Apparatus, system, program and method

Abstract

To provide an apparatus capable of specifying a ratio of a mixture composed of a plurality of components.SOLUTION: An apparatus for specifying a ratio of fuels contained in a fuel mixture including different types of fuels comprises ratio specifying means for specifying the ratio of the fuels contained in the fuel mixture based on one or more characteristic values possessed by the fuel mixture and one or more characteristic values inherent to each of the fuels contained in the fuel mixture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, a system, a program and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] As a measure against global warming, there is growing momentum for decarbonization. For example, unlike fossil fuels, green fuels synthesized using biofuels, green hydrogen, and captured carbon dioxide are considered to have zero carbon dioxide emissions even when these fuels are used.

[0003] Incidentally, one of the efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is the credit system, in which the government certifies the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction or absorption. Under the credit system, businesses that have reduced their carbon dioxide emissions can sell certified credits to other businesses. When diesel vehicles use a mixture of multiple different fuels, such as fossil fuels, biofuels, and green fuels, if the component ratio of the fuel can be identified, it will be possible to identify the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction caused by the operation of the diesel vehicle, and it is expected that this can also be used for certifying credits.

[0004] In addition, when these fuels are added to fossil fuels that are already in use, the fuel properties, such as kinetic viscosity, pour point, and cetane number, will differ, and it is expected that the ideal parameters for engine control will differ. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the degree of mixture of the components and provide feedback to engine control. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a composition identification program, a composition identification device, and a composition identification system that are capable of identifying the composition of a mixture composed of a plurality of components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to [1] A composition identification program for identifying a composition of a mixture of three different liquids, Liquid A, Liquid B, and Liquid C, which causes a computer device to function as a composition identification means for identifying the composition of the mixture based on a first characteristic value and a second characteristic value of the mixture, a first characteristic value and a second characteristic value specific to Liquid A, a first characteristic value and a second characteristic value specific to Liquid B, and a first characteristic value and a second characteristic value specific to Liquid C; [2] The composition specifying program according to [1] above, which causes a computer device to function as a characteristic value specifying means for specifying a first characteristic value and / or a second characteristic value specific to Liquid A, a first characteristic value and / or a second characteristic value specific to Liquid B, and / or a first characteristic value and / or a second characteristic value specific to Liquid C, depending on a temperature of the mixture; [3] A first characteristic value of the mixture is P, a second characteristic value of the mixture is Q, and the first characteristic value of liquid A is P A , the second property value of liquid A is Q A and the first characteristic value of liquid B is P B , the second property value of liquid B is Q B and the first characteristic value of liquid C is P C , the second property value of liquid C is Q C In this case, the composition determining means determines the volume fraction X vol. % of Liquid A, the volume fraction Y vol. % of Liquid B, and / or the volume fraction Z vol. % of Liquid C according to the formula:

number

[10] The composition identification device according to [9], further comprising a composition storage means for storing the identified composition of the fuel mixture, and / or a composition transmission means for transmitting the identified composition of the fuel mixture to another computer device;

[11] The composition identification device according to [9] or

[10] , wherein the one or more characteristic values ​​specific to each of the plurality of fuels are values ​​that are identified depending on the state of the fuel mixture or the surrounding environment of the fuel mixture;

[12] A composition identification system comprising: a composition identification device according to any one of [9] to

[11] above; a fuel section in which a fuel mixture is present; and one or more measurement means capable of measuring one or more different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture present in the fuel section, wherein the composition identification means identifies the composition of the fuel mixture based on the one or more different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by the one or more measurement means.

[13] A mobile object comprising the composition identifying device according to any one of [9] to

[12] above, a fuel section in which a fuel mixture is present, one or more measuring means capable of measuring one or more different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture present in the fuel section, and a heat engine, wherein the composition identifying means identifies the composition of the fuel mixture based on one or more different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by the one or more measuring means, and the mobile object is driven by burning fuel supplied from the fuel section in the heat engine; This can be achieved by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a composition identification program, a composition identification device, a composition identification system, and a mobile body that are capable of identifying the composition of a mixture composed of a plurality of components. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a composition specifying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a composition specifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a composition identification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the dielectric constant and temperature for three types of fuel. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between parameters related to the dielectric constant and parameters related to the thermal conductivity of three types of fuel. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a composition specifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between parameters related to the dielectric constant and parameters related to the thermal conductivity of three types of fuel. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between parameters related to the dielectric constant and parameters related to the thermal conductivity of three types of fuel. [Figure 9] 1 is a graph showing the deviation of the actual HVO or diesel percentage in a binary fuel mixture from the calculated HVO or diesel percentage on the ordinate and the percentage of BDF® in the fuel mixture on the abscissa. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a thermal conductivity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described, however, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments as long as they are within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a composition identification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The composition identification system 1 includes at least a composition identification device 2 for identifying the composition of a fuel mixture (hereinafter also referred to as a "fuel mixture") made up of a plurality of different types of fuel, and a fuel section 3 in which the fuel mixture exists. The fuel section 3 includes a fuel tank for storing the fuel mixture. Only one type of fuel may be stored, or a fuel mixture made up of a plurality of different types of fuel may be stored.

[0011] The fuel section 3 is provided with one or more measuring means capable of measuring one or more characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture. The fuel section 3 is a concept that includes not only a fuel tank that stores the fuel mixture, but also a fuel supply line for supplying the fuel mixture to a heat engine 4 such as an engine, and a fuel supply line for supplying the fuel mixture to the fuel tank, and the one or more measuring means capable of measuring one or more characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture may be provided in any of the fuel tank, the fuel supply line, and the fuel supply line.

[0012] These multiple measuring means are each capable of measuring a different characteristic value. For example, one of the multiple measuring means can measure a parameter related to the dielectric constant of the fuel mixture, and the other measuring means can measure a parameter related to the thermal conductivity of the fuel mixture. The measuring means is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the characteristic value of the fuel mixture, and examples of the measuring means include sensors or measuring instruments used to measure the dielectric constant, thermal conductivity, specific gravity, flash point, viscosity, and the like. The present invention measures characteristic values ​​of multiple characteristics (e.g., dielectric constant, thermal conductivity, specific gravity, flash point, viscosity) of the fuel mixture and identifies the composition of the fuel mixture based on the measured values, but the type of characteristic used to identify the composition of the fuel mixture is not particularly limited, and there is also no particular limit to which types of characteristics are combined to identify the composition of the fuel mixture.

[0013] The characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by the measuring means are transmitted to the composition identifying device 2 by wired or wireless communication. The composition identifying device 2 can identify the composition of the fuel mixture based on the received characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture.

[0014] When two types of fuels are contained in a fuel mixture, the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified based on a characteristic value of the fuel mixture measured by one measurement means and a characteristic value of the same type as the characteristic value that is specific to each of the two types of fuels contained in the fuel mixture. When three types of fuels are contained in a fuel mixture, the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified based on two different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by two different measurement means and a characteristic value of the same type as the characteristic values ​​that is specific to each of the three types of fuels contained in the fuel mixture. When four types of fuels are contained in a fuel mixture, the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified based on three different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by three different measurement means and a characteristic value of the same type as the characteristic values ​​that is specific to each of the four types of fuels contained in the fuel mixture.

[0015] In this way, the number of types of characteristic values ​​required to identify the composition of the fuel mixture changes depending on the number of types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture. Specifically, if the number of types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture is defined as n, the number of types of characteristic values ​​required to identify the composition of the fuel mixture is (n-1) (n is an integer of 2 or more). That is, in the present invention, the composition of the mixture can be identified based on the first characteristic value to the (n-1)th characteristic value of the mixture of n different types of liquids, and the first characteristic value to the (n-1)th characteristic value unique to each of the liquids contained in the mixture.

[0016] The heat engine 4 may be either an internal combustion engine or an external combustion engine, and may be, for example, an internal combustion engine of a moving body 5 such as a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft. The vehicle may include not only automobiles and motorcycles, but also special vehicles such as construction vehicles and industrial vehicles. The composition identification device 2 may be provided in the moving body 5 such as a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft together with the heat engine 4, or may be provided outside the moving body 5.

[0017] When the composition identification device 2 is provided in a moving body 5 such as a vehicle, ship, or aircraft together with the fuel section 3 and the heat engine 4, the composition of the fuel mixture identified by the composition identification device 2 or information on the composition may be stored in the composition identification device 2, or may be transmitted from the composition identification device 2 to another computer device 7 via a communication network 6 by wired or wireless communication. The other computer device 7 is provided in the moving body 5 in which the composition identification device 2 is provided or outside the moving body 5. In the other computer device 7, the received composition of the fuel mixture or information on the composition can be stored in a storage unit. Here, the information on the composition is a concept including information that can be calculated or identified from the composition, such as information indicating that the content of the fuel mixture of at least one liquid among a plurality of liquids contained in the fuel mixture or the content of the fuel mixture of the at least one liquid is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, exceeds a threshold value, is equal to or less than a threshold value, or is less than a threshold value, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0018] Unlike FIG. 1, when the composition identification device 2 is provided outside the mobile body 5, the characteristic value of the fuel mixture measured by the measuring means is transmitted to the composition identification device 2 by wireless communication. The composition identification device 2 identifies the composition of the fuel mixture based on the received characteristic value of the fuel mixture. The identified composition of the fuel mixture or information related to the composition may be stored in the storage unit 23 of the composition identification device 2, and may be further transmitted from the composition identification device 2 to another computer device 7 by communication. The other computer device 7 can store the received composition of the fuel mixture or information related to the composition in a storage unit. In addition, the composition of the fuel mixture identified by the composition identification device 2 provided outside the mobile body 5 or information related to the composition may be transmitted to the mobile body 5 by wireless communication. The composition of the fuel mixture or information related to the composition may be received by a communication interface provided in the mobile body 5, and the received information may be stored in a storage unit provided in the mobile body 5.

[0019] Regardless of whether the composition identification device 2 is installed inside or outside the mobile body 5, the composition of the fuel mixture identified by the composition identification device 2 or information regarding the composition can be displayed on a display unit installed in the mobile body 5, so that a person riding in the mobile body 5 can understand the composition of the fuel mixture or information regarding the composition.

[0020] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a composition identifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The composition identifying device 2 includes a control unit 21, a main memory 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication interface 24, which are all connected to each other via a bus.

[0021] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 21 executes a program stored in the storage unit 23 and controls the composition identifying device 2. For example, a RAM is used as the main memory 22. The main memory 22 is a work area for the control unit 21. The storage unit 23 is a storage area for saving programs and data. The control unit 21 performs arithmetic processing based on the programs and data read from the main memory 22.

[0022] The communication interface 24 can be connected to the communication network 6 wirelessly or via a wire. Data received via the communication interface 24 is loaded into the main memory 22, and the control unit 21 performs arithmetic processing.

[0023] The other computer device 7 may have the same configuration as the composition identification device 2. More specifically, the other computer device 7 includes a control unit, a main memory, a storage unit, and a communication interface, which are connected to each other by a bus. The use and purpose of the other computer device 7 and the composition identification device 2 are not particularly limited. The other computer device 7 may be provided inside the mobile body 5 or outside the mobile body 5. The other computer device 7 may be, for example, a server device that stores the composition of the fuel mixture identified by the multiple composition identification devices 2 or information related to the composition, or may be a computer device provided inside the mobile body 5.

[0024] Next, the composition identification process will be described. The composition identification device 2 can be mounted on, for example, a diesel vehicle. The diesel vehicle is provided with a fuel tank for supplying fuel to the engine, and the fuel is stored in the fuel tank.

[0025] Here, a case will be described in which a mixture of three types of fuels, namely, a fossil fuel (e.g., equivalent to Liquid A), hydrogenated vegetable oil (e.g., equivalent to Liquid B), and a biological fuel (e.g., equivalent to Liquid C), is stored as the fuel, but the fuel mixture may be a combination of fuels different from these three types of fuels. An example of a biological fuel is a fuel oil containing fatty acid methyl ester.

[0026] The fuel tank is equipped with a measuring means capable of measuring a characteristic value of the fuel mixture. Here, a case will be described in which a dielectric constant sensor is provided as the measuring means for measuring a first characteristic value, and a thermal conductivity sensor is provided as the measuring means for measuring a second characteristic value. The dielectric constant sensor can measure the dielectric constant or a parameter for calculating the dielectric constant of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank, and the thermal conductivity sensor can measure the thermal conductivity or a parameter for calculating the thermal conductivity of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank. The fuel tank may further be equipped with a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the fuel mixture.

[0027] In this embodiment, the dielectric constant or a parameter for calculating the dielectric constant is adopted as the first characteristic value, and the thermal conductivity or a parameter for calculating the thermal conductivity is adopted as the second characteristic value, but the combination of the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity, a characteristic value that changes linearly (or approximately linearly) depending on the composition when different types of fuel are mixed may be used as the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value. In other words, a characteristic value that changes in proportion to the content of each fuel in the fuel mixture can be used as the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value. Here, the "approximately linear change" refers to a change that differs from a completely linear change to such an extent that an appropriate content can be specified by making a correction, such that when the content of a certain component increases, the characteristic value tends to increase or decrease in response to the increase, or when the content of a certain component decreases, the characteristic value tends to increase or decrease in response to the increase. Examples of characteristic values ​​that can be used other than the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity include kinetic viscosity, acid number, and density. In addition, as the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value, it is possible to adopt characteristic values ​​that are not the dielectric constant or thermal conductivity themselves, but that have a correlation with the dielectric constant or thermal conductivity, for example, the capacitance or voltage output when measuring the dielectric constant or thermal conductivity with a sensor.

[0028] 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the composition identification process according to the embodiment of the present invention. The order of each process constituting the flowchart described below is random as long as no contradiction or inconsistency occurs in the process content. The composition identification process is executed by the composition identification device 2.

[0029] First, the composition identifying device 2 receives information about the dielectric constant P of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank measured by the dielectric constant sensor (step S1). The information about the dielectric constant P may be the dielectric constant P itself or a parameter related to the dielectric constant P. The parameter related to the dielectric constant P is a parameter that can be used to calculate the dielectric constant P. The parameter related to the dielectric constant P is preferably a parameter that is proportional or inversely proportional to the dielectric constant P. An example of the parameter related to the dielectric constant P is the "capacitance" obtained by inserting the fuel mixture to be measured between two parallel sheet-like electrodes to create a capacitor and measuring the capacitance of the created capacitor. The "capacitance" is a parameter that is proportional to the dielectric constant P.

[0030] The capacitance can be measured by a known method. For example, the capacitance can be calculated by arranging two flat metal electrodes so that the fuel mixture to be measured is between them, applying a voltage between the electrodes, and measuring the impedance of the capacitor formed by the two electrodes.

[0031] Next, information related to the thermal conductivity Q of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank measured by the thermal conductivity sensor is received by the composition identifying device 2 (step S2). The information related to the thermal conductivity Q may be the thermal conductivity Q itself or a parameter related to the thermal conductivity Q. The parameter related to the thermal conductivity Q is a parameter that can be used to calculate the thermal conductivity Q. The parameter related to the thermal conductivity Q is preferably a parameter that is proportional or inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity Q.

[0032] DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) is a method of measuring the specific heat capacity by heating a blank and a measurement sample under the same conditions, and measuring the temperature difference between the blank and the measurement sample that occurs when the blank and the measurement sample absorb and release heat. The blank is, for example, an empty container identical to the container in which the measurement sample is enclosed. By measuring the specific heat capacity, the thermal conductivity can be determined. Due to the temperature difference between the blank and the measurement sample, an electromotive force difference occurs between the two thermocouples in the differential scanning calorimetry. This electromotive force difference, "dVx", can be used as a parameter related to the thermal conductivity Q. "dVx" is a parameter that is inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity Q.

[0033] In addition, the following method can be used for measuring "dVx". FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a thermal conductivity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shape of the thermal conductivity sensor 30 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, a sheet shape. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sheet-shaped thermal conductivity sensor viewed from the side. The thermal conductivity sensor 30 includes temperature sensors 31a and 31b, and a heater 32. The temperature sensors 31a and 31b can be publicly known. The temperature sensors 31a and 31b are made of the same material. In addition, the temperature sensors 31a and 31b are preferably in a sheet shape. The temperature sensors 31a and 31b are preferably of the same size and shape. For the temperature sensor 31a, the heater 32 is brought into contact with the temperature sensor 31a, or the heater 32 is arranged in the vicinity of the temperature sensor 31a. For the other temperature sensor 31b, the heater 32 is not brought into contact with the temperature sensor 31b, and the heater 32 is not arranged in the vicinity of the temperature sensor 31b. It is preferable that the temperature sensor 31b and its surroundings are not affected by the temperature rise of the heater 32. When the temperature of the heater 32 is raised in this way, the temperature around the temperature sensor 31a and the temperature sensor 31b are made to be different. These two temperature sensors 31 and the heater 32 are covered with an insulator 33, thereby forming a thermal conductivity sensor 30. This thermal conductivity sensor 30 is immersed in, or brought into contact with, a liquid such as a fuel mixture 34 to be measured. It is preferable that the rate of rise in the temperature of the heater 32 is constant regardless of the measurement so that dVx will be the same when the same fuel mixture 34 is measured under the same atmospheric pressure and temperature environment. When the temperature of the heater 32 rises, the output voltage of the temperature sensor 31a changes, but the output voltage of the temperature sensor 31b does not change. The difference in these output voltages is dVx.

[0034] Furthermore, information regarding the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank measured by the temperature sensor is received by the composition identifying device 2 (step S3).

[0035] The three types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture each have their own specific dielectric constant and thermal conductivity, but these dielectric constants and thermal conductivity change depending on the state of the fuel mixture or the surrounding environment of the fuel mixture (hereinafter referred to as the state of the fuel mixture, etc.). For example, the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of each fuel change depending on the temperature of the fuel. Therefore, the dielectric constant P A ~P C Information about thermal conductivity Q A ~Q C The information regarding the above is identified based on the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank received in step S3 (step S4). Note that, although the following describes correcting the capacitance value based on the temperature of the fuel mixture, if the characteristic value varies depending on a parameter other than the temperature of the fuel mixture that indicates the state of the fuel mixture or the surrounding environment, the characteristic value can be corrected depending on that parameter.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the dielectric constant and temperature for three types of fuel. The horizontal axis corresponds to the voltage output by the temperature sensor, and the higher the voltage, the higher the temperature. The vertical axis corresponds to the capacitance value output by the dielectric constant sensor, and the higher the capacitance value, the higher the dielectric constant. In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the dielectric constant of BDF (registered trademark) (biological fuel) decreases as the temperature changes from 10° C. to 50° C. It can also be seen that the dielectric constant of HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) and the dielectric constant of fossil fuels hardly change even when the temperature changes from 10° C. to 50° C.

[0037] For example, an approximate equation for the correlation between the dielectric constant (or a parameter related to the dielectric constant) and temperature is set for each of these three types of fuel, and based on the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank received in step S3, the specific dielectric constant P A ~P C(or a parameter related to the dielectric constant inherent to each of the three types of fuel) can be calculated. The approximation formula can be a known approximation formula such as exponential approximation, linear approximation, logarithmic approximation, polynomial approximation, etc. In the case of polynomial approximation, it may be a linear or quadratic formula, and the degree is not particularly limited. Also, unlike the method of calculating the dielectric constant using an approximation formula, for example, a data table is set in which the correspondence between temperature and dielectric constant (or a parameter related to the dielectric constant) is stored in increments of 0.1°C or 0.01°C for each of the three types of fuel, and the inherent dielectric constant P corresponding to the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank can be calculated by referring to the data table. A ~P C (or parameters relating to the specific dielectric constants of each of the three fuels) can also be specified.

[0038] In FIG. 4, the relationship between the dielectric constant and temperature for the three types of fuel is shown, but the thermal conductivity also has a correlation with temperature. Similarly, for the thermal conductivity, an approximation equation for the correlation between the thermal conductivity (or a parameter related to the thermal conductivity) and temperature is set for each of the three types of fuel, and based on the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank received in step S3, the specific thermal conductivity Q A ~Q C (or a parameter related to the inherent thermal conductivity of each of the three types of fuel) can be calculated. In addition, similar to the dielectric constant, a data table is set up that stores the correspondence between temperature and thermal conductivity (or a parameter related to thermal conductivity) in increments of 0.1°C or 0.01°C, and the inherent thermal conductivity Q corresponding to the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank can be calculated by referring to the data table. A ~Q C (or specific thermal conductivity parameters for each of the three fuels) can also be specified.

[0039] Next, the received information on the dielectric constant P and thermal conductivity Q of the fuel mixture, as well as the dielectric constants P specific to the three fuels identified in step S4, are A ~P C Information about thermal conductivity Q A ~Q CBased on this information, the composition of the fuel mixture is identified (step S5).

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the dielectric constant and the thermal conductivity of three types of fuel. The vertical axis is the parameter "dVx" related to the thermal conductivity. The horizontal axis is the parameter "capacitance" related to the dielectric constant. The dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of SME (soybean-derived fatty acid methyl ester), HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil), and diesel (fossil fuel) each have different values. In FIG. 5, a triangle is provided with three vertices on which the parameter "capacitance" related to the dielectric constant and the parameter "dVx" related to the thermal conductivity are plotted for each of these fuels. When the parameter "capacitance" related to the dielectric constant and the parameter "dVx" related to the thermal conductivity of a fuel mixture obtained by mixing these three types of fuels are plotted in FIG. 5, they can be plotted inside the triangle.

[0041] For example, the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of a fuel mixture with a volume ratio of diesel and HVO of 50:50 correspond to the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of point AB, which is between point A plotted for diesel and point B plotted for HVO. When the "capacitance" and "dVx" of a fuel mixture with a volume ratio of diesel and HVO of 50:50 are plotted, they also correspond to the "capacitance" and "dVx" of point A'B', which is between point A' plotted for diesel and point B' plotted for HVO. In addition, the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of a fuel mixture with a volume ratio of BDF (registered trademark) (SME100) and diesel of 20:80 correspond to the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of point CA, which is obtained by dividing the line segment between point C plotted for BDF (registered trademark) and point A plotted for diesel, so that the distance from point C to point A is 20% and the distance from point A is 80%. When the "capacitance" and "dVx" of a fuel mixture of BDF (registered trademark) (SME100) and diesel in a volume ratio of 20:80 are plotted, they correspond to the "capacitance" and "dVx" of point C'A', which is midway between point C' plotted for BDF (registered trademark) and point A' plotted for diesel. Furthermore, the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of a fuel mixture of diesel, HVO and BDF (registered trademark) in a volume ratio of 65:28:7 correspond to the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of point ABC, which is moved toward point C on the inside of the triangle from the point where the distance between point A and point B can be divided such that the distance from point A: the distance from point B = 65:28 on the line segment between point A plotted for diesel and point B plotted for HVO. When the "capacitance" and "dVx" of a fuel mixture of diesel, HVO and BDF (registered trademark) in a volume ratio of 65:28:7 are plotted, This corresponds to the "capacitance" and "dVx" of point A'B'C', which is located on the line segment between point A' plotted for diesel and point B' plotted for HVO, and is moved toward point C', towards the inside of the triangle, from the point where the distance between point A' and point B' can be divided so that distance from point A':distance from point B' = 65:28.

[0042] In this way, by using the characteristic values ​​that change in proportion to the content of each fuel in the fuel mixture (including the characteristic values ​​that change approximately in proportion to the content of each fuel in the fuel mixture), the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified by the following formula: Here, the dielectric constant of the fuel mixture is P(Fm -1 ), and the thermal conductivity of the fuel mixture is defined as Q(W / (m K)). The dielectric constant of the fossil fuel is P A (Fm -1 ), the thermal conductivity of fossil fuels is Q A (W / (m K)), and the dielectric constant of hydrogenated vegetable oil is P B (Fm -1 ), the thermal conductivity of hydrogenated vegetable oil is Q B (W / (m K)), and the dielectric constant of the biofuel is P C (Fm -1 ), and the thermal conductivity of biofuels is Q C In step S5, the composition of the fuel mixture is defined as the volume fraction X (volume %) of the fossil fuel, the volume fraction Y (volume %) of the hydrogenated vegetable oil, and the volume fraction Z (volume %) of the biological fuel, using the following equations (a) to (c):

number

[0043] Using the above formulas (a) to (c), the volume fractions of the three types of fuel can be calculated as the composition of the fuel mixture, but the mass fractions of the three types of fuel can also be calculated from the specific gravities of the three types of fuel based on these calculated volume fractions. These mass fractions of the three types of fuel can also be stored as the composition of the fuel mixture.

[0044] In step S5, the dielectric constant P and thermal conductivity Q of the fuel mixture, as well as the dielectric constants P specific to the three types of fuel, A ~P C and thermal conductivity Q A ~Q C The composition of the fuel mixture can be determined by substituting the above equations (a) to (c). Instead of the dielectric constant P and thermal conductivity Q of the fuel mixture, the parameter P related to the dielectric constant and the parameter Q related to the thermal conductivity of the fuel mixture are used, and the dielectric constant P specific to the three types of fuels is calculated. A ~P C and thermal conductivity Q A ~Q C Instead, the dielectric constant parameters P A ~P C and the thermal conductivity parameter Q A ~Q CBy substituting the above, the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified by the above formulas (a) to (c). For example, a detection value detected by a dielectric constant sensor (e.g., a capacitance value detected by a sensor) is used as a parameter P related to the dielectric constant of the fuel mixture, and a detection value detected by a thermal conductivity sensor (e.g., dVx detected by a sensor) is used as a parameter Q related to the thermal conductivity of the fuel mixture. Similarly, the parameter P related to the dielectric constant specific to the three types of fuels A ~P C The composition of the fuel mixture can be identified using a parameter related to thermal conductivity specific to the three types of fuel, i.e., the detection value of the dielectric constant sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant (e.g., the capacitance value detected by the sensor), and a parameter related to thermal conductivity specific to the three types of fuel, i.e., the detection value of the thermal conductivity sensor corresponding to the thermal conductivity (e.g., dVx detected by the sensor).

[0045] Next, the composition of the fuel mixture identified in step S5 is stored in the storage unit 23 of the composition identification device 2, or transmitted to the other computer device 7 (step S6). Either one of storing the composition of the fuel mixture in the storage unit 23 and transmitting the composition of the fuel mixture to the other computer device 7 may be performed, or both may be performed. When the composition of the fuel mixture is received by the other computer device 7, the received composition of the fuel mixture is stored in the storage unit 23 of the other computer device 7. The composition identification process is completed by the processing of steps S1 to S6.

[0046] When the composition of the fuel mixture is stored in the storage unit 23 of the composition identification device 2 or in a storage unit of another computer device 7, the identified composition is stored in association with a time, such as the time when a characteristic value such as the dielectric constant or thermal conductivity was measured, the time when the characteristic value was received in step S1 and / or step S2, or the time when the composition of the fuel mixture was identified in step S5.

[0047] Moreover, it is preferable that the composition identification process from steps S1 to S6 is periodically executed at predetermined time intervals. The period during which the composition identification process is executed can be set appropriately. For example, the composition identification process may be executed every minute, every hour, or every 24 hours. Furthermore, the composition identification process from steps S1 to S6 may be executed every time a predetermined condition is satisfied, such as every time fuel is filled into a fuel tank. In this way, the identified composition is stored in association with time, and then the composition identification process from steps S1 to S6 is repeatedly executed multiple times, thereby enabling the history of the composition to be stored.

[0048] In the above step S5, the case where the composition of the fuel mixture is identified using the formulas (a) to (c) has been described. Below, a method of identifying the composition of the fuel mixture by another method in step S5 will be described.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, in a graph in which the vertical axis is a parameter related to thermal conductivity and the horizontal axis is a parameter related to dielectric constant, the plotted points of the mixture of diesel and BDF (registered trademark) are not on the straight line connecting the plotted points of diesel and BDF (registered trademark). Similarly, the plotted points of the mixture of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) are not on the straight line connecting the plotted points of HVO and BDF (registered trademark). This is because the actual thermal conductivity when two different fuel mixtures are mixed is lower than the value that can be calculated from the thermal conductivity and mixture ratio of each fuel mixture. The dVx on the vertical axis of FIG. 5 becomes smaller when the thermal conductivity is higher and becomes larger when the thermal conductivity is lower, so that the dVx when two different fuel mixtures are mixed is higher than the value that can be calculated from the thermal conductivity and mixture ratio of each fuel mixture. Therefore, correction is required when identifying the composition of the fuel mixture.

[0050] A method for determining the composition of the fuel mixture using curve approximation in step S5 will be described. The method for determining the composition of the fuel mixture using curve approximation is performed as follows. When determining the composition of the fuel mixture using curve approximation, reference is made to FIG. 8. In the following (1) to (9), it is preferable to use the measured values ​​at the temperature of the fuel mixture measured in step S3 for the dVx and capacitance of diesel, HVO, and BDF (registered trademark). It is also preferable to use the measured values ​​at the temperature of the fuel mixture measured in step S3 for the dVx and capacitance of a plurality of mixtures in which the proportion of HVO is 0% by volume and the compositions of diesel and BDF (registered trademark) are different. It is also preferable to use the measured values ​​at the temperature of the fuel mixture measured in step S3 for the dVx and capacitance of a plurality of mixtures in which the proportion of diesel is 0% by volume and the compositions of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) are different. (1) Find an equation that represents the straight line connecting the points plotted for dVx and capacitance for diesel and the points plotted for dVx and capacitance for HVO. (2) Measure the dVx and capacitance of the fuel mixture, and derive an equation that represents a straight line connecting the plotted points based on the measurement results and the plotted points of dVx and capacitance of BDF (registered trademark). (3) Find the intersection 1 between the line found in (1) and the line found in (2). (4) Calculate the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture using the following formula (d).

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[0051] A fitting curve is a curve obtained by fitting a curve to multiple data obtained from an experiment. One method of curve fitting is to estimate an optimal function using the least squares method. The same applies to fitting curves below.

[0052] The ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture theoretically calculated from the dVx and capacitance of diesel, HVO, and BDF (registered trademark) and the dVx and capacitance of the fuel mixture has a smaller deviation from the actual BDF (registered trademark) compared to the cases of HVO and diesel. Therefore, in (4) above, the ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture is calculated, and the ratios of HVO and diesel in the fuel mixture can be calculated using the fitting curve and the calculated ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture.

[0053] Although dVx and capacitance are used as the characteristic values ​​here, this method can be used even when other characteristic values ​​are used.

[0054] Next, in step S5, a method for determining the composition of the fuel mixture using curve approximation, which is different from the above, will be described. Note that when this method is used, step S4 is omitted. (1) Prepare multiple mixtures with 0% HVO by volume and varying the mixture ratio of diesel and BDF (registered trademark), change the temperature, and measure dVx and capacitance. Similarly, prepare multiple mixtures with 0% diesel by volume and varying the mixture ratio of HVO and BDF (registered trademark), change the temperature, and measure dVx and capacitance. (2) For each temperature, a fitting curve showing the relationship between dVx and capacitance for a mixture of diesel and BDF (registered trademark), and a fitting curve showing the relationship between dVx and capacitance for a mixture of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) are obtained. (3) From the multiple fitting curves obtained for each temperature, a temperature-dependent equation expressing the relationship between dVx and capacitance for a mixture of diesel and BDF (registered trademark), and a temperature-dependent equation expressing the relationship between dVx and capacitance for a mixture of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) are obtained.

[0055] The above steps (1) to (3) are executed in advance, and these temperature dependency equations are stored in the storage unit. In step S5, the following steps (4) to (6) are executed. (4) Based on the temperature measured in step S3, temperature correction is performed for the above two temperature-dependent equations. (5) Calculate the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture based on the following formula (c).

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[0056] As described above, the ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in a fuel mixture theoretically calculated from the dVx and capacitance of diesel, HVO, and BDF (registered trademark) and the dVx and capacitance of the fuel mixture has a smaller deviation from the actual BDF (registered trademark) compared to the cases of HVO and diesel. Therefore, in (5) above, the ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture is calculated using formula (c), and the ratios of HVO and diesel in the fuel mixture can be calculated using the fitting curve and the calculated ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture.

[0057] Next, a method of correcting the composition of the fuel mixture based on the fitting curve of the deviation amount in step S5 will be described. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the deviation amount of the actual HVO ratio in the fuel mixture from the HVO ratio calculated by formula (b) based on the measured dVx and capacitance for a two-component fuel mixture of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) on the vertical axis and the BDF (registered trademark) ratio in the fuel mixture on the horizontal axis, and also showing the deviation amount of the actual HVO ratio in the fuel mixture from the diesel ratio calculated by formulas (a) to (c) based on the measured dVx and capacitance for a two-component fuel mixture of diesel and BDF (registered trademark) on the vertical axis and the BDF (registered trademark) ratio in the fuel mixture on the horizontal axis. The deviation amount is, for example, the difference obtained by subtracting the HVO ratio calculated by formula (b) from the actual HVO ratio in the fuel mixture. Similarly, the deviation amount is, for example, the difference obtained by subtracting the diesel ratio calculated by formulas (a) to (c) from the actual diesel ratio in the fuel mixture.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9, for a fuel mixture consisting of a plurality of two components, a fitting curve is obtained from points plotted based on the deviation amount and the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture.

[0059] For example, the deviation amount can be calculated for a fuel mixture with a different proportion of BDF (registered trademark) for each temperature, and curve fitting can be performed for each temperature using the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) as an explanatory variable and the deviation amount as a target variable to obtain a fitting curve for each temperature, and a fitting equation representing the fitting curve can be obtained for each temperature.

[0060] In addition, the deviation amount can be calculated for fuel mixtures with different BDF (registered trademark) proportions at multiple different temperatures, and curve fitting can be performed using the BDF (registered trademark) proportion as an explanatory variable and the deviation amount as a target variable to obtain a fitting equation that represents a single fitting curve that can be applied at multiple different temperatures.

[0061] Also, unlike FIG. 9, for a fuel mixture consisting of two components, HVO and BDF (registered trademark), a fitting equation can be obtained that expresses the relationship between the deviation of the actual HVO ratio in the fuel mixture from the HVO ratio calculated by formula (b) based on the measured dVx and capacitance, and the BDF (registered trademark) ratio in the fuel mixture. Similarly, for a fuel mixture consisting of two components, diesel and BDF (registered trademark), a fitting equation can be obtained that expresses the relationship between the deviation of the actual diesel ratio in the fuel mixture from the diesel ratio calculated by formulas (a) to (c) based on the measured dVx and capacitance, and the BDF (registered trademark) ratio in the fuel mixture. In this case, too, the deviation is calculated for fuel mixtures having different BDF (registered trademark) ratios for each temperature, and curve fitting is performed using the BDF (registered trademark) ratio as an explanatory variable and the deviation as a response variable for each temperature, to obtain a fitting curve for each temperature, and a fitting equation expressing the fitting curve for each temperature can be obtained. In addition, the deviation amount is calculated for fuel mixtures with different BDF (registered trademark) ratios at different temperatures, and curve fitting is performed with the BDF (registered trademark) ratio as an explanatory variable and the deviation amount as a response variable to obtain one fitting curve that can be applied to multiple different temperatures. Also, a fitting equation that represents this fitting curve can be obtained.

[0062] In order to calculate the deviation amount for a fuel mixture whose composition has not been determined, the BDF (registered trademark) ratio is determined by formula (c) and then the BDF (registered trademark) ratio, which is an explanatory variable, is input into the fitting formula. Alternatively, it is possible to use this fitting formula to prepare a table in advance that defines the correspondence between different BDF (registered trademark) ratios and deviation amounts, and to specify the deviation amount according to the BDF (registered trademark) ratio. These fitting formulas or tables are stored in advance in the storage unit.

[0063] In step S5, first, the ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture is calculated using equation (c) based on the measured values ​​of dVx and capacitance of the fuel mixture. Then, based on the calculated ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture, the deviation amount of the ratio of HVO or diesel is identified based on the fitting equation or table stored in the storage unit. Then, based on the dVx and capacitance measured for the fuel mixture, the deviation amount is added to the ratio of HVO or diesel calculated using equations (a) to (c), thereby making it possible to calculate the ratio of HVO or diesel. Note that after calculating the ratio of HVO, the ratio of diesel can also be calculated from the ratio of HVO and the ratio of BDF (registered trademark).

[0064] As described above, in the present invention, the composition of the fuel mixture being measured can be identified based on the correspondence (e.g., the fitting formula or the table) between the volume fraction of the liquid in the fuel mixture calculated using a predetermined calculation formula (for example, formula (a), formula (b) and / or formula (c) in the case of three components) and the amount of deviation between the volume fraction of each liquid in the actual fuel mixture, and further based on the characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture being measured.

[0065] Here, the deviation amount is the difference obtained by subtracting the theoretically calculated proportion of a certain component from the actual proportion of the certain component in the fuel mixture, but a more accurate proportion of the certain component can be determined from the theoretically calculated proportion of the component from the characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture to be measured based on the ratio of the actual proportion of the certain component in the fuel mixture to the theoretically calculated proportion of the certain component in the fuel mixture. In this case, a more accurate proportion of the certain component can be determined by multiplying the theoretically calculated proportion of the component from the characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture to be measured by the ratio.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given mainly of identifying the composition of a fuel mixture, but the composition identifying device and composition identifying system of the present invention can be used to identify not only the composition of a fuel mixture, but also the composition of a mixture of a plurality of different liquids used for purposes other than fuel. The liquid contained in the mixture is not particularly limited, and examples of the liquid include water and organic solvents. The organic solvent may be either flammable or non-flammable, and may be either volatile or non-volatile.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a composition identifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view of the composition identifying device, and FIG. 6(b) is a side view of the composition identifying device. The composition identifying device 2 can be attached to a fuel tank of a vehicle such as an automobile by a tank attachment part 25. The composition identifying device 2 is provided with a sensor part 26 and a circuit part 27. The sensor part 26 is provided with a dielectric constant sensor, a thermal conductivity sensor, and a temperature sensor. When the composition identifying device is attached to a fuel tank, the fuel mixture in the fuel tank is supplied to the sensor part 26, and the dielectric constant, thermal conductivity, and temperature of the fuel mixture can be measured. When a value other than the dielectric constant and the thermal conductivity is adopted as the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value, the sensor part 26 may be provided with a sensor capable of measuring these characteristic values.

[0068] The circuit unit 27 includes a control unit 21, a main memory 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication interface 24. Information relating to the dielectric constant, thermal conductivity, and temperature measured by the sensor unit 26 is received by the communication interface 24. Based on the received information, the control unit 21 executes a composition identification process of steps S1 to S6 to identify the composition of the fuel mixture, and stores the obtained composition of the fuel mixture in the storage unit 23. Note that, instead of identifying the composition of the fuel mixture by a device attached to the fuel tank, information relating to the dielectric constant, thermal conductivity, and temperature measured by a dielectric constant sensor, a thermal conductivity sensor, and a temperature sensor in the device attached to the fuel tank may be transmitted to another computer device 7, and the composition of the fuel mixture may be identified by the other computer device 7.

[0069] According to the present invention, the composition of the mixture can be identified based on the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value of the mixture, the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value specific to liquid A, the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value specific to liquid B, and the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value specific to liquid C. Also, according to the present invention, the composition of the mixture in the fuel tank of a heat engine can be identified based on the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value of the mixture stored in the fuel tank.

[0070] According to the invention, a first and / or a second characteristic value specific to liquid A, a first and / or a second characteristic value specific to liquid B and / or a first and / or a second characteristic value specific to liquid C can be determined as a function of the temperature of the mixture.

[0071] According to the present invention, the composition of a mixture can be identified based on the dielectric constant or a parameter related to the dielectric constant and the thermal conductivity or a parameter related to the thermal conductivity of the mixture.

[0072] According to the present invention, since Liquid A is a fossil fuel, Liquid B is a hydrogenated vegetable oil, and Liquid C is a biofuel, the composition of a mixture consisting of a fossil fuel, a hydrogenated vegetable oil, and a biofuel can be specified.

[0073] According to the present invention, the identified composition of the mixture is stored, so that changes in the composition of the mixture can be recorded as a history.

[0074] According to the present invention, the identified composition of the mixture is transmitted to another computer device, so that the other computer device can record changes in the composition of the mixture as history.

[0075] According to the present invention, the composition of a fuel mixture can be identified based on one or more characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture containing different types of fuel, and based on one or more characteristic values ​​specific to each of the multiple fuels contained in the fuel mixture.

[0076] According to the present invention, one or more characteristic values ​​specific to each of a plurality of fuels are values ​​that are determined depending on the state of the fuel mixture or the surrounding environment of the fuel mixture, so that the composition of the fuel mixture can be determined more accurately without being influenced by the state of the fuel mixture or the surrounding environment of the fuel mixture. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 composition identification system, 2 composition identification device, 3 fuel section, 4 heat engine, 5 Mobile objects, 6 Communication networks, 7 Other computer devices, 21 control unit, 22 main memory, 23 storage unit, 24 communication interface, 25 tank mounting portion, 26 sensor portion, 27 Circuit section

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for determining the percentage of fuel in a fuel mixture containing different types of fuel, the apparatus comprising: a ratio specifying means for specifying a ratio of fuel contained in the fuel mixture based on one or more characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture and one or more characteristic values ​​specific to each of the fuels contained in the fuel mixture; An apparatus comprising:

2. a ratio storage means for storing the determined ratio of fuel contained in the fuel mixture, and / or a ratio transmission means for transmitting the determined ratio of fuel contained in the fuel mixture to another computer device; The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more characteristic values ​​specific to each of the plurality of fuels are values ​​determined depending on the state of the fuel mixture or the surrounding environment of the fuel mixture.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the one or more characteristic values ​​specific to each of the plurality of fuels are values ​​that are determined as a function of the temperature of the fuel mixture.

5. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ratio specifying means specifies the ratio of fuel contained in the fuel mixture based on a deviation between the volume fraction of each of the plurality of fuels calculated for the other fuel mixture using a predetermined calculation formula and the actual volume fraction of each of the plurality of fuels for the other fuel mixture.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the characteristic values ​​include thermal conductivity or a parameter related to thermal conductivity.

7. The device according to claim 6 , wherein the characteristic values ​​further include a dielectric constant or a parameter related to the dielectric constant.

8. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, for determining the proportion of a fuel mixture that contains a fossil fuel.

9. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, which determines the proportion of a fuel mixture that includes hydrogenated vegetable oil.

10. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, which determines the proportion of a fuel mixture that contains biological ingredients.

11. An apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the proportion determination means determines the proportion of fuel contained in the fuel mixture based on multiple characteristic values ​​possessed by the fuel mixture and multiple characteristic values ​​unique to each of the fuels contained in the fuel mixture.

12. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, a fuel section in which a fuel mixture is present, and one or more measuring means capable of measuring one or more different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture present in the fuel section, A system in which a ratio specifying means specifies a ratio of fuel contained in the fuel mixture based on one or more different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by one or more measurement means.

13. 3. A method for producing a fuel mixture comprising the device according to claim 1 or 2, a fuel section in which a fuel mixture is present, one or more measuring means capable of measuring one or more different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture present in the fuel section, and a heat engine, the ratio specifying means specifies the ratio of fuel contained in the fuel mixture based on one or more different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by one or more measurement means; A system in which fuel supplied from the fuel section is burned in a heat engine.

14. 1. A program for identifying a fuel percentage in a fuel mixture containing different types of fuel, the program comprising: A device capable of arithmetic processing, a ratio specifying means for specifying a ratio of fuel contained in the fuel mixture based on one or more characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture and one or more characteristic values ​​specific to each of the fuels contained in the fuel mixture; A program that includes:

15. 1. A method for determining the percentage of fuel in a fuel mixture containing different types of fuel, in a computationally capable device, comprising: A device capable of arithmetic processing, a ratio determination step of determining a ratio of fuel contained in the fuel mixture based on one or more characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture and one or more characteristic values ​​specific to each of the fuels contained in the fuel mixture; A method comprising:

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