VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE RUNNING ON A LOW-CARBON FUEL

Abstract

VEHICLE WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE RUNNING ON LOW-CARBON FUEL One aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle 1 equipped with an internal combustion engine 2, said vehicle 1 comprising: Detection means 3 constructed and arranged to detect at least one chemical parameter of a fuel contained in a tank 4 of said vehicle 1; Control means 5 constructed and arranged to: Receive, from said detection means 3, data reflecting said detected chemical parameter; Determine whether said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel; and Allow the start of the internal combustion engine 2, if and only if said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OPERATING WITH LOW-CARBON FUEL

[0001] The technical field of the invention relates to that of vehicles, in particular automobiles, equipped with an internal combustion engine. One aspect of the invention relates more particularly to a vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine whose starting is authorized exclusively with a low-carbon fuel.

[0002] A so-called low-carbon fuel has the advantage of not being derived from fossil-based extraction, giving it a carbon footprint much lower than that of a fossil-based fuel. A low-carbon fuel can, for example, be formed by a biofuel or a synthetic fuel also called e-fuel (e-fuel) for electro-fuel.

[0003] In order to reduce CO2 emissions, the production of internal combustion engines beyond 2035 has been banned in Europe. These low-carbon fuels would significantly reduce the carbon footprint and will be an alternative to fossil fuels.

[0004] Document DE-B4-102018104258 discloses the possibility of analyzing fuel consumed by an internal combustion engine in order to detect the use of an excessively polluting fuel. This analysis is carried out on the exhaust gas flow. However, while it provides information on the pollution of the fuel after being burned by the internal combustion engine, it does not provide any information on whether the production of the fuel itself is a source of pollution.

[0005] The aim of the invention is in particular to propose a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine making it possible to guarantee that the fuel used is a low-carbon type fuel.

[0006] In this context, the invention thus relates, in its broadest acceptance, to a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, the vehicle comprising: • Detection means constructed and arranged to detect at least one chemical parameter of a fuel contained in a tank of the vehicle; • Control means constructed and arranged for: • Receive, from said detection means, data reflecting said detected chemical parameter; • Determine whether said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel; and • Allow the internal combustion engine to start, if and only if the said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel.

[0007] In other words, if the vehicle's tank contains fuel of fossil origin, then starting the internal combustion engine will be prohibited by the control means.

[0008] Since the fuel is analyzed upstream of combustion, namely in the vehicle's tank, it is certain that the vehicle operates with a low-carbon fuel. Furthermore, since the analysis carried out by the detection means is chemical, it is robust.

[0009] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the vehicle according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

[0010] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel is formed by a chemical composition of a low-carbon fuel.

[0011] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the chemical composition of a low-carbon fuel is a chemical composition of a synthetic fuel.

[0012] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel is formed by a specific chemical compound added to a low-carbon fuel

[0013] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the specific chemical compound is a chemical marker or a chemical tracer.

[0014] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the detection means are further constructed and arranged to detect the presence of a colorant added to the fuel, said control means being further constructed and arranged to: • Receive, from said detection means, data reflecting said detected dye; • Determine whether said detected dye corresponds to a dye added to a low-carbon fuel; and • Allow the internal combustion engine to start, if and only if the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel and if said detected colorant corresponds to a colorant added to said low-carbon fuel.

[0015] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the control means are further constructed and arranged to: • Determine whether the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fossil fuel; • Prohibit the starting of the internal combustion engine if the said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fossil fuel.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle according to any one of the aforementioned aspects of the invention, said method comprising the steps of: • Detect, via the detection means, at least one chemical parameter of a fuel contained in the vehicle tank; • Receive, via the control means, data reflecting the said detected chemical parameter; • Determine, via said control means, whether said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel; and • Authorize, via said control means, the starting of the internal combustion engine, if and only if said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel.

[0017] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, • The presence of a dye added to the fuel is also detected during the detection step; • Data reflecting the detected dye is also received during the receive step; • It is also determined, during the determining step, whether the detected dye corresponds to a dye added to a low-carbon fuel; and • The step of authorizing the start of the internal combustion engine is executed, if and only if the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel and if said detected colorant corresponds to a colorant added to said low-carbon fuel.

[0018] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, it is also determined, during the step of determining, whether the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin, said method comprising a step of prohibiting the starting of the internal combustion engine if said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin.

[0019] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, when the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin, the method comprises a step of recording information reflecting that the fuel present in the tank is a fuel of fossil origin.

[0020] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, when the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin, the method comprises a step of transmitting, via the control means, information reflecting that the fuel present in the tank is a fossil fuel, said information being transmitted to a server external to the vehicle.

[0021] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures.

[0022] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a vehicle according to one aspect of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a method according to one aspect of the invention.

[0024] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

[0026] [Fig.l] illustrates a motor vehicle 1 equipped with an internal combustion engine 2.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises detection means 3 constructed and arranged to detect several chemical parameters of a fuel contained in the tank 4 of the vehicle 1.

[0028] In a non-limiting manner, one of the chemical parameters can be formed by methanol. Indeed, fuels of fossil origin do not contain methanol. Thus, if a high percentage of methanol, for example 80%, is found in the fuel contained in the tank 4, it is highly probable that the fuel is a synthetic fuel.

[0029] According to another embodiment, chemical parameters may form a typical chemical composition of a low-carbon fuel, for example a chemical composition of a synthetic fuel or a chemical composition of a biofuel. Thus, if the chemical composition of the fuel contained in the tank is identical to the chemical composition of a specific synthetic fuel, it is certain that the fuel contained in the tank is said specific synthetic fuel.

[0030] One of the chemical parameters may further be formed by a specific chemical compound added to a low-carbon fuel, such as a chemical marker or a chemical tracer.

[0031] The presence of a specific chemical compound (chemical marker or chemical tracer) added to a low-carbon fuel can effectively allow its identification.

[0032] In addition to the fact that the detection means 3 are constructed and arranged to detect several chemical parameters, the detection means 3 can also be constructed and arranged to detect the presence of a colorant added to the fuel.

[0033] The presence of a specific colorant added to a low-carbon fuel can effectively allow its identification provided that this colorant is not found in a fuel of fossil origin or that a user has not himself added this colorant. dye using a pipette. Combining chemical parameters with the dye helps avoid this pitfall.

[0034] The vehicle 1 further comprises control means 5 constructed and arranged to exchange data with the detection means 3. These control means 5 can be formed by an engine computer of the ECU type (for Engine Control Unit in English).

[0035] According to this embodiment, the control means 5 are constructed and arranged to receive, from the detection means 3, data reflecting the detected chemical parameters as well as data reflecting the detected dye.

[0036] These control means 5 are also constructed and arranged to determine whether the detected chemical parameters correspond to chemical parameters of a low-carbon fuel and whether the detected dye corresponds to a dye added to a low-carbon fuel.

[0037] To this end, the data from the detection means 3 can be compared to maps recorded in the detection means 5. Thus, if the map indicates that the methanol level must be 80%, that a specific tracer must be contained and that a particular colorant has been added, it is necessary to find all of these chemical parameters and this colorant to confirm that the fuel contained in the tank 4 is indeed a low-carbon type fuel.

[0038] Furthermore, the control means 5 are constructed and arranged to determine whether one of the detected chemical parameters corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin. For this, the data from the detection means 3 can be compared to maps relating to fuels of fossil origin recorded in the control means 5.

[0039] The control means 5 are also constructed and arranged to authorize the starting of the internal combustion engine 2, if and only if the detected chemical parameters correspond to chemical parameters of a low-carbon fuel and if the detected colorant corresponds to a colorant added to said low-carbon fuel.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the control means 5 are, in any case, constructed and arranged to prohibit the starting of the internal combustion engine 2 if one of the detected chemical parameters corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the control means 5 are further constructed and arranged to record information reflecting that the fuel present in the tank 4 is a fuel of fossil origin and to transmit said information to a server 6 external to the vehicle 1.

[0042] The data recorded in the control means 5 can be analyzed to determine the reason why the vehicle 1 no longer starts.

[0043] The data transmitted to the external server 6 can be analyzed by an authority in order to identify non-compliance with a regulation.

[0044] [Fig. 2] shows the steps of a method 100 for starting an internal combustion engine 2 of a vehicle 1 in accordance with that illustrated in [Fig. 1]

[0045] The method 100 comprises a step of detecting 101, via the detection means 3, chemical parameters of a fuel contained in the tank 4 of the vehicle 1 and the presence of a colorant added to the fuel.

[0046] For example, a methanol percentage of 80% may be detected, a specific marker may be detected, a particular dye may be detected, and, optionally, a chemical parameter reflecting a fossil fuel may be detected.

[0047] The method 100 then comprises a step of receiving 102, via the control means 5, data reflecting the percentage of methanol, the specific marker, the dye detected and possibly a chemical parameter reflecting a fuel of fossil origin.

[0048] Then, the control means 5 determine 103 then: • If the percentage of methanol detected corresponds to a percentage of methanol contained in a particular synthetic fuel; • Whether the specific marker corresponds to a specific marker added to said particular synthetic fuel; • Whether the detected dye corresponds to a specific dye added to said particular synthetic fuel; and • If one of the chemical parameters detected corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fossil fuel.

[0049] The method 100 then comprises a step of authorizing 104a, via the control means 5, the starting of the internal combustion engine 2, if and only • If the percentage of methanol detected corresponds to a percentage of methanol contained in a particular synthetic fuel; • Whether the specific marker corresponds to a specific marker added to said particular synthetic fuel; and • Whether the detected dye corresponds to a specific dye added to said particular synthetic fuel.

[0050] On the other hand, according to this embodiment, if one of the determined chemical parameters corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin, the method 100 comprises a step 104b of prohibiting the starting of the internal combustion engine 2.

[0051] If one of the determined chemical parameters corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fossil fuel, process 100 comprises: • A step of recording 105, for example in a memory of the control means 5, information reflecting that the fuel present in the tank 4 is a fuel of fossil origin, and • A step of transmitting 106, via the control means 5, information reflecting that the fuel present in the tank 4 is a fuel of fossil origin, said information being transmitted to a server 6 external to the vehicle 1.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle (1) provided with an internal combustion engine (2), said vehicle (1) being characterized in that it comprises: - Detection means (3) constructed and arranged to detect at least one chemical parameter of a fuel contained in a tank (4) of said vehicle (1); - Control means (5) constructed and arranged to: • Receive, from said detection means (3), data reflecting said detected chemical parameter; • Determine whether said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel; and • Authorize the starting of the internal combustion engine (2), if and only if said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel.

2. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel is formed by a chemical composition of a low-carbon fuel

3. Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel is formed by a specific chemical compound added to a low-carbon fuel

4. Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection means (3) are further constructed and arranged to detect the presence of a colorant added to the fuel, said control means (5) being further constructed and arranged to: • Receive, from said detection means (3), data reflecting said detected colorant; • Determine whether said detected colorant corresponds to a colorant added to a low-carbon fuel; and • Authorize the starting of the internal combustion engine (2), if and only if the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel and if said dye detected corresponds to a dye added to said low-carbon fuel.

5. Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means (5) are further constructed and arranged to: • Determine whether the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin; • Prohibit the starting of the internal combustion engine (2) if said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin.

6. Method (100) for starting an internal combustion engine (2) of a vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said method (100) comprising the steps of: - Detecting (101), via the detection means (3), at least one chemical parameter of a fuel contained in the tank (4) of the vehicle (1); - Receiving (102), via said control means (5), data reflecting said detected chemical parameter; - Determining (103), via said control means (5), whether said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel; and - Authorizing (104a), via said control means (5), the starting of the internal combustion engine (2), if and only if said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel

7. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - The presence of a colorant added to the fuel is also detected during the detecting step (101); - Data reflecting the detected colorant is also received during the receiving step (102); - It is also determined, during the determining step (103), whether the detected colorant corresponds to a colorant added to a low-carbon fuel; and - The step of authorizing (104a) the starting of the internal combustion engine (2) is executed, if and only if the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a low-carbon fuel and if said detected dye corresponds to a dye added to said low-carbon fuel.

8. Method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it is also determined, during the step of determining (103), whether the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin, said method (100) comprising a step (104b) of prohibiting the starting of the internal combustion engine (2) if said detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin.

9. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that when the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin, said method (100) comprises a step of recording (105) information reflecting that the fuel present in the tank (4) is a fuel of fossil origin.

10. Method (100) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that when the detected chemical parameter corresponds to a chemical parameter of a fuel of fossil origin, said method (100) comprises a step of transmitting (106), via the control means (5), information reflecting that the fuel present in the tank (4) is a fuel of fossil origin, said information being transmitted to an external server (6) to said vehicle (1).

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