings of an oil supply gun during an oil supply period. The vent pipe is provided with a high-position part located higher than the fluctuating liquid level of a vehicle incline or the like. DESCRIPTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an improved system for controlling evaporative emissions. This object is achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1. Further developments can be found in the subclaims.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, an evaporative emissions control system includes an evaporative canister. A fuel vapor supply line includes a first end fluidly connected to the evaporative canister and a second end connected to an internal combustion engine. A vent valve is fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line. A fuel vapor supply line includes a first end fluidly connected to the evaporative canister and a second end extending into a vehicle fuel tank. A fuel vapor vent valve is fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line at the second end.A vapor recovery system includes a fuel pump fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line via an intermediate bypass line, the first end of which is fluidly connected to an intermediate portion of the fuel vapor supply line and the second end of which extends into the vehicle fuel tank and communicates with the vapor recovery system.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the fuel pump of the evaporative emission control system includes an eductor pump.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the eductor pump of the evaporative emission control system includes an inlet fluidly connected to a pressurized fuel source and a tapered fuel outlet.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vapor recirculation system of the evaporative emission control system includes a vapor reservoir fluidly connected to the second end of the intermediate bypass line and in which the tapered fuel outlet of the eductor pump is disposed.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vapor recirculation system of the evaporative emission control system includes a diffuser fluidly connected to the vapor reservoir, the diffuser being located downstream of the tapered fuel outlet of the eductor pump.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the evaporative emissions control system further includes an evaporative emissions control module and a refueling sensor that signals the evaporative emissions control module that a fuel tank refueling event is occurring. Upon receiving a fuel tank refueling event signal, the evaporative emissions control module actuates the fuel pump and draws fuel vapor through the intermediate bypass line to the vapor reservoir, where it mixes with the pressurized fuel flowing from the conical fuel outlet and condensing on the diffuser.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the evaporative emission control system includes a fill tube extending from a fuel inlet accessible from outside the vehicle to a fuel outlet fluidly connected to the vehicle's fuel tank. A fill tube vapor line is fluidly connected to the fill tube and has an outlet fluidly connected to the vapor recovery system.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (ICE), a vehicle fuel tank connected to the internal combustion engine, and an evaporative emission control system fluidly connected to the internal combustion engine and the vehicle fuel tank. The evaporative emission control system includes an evaporative emission control canister, a fuel vapor supply line having a first end fluidly connected to the evaporative canister and a second end connected to the internal combustion engine, and a vent valve fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line. A fuel vapor supply line includes a first end fluidly connected to the evaporative canister and a second end extending into a vehicle fuel tank.A fuel vapor vent valve is fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line at its second end. A vapor recovery system includes a fuel pump fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line through an intermediate bypass line, the first end of which is fluidly connected to an intermediate portion of the fuel vapor supply line and the second end of which extends into the vehicle fuel tank and communicates with the vapor recovery system.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a fill tube extends from a fuel inlet accessible from the exterior of the vehicle to a fuel outlet in fluid communication with the vehicle's fuel tank. A fill tube vapor line is fluidly connected to the fill tube and has an outlet fluidly connected to the vapor recovery system.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the fuel pump includes an eductor pump having an inlet fluidly connected to a pressurized fuel source and a venturi element having a tapered fuel outlet with a diffuser disposed downstream thereof.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a fuel tank refueling event actuates the fuel pump to draw fuel vapor through the intermediate bypass line and the fill tube vapor line to the vapor reservoir, where it is mixed with pressurized fuel flowing from the conical fuel outlet and condensing on the diffuser.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a primary fuel pump disposed in the fuel tank of the vehicle supplies pressurized fuel to the internal combustion engine via a pressurized fuel line and to the inlet of the eductor pump via a fuel line extending from the primary fuel pump to its inlet.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the motor vehicle further includes an evaporative emissions control module and a refueling sensor that signals the evaporative emissions control module that fuel tank refueling is occurring. Upon receiving a fuel tank refueling event signal, the evaporative emissions control module actuates the primary fuel pump and draws fuel vapor through the intermediate bypass line to the vapor reservoir, where it mixes with the pressurized fuel flowing from the conical fuel outlet and condenses on the diffuser.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment, the method of operating an evaporative emissions control system in a motor vehicle comprises detecting at an emissions control module via a refueling sensor that a refueling operation is taking place, opening a fuel vapor vent valve to allow fuel vapor to escape from a fuel tank and be transported via a fuel vapor supply line to an evaporative emissions canister (evaporative canister) for storage, and activating a primary fuel pump and an eductor pump to deliver pressurized fuel through a venturi element of a vapor accumulator, thereby creating low pressure in a vapor accumulator in which the venturi element is located.The low pressure draws fuel vapor in the fuel vapor supply line through an intermediate bypass line and into the vapor reservoir to condense the vaporized fuel and re-enter the fuel tank.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further comprises directing the pressurized fuel passing through the venturi element through a diffuser element downstream thereof.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further comprises drawing fuel vapor in a fuel filler tube through a filler tube vapor line and into the vapor reservoir to condense vaporous fuel vapor and re-enter the fuel tank.

[0024] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the disclosure, are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0025] Further features, advantages and details appear only as examples in the following detailed description, whereby the detailed description refers to the figures in which: Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle including an evaporative emissions control system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the evaporative emission control system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the evaporative emission control system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the evaporative emissions control system in accordance with another aspect of an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the figures, corresponding reference numerals refer to like or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to processing circuitry, which may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped), and memory executing one of a plurality of software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0027] A motor vehicle is described according to an exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1 is generally depicted at 10. The motor vehicle 10 comprises a body 12 with a passenger compartment 14. The motor vehicle 10 is powered by a prime mover in the form of an internal combustion engine 16, which is supplied with pressurized fuel from a vehicle tank 18 via a pressurized fuel line 20. The motor vehicle 10 is shown to also include front wheels 23 and rear wheels 24. Front and / or rear wheels 23, 24 are mechanically connected to the internal combustion engine 16, e.g., by one or more transmissions (not shown), a transaxle (also not shown), or the like.

[0028] In accordance with and in exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle 10 includes an evaporative emissions control system 30 that controls the fuel vapor 21, Fig. 2, from the fuel tank 18 of the vehicle and directs the fuel vapor to the internal combustion engine 16 or back to the fuel tank 18 of the vehicle to condense it and mix it with the liquid fuel 106. With reference to Fig. 2 and further with reference to Fig. 1, the evaporative emissions control system 30 includes an evaporative emissions control container (evaporative canister) 40 that can be filled with activated carbon 44 or another suitable absorbent. The activated carbon 44 absorbs and stores fuel from fuel vapor 21 exiting the vehicle's fuel tank 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporative canister 40 includes a fresh air or ambient air inlet 48, a fuel vapor inlet 50, and a fuel vapor outlet 54. The fuel vapor inlet 50 is fluidly connected to the vehicle fuel tank 18 via a fuel vapor supply line 58. The fuel vapor supply line 58 includes a first end 60 fluidly connected to the evaporative canister 40 and a second end 61 extending into the vehicle fuel tank 18. The second end 61 is connected to a fuel vapor vent valve 64.The fuel vapor supply line 58 includes an intermediate bypass line 59 having a first end 62 fluidly connected to an intermediate portion of the fuel vapor supply line 58 and a second end 63 extending into the vehicle fuel tank 18.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fuel vapor outlet 54 is fluidly connected to the internal combustion engine 16 via a fuel vapor supply line 70. The fuel vapor supply line 70 includes a first end 72 fluidly connected to the evaporative canister 40 at the vapor outlet 54 and a second end 73 fluidly connected to the internal combustion engine 16. A vent valve 80 may open during certain vehicle operations to allow fresh air 22 to be drawn through the evaporative canister 40, thereby drawing fuel from the activated carbon 44 through the line 70 and into the internal combustion engine 16 for combustion. Such activity regenerates the evaporative canister 40 and prepares it to store additional fuel vapor 21 from the fuel tank 18.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle fuel tank 18 includes an inner zone 104 containing the liquid fuel 106 and the fuel vapor 21. A primary fuel pump 26 is disposed within the inner zone 104 and configured to remain in constant contact with the liquid fuel 106. The primary fuel pump 26 operates during normal vehicle operation to deliver the liquid fuel 106 to the internal combustion engine 16 via the pressurized fuel line 20. A vapor recovery system 120 is disposed within the inner zone 104 of the vehicle fuel tank 18. In one embodiment, the vapor recovery system 120 may be disposed in an upper portion of the inner zone 104 thereof. The vapor recovery system 120 includes a vapor reservoir 128 fluidly connected to an intermediate bypass line 59. A secondary fuel pump 140 is disposed within the vapor reservoir 128.The secondary fuel pump 140 may take the form of an eductor pump with a venturi element 146. The venturi element 146 includes an inlet fluidly connected to a pressurized fuel source via fuel line 148. The fuel line 148 extends from the primary fuel pump 26 to an inlet (not shown) of the venturi element. In one embodiment, the venturi element 146 includes a fuel outlet 144 directed toward a diffuser element 150.

[0031] In accordance with one aspect of an embodiment, when it is desired to purge the evaporative canister 40 of fuel vapor during normal operation of motor vehicle 10, an evaporative emissions control module 160, detailed in Fig. 3, the outlet valve 64 and selectively opens the purge valve 80 to connect the evaporative canister 40 to the internal combustion engine 16. The ambient air 22 is drawn into and through the evaporative canister 40 and exits the canister through the vapor outlet 54. As the ambient air flows through the evaporative canister, it removes the trapped fuel vapor from the activated carbon 44, thereby regenerating the evaporative canister 40 and preparing it for further charging with fuel vapor. The fuel vapor-laden ambient air is drawn through the fuel vapor supply line 70 and to the internal combustion engine 16 for combustion. The evaporative emission control module 160 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 164, a non-volatile memory 166, an evaporative valve control module 168, and a fuel pump control module 169.It should be understood that the central processing unit (CPU) 164, the non-volatile memory 166, the evaporative valve control module 168, and the fuel pump control module 169 may be located together or in separate areas of the motor vehicle 10.

[0032] As discussed herein, vehicle refueling creates a significant fuel vapor load on the evaporative canister 40 because the liquid fuel 106 entering the fuel tank 18 displaces the fuel vapor 21 above the level of the liquid fuel 106. In one embodiment, vehicle refueling is achieved via a fuel tank fill tube 32. The fill tube 32 extends from a fuel inlet 33 accessible from the exterior of the motor vehicle 10 to a fuel outlet 34 in fluid communication with the interior zone 104 of the fuel tank 18. A filler neck at the fueling station (not shown) engages the fuel inlet 33 and dispenses liquid fuel 106 into the fuel tank. In one embodiment, a refueling sensor 74 communicates with the filler neck 32 and signals the evaporative emissions control module 160 that a refueling event is in progress.Upon receiving a signal from the refueling sensor 74 that a refueling event is occurring, the evaporative emission control module checks the status of the purge valve 80 and closes the valve if it is open. At the same time, the fuel vapor vent valve 64 is opened to allow fuel vapor 21, displaced by the rising level of the liquid fuel 106, to exit the fuel tank 18 and be transported via the fuel vapor supply line 58 to the evaporative canister 40, where it can be stored by the activated carbon 44. To reduce the amount of fuel vapor 21 directed into the evaporative canister 40 during refueling, upon opening the fuel vapor vent valve 64 after receiving a signal from the refueling sensor 74 that a refueling operation is taking place, the evaporative emission control module activates the primary fuel pump 26 and the eductor pump 140 via a signal from the fuel pump control module 169.

[0033] In accordance with one embodiment, activation of the primary fuel pump 26 delivers pressurized fuel through the fuel line 148 and into the fuel inlet of the venturi element 146. The pressurized fuel flows from the conical fuel outlet 144 toward the diffuser element 150 and creates a vacuum in the vapor reservoir 128. The low pressure developed by the fuel flowing through the venturi element 146 draws a portion of the fuel vapor exiting the inner zone 104 of the fuel tank 18 via the fuel vapor supply line 58, through the intermediate bypass line 59, and into the vapor reservoir 128. The fuel vapor entering the vapor reservoir 128 through the intermediate bypass line 59 mixes with the pressurized fuel flowing from the venturi element 146 through the diffuser element 150.Uncondensed fuel vapor condenses as it passes through the diffuser 150 and reenters the liquid fuel 106. Completion of the refueling operation causes the refueling sensor 74 to signal the evaporative emission control module 160 to close the fuel vapor vent valve 64 and deactivate the primary fuel pump 26 and the eductor pump 140.

[0034] The following is a reference to Fig. 4 in describing an evaporative emission system 30 according to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment. For brevity, elements and operations of Fig. 4, the Fig. 2 are reused and not described anew. As discussed herein, vehicle refueling creates a significant fuel vapor load on the evaporative canister 40 as the liquid fuel 106 entering the fuel tank 18 displaces the fuel vapor 21 above the level of the liquid fuel. In addition, fuel vapor 21 may be displaced upward through the fill tube 32 as the level of the liquid fuel 106 in the fuel container 18 rises. To prevent the escape of fuel vapor 21 from the fill tube 32 to the atmosphere, a fill tube vapor conduit 36 ​​extends between an inlet end 38 in fluid communication with the fill tube 32 and an outlet end 39 in fluid communication with the vapor accumulator 128 of the vapor recovery system 120.To reduce the amount of fuel vapor 21 present in the filler tube 32 during refueling, upon receiving the signal from the refueling sensor 74 that a refueling event is occurring, the evaporative emissions control module 160 activates the primary fuel pump 26 and the eductor pump 140 via a signal from the fuel pump control module 169.

[0035] In accordance with one embodiment, activation of the primary fuel pump 26 delivers pressurized fuel through the fuel line 148 and into the fuel inlet of the venturi 146. The pressurized fuel flows from the fuel outlet 144 to the diffuser 150, creating a vacuum in the vapor reservoir 128. The low pressure created by the fuel flowing through the venturi 146 draws the fuel vapor exiting the interior zone 104 of the fuel tank 18 through the fill tube 32, through the fill tube vapor line 36, and into the vapor reservoir 128. The fuel vapor entering the vapor reservoir 128 through the fill tube vapor line 36 mixes with the pressurized fuel flowing from the venturi 146 through the diffuser 150.Uncondensed fuel vapor condenses as it passes through the diffuser 150 and re-enters the liquid fuel 106. Completion of the refueling process causes the refueling sensor 74 to signal the evaporative emission control module 160 to deactivate the primary fuel pump 26 and the eductor pump 140.

[0036] It should be understood that while the embodiments of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, both can be used together in the evaporative emission control system 30.

Claims

[1] An evaporative emission control system (30) comprising: an evaporative emission control container (40), hereinafter referred to as evaporative canister; a fuel vapor supply line (70) having a first end (72) fluidly connected to the evaporative canister (40) and a second end (73) connected to an internal combustion engine (16); a vent valve fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line (70); a second fuel vapor supply line (58) having a first end (60) fluidly connected to the evaporative canister (40) and a second end (61) extending into a vehicle fuel tank (18); a fuel vapor vent valve (64) fluidly connected at the second end (61) to the second fuel vapor supply line (58); and a vapor recirculation system (120) having a fuel pump (26) fluidly connected to the second fuel vapor supply line (58) via an intermediate bypass line (59), the first end (62) of which is fluidly connected to an intermediate section of the second fuel vapor supply line (58) and the second end (63) of which extends into the vehicle fuel tank (18) and is connected to the vapor recirculation system (120), wherein the fuel pump (26) comprises an eductor pump (140), wherein the eductor pump (140) has an inlet fluidly connected to a pressurized fuel source and a tapered fuel outlet (144), wherein the vapor recirculation system (120) comprises a vapor reservoir (128) fluidly connected to the second end (63) of the intermediate bypass line (59) and in which the conically tapered fuel outlet (144) of the eductor pump (140) is arranged, wherein the vapor recirculation system (120) comprises a diffuser (150) fluidly connected to the vapor reservoir (128), the diffuser (150) being arranged downstream of the tapered fuel outlet (144) of the eductor pump (140), further comprising: an evaporative emission control module (160); and a refueling sensor (74) that signals to the evaporative emission control module (160) that refueling of the vehicle fuel tank (18) is in progress; wherein, upon receiving a fuel tank refueling event signal, the evaporative emission control module (160) operates the fuel pump (26) and draws fuel vapor through the intermediate bypass line (59) to the vapor reservoir (128) to mix it with the pressurized fuel flowing from the tapered fuel outlet (144) and condensing on the diffuser (150). [2] The evaporative emissions control system of claim 1, comprising: a filler pipe (32) extending from a fuel inlet accessible from the exterior of the vehicle (10) to a fuel outlet in fluid communication with the vehicle fuel tank (18) of the vehicle (10); and a fill tube steam line fluidly connected to the fill tube and having an outlet fluidly connected to the steam recovery system. [3] A motor vehicle (10) comprising: an internal combustion engine, IC, (16); a vehicle fuel tank (18) connected to the internal combustion engine; and an evaporative emissions control system (30) fluidly connected to the internal combustion engine (16) and the vehicle fuel tank (18), the evaporative emissions control system (30) comprising: an evaporative emission control container (40), hereinafter referred to as evaporative canister; a fuel vapor supply line (70) having a first end (72) fluidly connected to the evaporative canister (40) and a second end (73) connected to the internal combustion engine (16); a vent valve fluidly connected to the fuel vapor supply line (70); a second fuel vapor supply line (58) having a first end (60) fluidly connected to the evaporative canister (40) and a second end (61) extending into a vehicle fuel tank (18); a fuel vapor vent valve (64) fluidly connected at the second end (61) to the second fuel vapor supply line (58); and a vapor recirculation system (120) having a fuel pump (26) fluidly connected to the second fuel vapor supply line (58) via an intermediate bypass line (59), the first end (62) of which is fluidly connected to an intermediate section of the second fuel vapor supply line (58) and the second end (63) of which extends into the vehicle fuel tank (18) and is connected to a vapor reservoir (128) of the vapor recirculation system (120), wherein the fuel pump (26) comprises an eductor pump (140), wherein the eductor pump (140) has an inlet fluidly connected to a pressurized fuel source and a tapered fuel outlet (144), wherein the vapor recirculation system (120) comprises a vapor reservoir (128) fluidly connected to the second end (63) of the intermediate bypass line (59) and in which the conically tapered fuel outlet (144) of the eductor pump (140) is arranged, wherein the vapor recirculation system (120) comprises a diffuser (150) fluidly connected to the vapor reservoir (128), the diffuser (150) being arranged downstream of the tapered fuel outlet (144) of the eductor pump (140), further comprising: an evaporative emission control module (160); and a refueling sensor (74) that signals to the evaporative emission control module (160) that refueling of the vehicle fuel tank (18) is in progress; wherein, upon receiving a fuel tank refueling event signal, the evaporative emission control module (160) operates the fuel pump (26) and draws fuel vapor through the intermediate bypass line (59) to the vapor reservoir (128) to mix it with the pressurized fuel flowing from the tapered fuel outlet (144) and condensing on the diffuser (150). [4] The motor vehicle (10) of claim 3, comprising: a filler pipe (32) extending from a fuel inlet accessible from the exterior of the vehicle (10) to a fuel outlet in fluid communication with the vehicle fuel tank (18); and a fill tube steam line fluidly connected to the fill tube (32) and having an outlet fluidly connected to the steam return system. [5] A method of operating a system (30) for controlling evaporative emissions in a motor vehicle (10), comprising: to detect that a refueling process is taking place via a refueling sensor (74) on an emissions control module; Opening a fuel vapor vent valve (64) to allow fuel vapor to escape from a vehicle fuel tank (18) and be transported via a second fuel vapor supply line (58) to an evaporative emission control container (40), also called an evaporative canister, for storage; Activating a primary fuel pump (26) and an eductor pump (140) to deliver pressurized fuel through a venturi element of the eductor pump (140) of a vapor reservoir in which the venturi element is located, whereby in the vapor reservoir (128), low pressure is generated; wherein the low pressure draws fuel vapor in the second fuel vapor supply line (58) through an intermediate bypass line (59) and into the vapor reservoir (128) to condense vaporous fuel vapor and re-enter the vehicle fuel tank (18), wherein the fuel pump (26) comprises an eductor pump (140), wherein the eductor pump (140) has an inlet fluidly connected to a pressurized fuel source and a tapered fuel outlet (144), wherein the vapor recirculation system (120) comprises a vapor reservoir (128) fluidly connected to the second end (63) of the intermediate bypass line (59) and in which the tapered fuel outlet (144) of the eductor pump (140) is arranged, wherein the vapor recirculation system (120) comprises a diffuser (150) fluidly connected to the vapor reservoir (128), wherein the diffuser (150) is arranged downstream of the tapered fuel outlet (144) of the eductor pump (140), further comprising: an evaporative emission control module (160); and a refueling sensor (74) that signals to the evaporative emission control module (160) that refueling of the vehicle fuel tank (18) is in progress; wherein, upon receiving a fuel tank refueling event signal, the evaporative emission control module (160) operates the fuel pump (26) and draws fuel vapor through the intermediate bypass line (59) to the vapor reservoir (128) to mix it with the pressurized fuel flowing from the tapered fuel outlet (144) and condensing on the diffuser (150).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • purge system FOR AN EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL VESSEL

    DE102018108363A1

  • Evaporative fuel gas leak detector

    EP1734248A1

  • Fuel tank system

    JP2008008238A

  • JP002008008238A