System for identifying fuel for work machine and method for identifying fuel for work machine

Abstract

To provide a system for identifying fuel for a work machine that can accurately identify carbon-neutral fuel, and to provide a method for identifying fuel for a work machine.SOLUTION: A fuel property sensor 1 detects the density and / or dielectric constant as a physical property value of fuel containing carbon-neutral fuel. A controller 50 estimates the type of fuel on the basis of the physical property value detected by the fuel property sensor 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel identification system for a work machine and a fuel identification method for a work machine.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel identification device for a work machine is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-261759 (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a device for discriminating light oil, kerosene, and heavy oil as fuels for work machines.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, the use of carbon-neutral fuels in work machines has been under consideration. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technique for accurately identifying carbon-neutral fuels.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel identification system for a work machine and a fuel identification method for a work machine that can accurately identify carbon-neutral fuels.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One fuel identification system for a work machine of the present disclosure includes a fuel property sensor and a controller. The fuel property sensor detects at least the density as a physical property value of a fuel including a carbon-neutral fuel. The controller estimates the type of fuel based on the physical property value detected by the fuel property sensor.

[0007] Other fuel identification systems for working machines of the present disclosure include a fuel property sensor and a controller. The fuel property sensor detects at least the dielectric constant as a physical property value of a fuel including a carbon-neutral fuel. The controller estimates the type of fuel based on the physical property value detected by the fuel property sensor.

[0008] A fuel identification method for a working machine of the present disclosure has the following steps.

[0009] At least the density is acquired as a physical property value of a fuel including a carbon-neutral fuel. The type of fuel is estimated based on the acquired physical property value.

[0010] Another fuel identification method for a working machine of the present disclosure has the following steps.

[0011] At least the dielectric constant is acquired as a physical property value of a fuel including a carbon-neutral fuel. The type of fuel is estimated based on the acquired physical property value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a fuel identification system for a working machine and a fuel identification method for a working machine that can accurately identify a carbon-neutral fuel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] In the specification and drawings, the same components or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are not repeated. Also, in the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the configuration may be omitted or simplified. Further, at least a part of the embodiments and modification examples may be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0016] In the following, the front-rear direction means the direction in which the boom 16 extends from the base end portion to the tip end portion in a plan view. The left-right direction means the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction in a plan view. The up-down direction means the direction orthogonal to the plane including the front-rear direction and the left-right direction which are orthogonal to each other.

[0017] <Configuration of the working machine 10>

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a working machine in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the working machine 10 of the present embodiment is, for example, a hydraulic excavator. However, the working machine 10 is not limited to a hydraulic excavator, and any working machine 10 that has a working device and uses a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel in operation, such as a wheel loader, a bulldozer, a motor grader, a dump truck, a forklift, etc., may be used.

[0019] The fuel used for the operation of the working machine 10 includes carbon-neutral (CN) fuel. The fuel used for the operation of the working machine 10 may contain other fuels such as gas oil as long as it contains carbon-neutral fuel. Carbon-neutral combustion refers to fuel that does not increase the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the atmosphere throughout the entire process from production to use. Carbon-neutral fuels include FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), paraffin fuels, and the like.

[0020] FAME is a bio-ester obtained by esterifying bio-derived fatty acid triglycerides. FAME is a fatty acid methyl ester produced from corn, palm, waste cooking oil, and the like. Paraffin fuel is a fuel whose main component is paraffin, and in the case of paraffin gas oil fuel, it meets the EN15940 standard. Paraffin fuels include, for example, HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), synthetic fuels, GTL (Gas to Liquids), and the like.

[0021] Synthetic fuel refers to fuel produced by synthesizing carbon dioxide and hydrogen (H 2 ). Among synthetic fuels, synthetic fuels produced using hydrogen manufactured from renewable-derived electricity and carbon dioxide separated and concentrated from the atmosphere or combustion reactions as raw materials are called e-fuels.

[0022] GTL is a liquid fuel synthesized from hydrocarbon gas.

[0023] The fuel containing carbon-neutral fuel is supplied to, for example, the engine of the working machine 10. The fuel burns explosively in the engine, and power is obtained from the force of the explosion.

[0024] As an example of the working machine 10, the hydraulic excavator 10 has a main body 11 and a working device 12. The main body 11 has a revolving body 13 and a traveling body 15.

[0025] The traveling body 15 has a pair of crawler belts 15Cr and a traveling motor 15M. The working machine 10 can travel by the rotation of the crawler belts 15Cr. The traveling motor 15M is provided as a driving source of the traveling body 15.

[0026] The slewing body 13 is disposed on and supported by the traveling body 15. The slewing body 13 can slew with respect to the traveling body 15 about a slewing axis RX by a slewing motor (not shown). The slewing axis RX is an imaginary straight line that is the center of slewing of the slewing body 13.

[0027] The slewing body 13 has a driver's cab 14 (cab). Inside the driver's cab 14, a driver's seat 14S on which an operator sits is provided. The operator can board the driver's cab 14 to operate the working machine 12, slew the slewing body 13 with respect to the traveling body 15, and operate the traveling of the hydraulic excavator 10 by the traveling body 15. A fuel tank 6 (not shown in FIG. 1) is mounted on the slewing body 13.

[0028] The working machine 12 is supported by the slewing body 13. The working machine 12 has a boom 16, an arm 17, and a bucket 18. The working machine 12 further has a boom cylinder 19a, an arm cylinder 19b, and a bucket cylinder 19c.

[0029] The boom 16 is rotatably connected to the main body 11. Specifically, the base end portion of the boom 16 is rotatably connected to the slewing body 13 with a boom foot pin BF as a fulcrum. The arm 17 is rotatably connected to the boom 16. Specifically, the base end portion of the arm 17 is rotatably connected to the tip end portion of the boom 16 with a boom top pin BT as a fulcrum. The bucket 18 is rotatably connected to the arm 17. Specifically, the base end portion of the bucket 18 is rotatably connected to the tip end portion of the arm 17 with an arm top pin AT as a fulcrum.

[0030] The boom 16 can be driven with respect to the main body 11 by a boom cylinder 19a. By this drive, the boom 16 can rotate vertically with respect to the swivel body 13 with the boom foot pin BF as a fulcrum.

[0031] The arm 17 can be driven with respect to the boom 16 by an arm cylinder 19b. By this drive, the arm 17 can rotate vertically or longitudinally with respect to the boom 16 with the boom top pin BT as a fulcrum.

[0032] The bucket 18 can be driven with respect to the arm 17 by a bucket cylinder 19c. By this drive, the bucket 18 can rotate vertically or longitudinally with respect to the arm 17 with the arm top pin AT as a fulcrum.

[0033] The swivel body 13 has a drive source. The drive source is, for example, an engine, and generates power by being supplied with the fuel containing the above-mentioned carbon-neutral fuel. The drive source is arranged behind the cab 14. The drive source is covered by an exterior panel 13a.

[0034] In the present embodiment, physical property values of the fuel supplied to the drive source are detected. The detected physical property values are the density, dielectric constant, etc. of the fuel. The detected physical property values may include the viscosity, resistance value, temperature of the fuel in addition to the density and dielectric constant. The detected physical property value may be the density of the fuel alone, the dielectric constant of the fuel alone, or both the density and dielectric constant of the fuel. Further, the detected physical property value may be any combination of the density, dielectric constant, viscosity, resistance value, and temperature of the fuel.

[0035] Also in the present embodiment, as will be described later, based on the detected physical property values of the fuel, the type of fuel and the fuel mixing ratio are estimated. Based on the estimated type of fuel and the fuel mixing ratio, the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions by using the carbon-neutral fuel of the work machine 10 is calculated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to constantly monitor the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions.

[0036] <Fuel circuit>

[0037] Next, an example of the fuel circuit in the working machine will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of fuel. As shown in FIG. 2, an example of the fuel circuit has a fuel property sensor 1, pumps 3a and 3b, filters 4a and 4b, a common rail 5, and a fuel tank 6.

[0039] Fuel is stored in the fuel tank 6. The fuel contains the above-described carbon-neutral fuel. A pump 3a is connected to the fuel tank 6. By operating, the pump 3a pumps up the fuel stored in the fuel tank 6. A filter 4a is disposed in the flow path connecting the fuel tank 6 and the pump 3a. The fuel filtered by the filter 4a is pumped up by the pump 3a.

[0040] A pump 3b is connected to the pump 3a. By operating, the pump 3b further pumps up the fuel pumped up by the pump 3a. A filter 4b is disposed in the flow path connecting the pump 3a and the pump 3b. The fuel further filtered by the filter 4b is pumped up by the pump 3b.

[0041] A common rail 5 is connected to the pump 3b. The fuel pumped up by the pump 3b is supplied to the common rail 5. The common rail 5 stores fuel at a high pressure. The common rail 5 distributes the stored high-pressure fuel to each cylinder of the engine. When the fuel is injected into each cylinder at a high pressure, it becomes atomized and mixes well with the air. This promotes the vaporization of the fuel and combustion in a state close to complete combustion.

[0042] In order to detect the physical property values of the fuel, a fuel property sensor 1 is provided. The fuel property sensor 1 is arranged, for example, in the path between the filter 4a and the pump 3a. The fuel property sensor 1 may be arranged in the path between the fuel tank 6 and the filter 4a, or may be arranged in the fuel tank 6 or in the pump 3a. The arrangement location of the fuel property sensor 1 is not limited to the above, and it may be other locations. The fuel property sensor 1 may be, for example, between the pump 3a and the filter 4b, or between the filter 4b and the pump 3b. Note that the fuel property sensor 1 is preferably arranged at a location where the fuel flows at a constant speed and where contamination is minimized as much as possible.

[0043] The fuel property sensor 1 detects the physical property values of the fuel. The physical property values of the fuel detected by the fuel property sensor 1 are, for example, the density, dielectric constant, viscosity, resistance value, temperature, etc. of the fuel. The fuel property sensor 1 has, for example, a crystal tuning fork oscillator and a resistance temperature detector. When an alternating voltage is applied to the crystal tuning fork oscillator in the fuel to cause oscillation, a capacitor is formed between the electrode and the surrounding fuel. The capacitance of the fuel changes due to the dielectric constant and resistance value of the fuel. Therefore, the dielectric constant and resistance value of the fuel can be detected by detecting the capacitance of the capacitor. Also, the amplitude and phase of the vibration change due to the reaction force received from the surrounding fuel. The viscosity and density of the fuel can be detected from the change in the amplitude and phase of this vibration. Also, the temperature of the fuel can be measured by the resistance temperature detector.

[0044] The fuel property sensor 1 is electrically connected to the controller 50. The fuel property sensor 1 outputs an electrical signal indicating the detected physical property values of the fuel to the controller 50.

[0045] Also, a fuel level sensor 7 is provided. The fuel level sensor 7 detects the storage amount of the fuel stored in the fuel tank 6. The fuel level sensor 7 is electrically connected to the controller 50. The fuel level sensor 7 outputs an electrical signal indicating the detected storage amount in the fuel tank 6 to the controller 50.

[0046] <Fuel Identification System of Construction Machine 10>

[0047] Next, the fuel identification system of the construction machine 10 in an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fuel identification system of the construction machine 10 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel identification system of the construction machine 10 has, for example, the construction machine 10 and the server 20.

[0049] The construction machine 10 has a fuel property sensor 1, a controller 50, a monitor 2, and a fuel level sensor 7. Each of the fuel property sensor 1, the monitor 2, and the fuel level sensor 7 is electrically connected to the controller 50.

[0050] A signal indicating the physical property value of the fuel detected by the fuel property sensor 1 is output to the controller 50 of the construction machine 10. The controller 50 estimates the type of fuel and the mixing ratio of the carbon-neutral fuel in the fuel based on the acquired physical property value of the fuel. Further, the controller 50 calculates the reduction effect of the carbon dioxide emission amount due to the use of the carbon-neutral fuel based on the mixing ratio, the fuel consumption of the construction machine 10, and the carbon dioxide reduction rate for each type of carbon-neutral fuel. Note that the controller 50 may calculate the fuel consumption of the construction machine 10 based on the storage amount of the fuel in the fuel tank 6 detected by the fuel level sensor 7.

[0051] The controller 50 outputs information such as the type of fuel, the mixing ratio of the carbon-neutral fuel in the fuel, and the reduction effect of the carbon dioxide emission amount due to the use of the carbon-neutral fuel to the monitor 2. The monitor 2 displays an image based on the information acquired from the controller 50.

[0052] The monitor 2 may be mounted on the working machine 10 or may be arranged separately outside the working machine 10. The monitor 2 may be, for example, a customer's or service technician's tablet or personal computer, or may be a monitor for the construction machine manufacturer's management computer. When the monitor 2 is arranged separately outside the working machine 10, the monitor 2 may be wirelessly connected to a controller 50 or the like. Further, the monitor 2 may be connected to a server 20 located away from the working machine 10, either by wire or wirelessly.

[0053] A signal indicating the physical property value of the fuel detected by the fuel property sensor 1 is output to a server 20 provided outside the working machine 10. Also, a signal indicating the storage amount of the fuel in the fuel tank 6 detected by the fuel level sensor 7 is output to the server 20. Each of the signal indicating the physical property value of the fuel detected by the fuel property sensor 1 and the signal indicating the storage amount of the fuel detected by the fuel level sensor 7 may be transmitted to the server 20 wirelessly. The server 20 is, for example, a server owned by a construction machine manufacturer.

[0054] The server 20 has the same functions as the controller 50. That is, the server 20 estimates the type of fuel and the mixing ratio of carbon-neutral fuel in the fuel based on the acquired physical property values of the fuel. Further, the server 20 calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions by using carbon-neutral fuel based on the mixing ratio, the fuel consumption of the working machine 10, and the carbon dioxide reduction rate for each type of carbon-neutral fuel. The server 20 may calculate the fuel consumption of the working machine 10 based on the storage amount of the fuel in the fuel tank 6 detected by the fuel level sensor 7.

[0055] <Functional blocks of the controller 50>

[0056] Next, the functional blocks of the controller 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0057] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the controller employed in the system of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 50 includes a fuel property value acquisition unit 51, a fuel estimation unit 52, a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reduction effect calculation unit 53, an output control unit 54, and a memory 55. The fuel property value acquisition unit 51 acquires the property values of the fuel from the fuel property sensor 1.

[0058] The fuel estimation unit 52 acquires the property values of the fuel from the fuel property value acquisition unit 51. Based on the relationship between the property values of the fuel and the type of fuel (property value - fuel type relationship), the fuel estimation unit 52 estimates the type of fuel from the acquired property values of the fuel. Further, based on the relationship between the property values of the fuel and the mixing ratio of the carbon-neutral fuel in the fuel (property value - mixing ratio relationship), the fuel estimation unit 52 estimates the mixing ratio of the fuel from the acquired property values of the fuel.

[0059] The fuel estimation unit 52 may estimate only the type of fuel, or only the mixing ratio of the fuel, or may estimate both the type and the mixing ratio of the fuel. When making the above estimations, the fuel estimation unit 52 refers to at least one of the property value - fuel type relationship and the property value - mixing ratio relationship stored in advance in the memory 55.

[0060] The property value - fuel type relationship and the property value - mixing ratio relationship may be, for example, the data shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. For example, the data shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 is stored in the memory 55, and the fuel estimation unit 52 refers to the data shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 to estimate the type and the mixing ratio of the fuel from the acquired property values of the fuel (such as density, dielectric constant, viscosity, resistance value, temperature, etc.). The specific methods for estimating the type of fuel and the mixing ratio of the fuel will be described later.

[0061] CO 2 The reduction effect calculation unit 53 calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of carbon-neutral fuel using the following formula (1).

Equation

[0062] The "CO reduction rate by CN fuel" in formula (1) is the reduction rate (%) of carbon dioxide emissions for each type of carbon-neutral fuel. The "CO 2 reduction rate" may use the reduction rate calculated by a government agency for each type of carbon-neutral fuel. Also, the reduction rate proposed by the manufacturer with the highest share rate may be used. Also, the lowest reduction rate among the published values of each manufacturer for each fuel may be used as a representative. 2 The reduction rate of carbon dioxide emissions for each type of carbon-neutral fuel is pre-stored in the memory 55. When calculating the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions, the CO

[0063] reduction effect calculation unit 53 refers to the reduction rate of carbon dioxide emissions for each type of carbon-neutral fuel stored in the memory 55 based on the estimated fuel type. 2 The "mixing ratio of CN fuel" in formula (1) is the mixing ratio for each type of carbon-neutral fuel in the fuel. The CO

[0064] reduction effect calculation unit 53 acquires the mixing ratio of the fuel from the fuel estimation unit 52 as the "mixing ratio of CN fuel". 2 The "fuel consumption" in formula (1) is calculated by fuel consumption (L / h) × cumulative operation time (h). The "fuel consumption" may be calculated daily, annually, or continuously monitored. As the fuel consumption, the representative fuel consumption defined by the design for each model of the working machine 10 may be used. Also, as the fuel consumption, a value calculated for each working machine 10 from the detected value of the fuel level sensor 7 and the operation time of the working machine 10 may be used. The annual operation time is calculated, for example, from the date and the cumulative operation time.

[0065] Specifically, as follows, the CO

[0066] reduction effect calculation unit 53 calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of carbon-neutral fuel. 2 The reduction effect calculation unit 53 calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of carbon-neutral fuel.

[0067] First, CO 2 The CO reduction effect calculation unit 53 acquires from the memory 55 the reduction rate of carbon dioxide emissions for each type of fuel detected by the fuel property sensor 1. The reduction rates for gas oil, HVO, and FAME are, for example, "0%", "90%", and "60%", respectively. Also, CO 2 The CO reduction effect calculation unit 53 acquires the mixing ratio of the fuel detected by the fuel property sensor 1. For example, in the case of 25% HVO, the mixing ratio of HVO as a carbon-neutral fuel is "25%". After that, CO 2 The CO reduction effect calculation unit 53 multiplies the acquired reduction rate and mixing ratio to calculate a reduction coefficient. For example, in the case of 25% HVO, the reduction rate 90% × mixing ratio 0.25 = reduction coefficient 0.225 is calculated. CO 2 The CO reduction effect calculation unit 53 calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of carbon-neutral fuel by multiplying the calculated reduction coefficient 0.225 by the fuel consumption amount.

[0068] CO 2 The CO reduction effect calculation unit 53 outputs a signal indicating the calculated reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions to the output control unit 54. Also, CO 2 The CO reduction effect calculation unit 53 may output to the output control unit 54 signals indicating each of the type of fuel and the mixing ratio of the fuel estimated by the fuel estimation unit 52.

[0069] The output control unit 54 acquires signals indicating the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions, the type of fuel, and the mixing ratio of the fuel, respectively. The output control unit 54 outputs a control signal to the monitor 2 based on the acquired signals to control the display content of the monitor 2. The output control unit 54 controls the monitor 2 to display, as necessary, the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions, the type of fuel, and the mixing ratio of the fuel, respectively.

[0070] The controller 50 includes a processor, a main memory, and a storage. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The main memory includes, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0071] The controller 50 may be mounted on the working machine 10 or may be disposed separately outside the working machine 10. When the controller 50 is disposed separately outside the working machine 10, the controller 50 may be wirelessly connected to the fuel property sensor 1, the fuel level sensor 7, the monitor 2, etc. The controller 50 may be stored in a server 20 separated from the working machine 10.

[0072] The controller 50 reads out a program stored in the storage and expands it in the main memory, and executes predetermined processing according to the program. The program may also be distributed to the controller 50 via a network.

[0073] <Method for Identifying Fuel of Working Machine>

[0074] Next, a method for identifying fuel of a working machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for identifying fuel of a working machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fuel property sensor 1 detects physical property values of fuel including carbon-neutral fuel. The fuel physical property value acquisition unit 51 of the controller 50 acquires the physical property values of the fuel from the fuel property sensor 1 (step S1: FIG. 5). The physical property values of the fuel may be only the density of the fuel, only the dielectric constant of the fuel, both the density and the dielectric constant of the fuel, or a combination of these and other physical property values (for example, viscosity, resistance value, temperature).

[0076] The fuel property value acquisition unit 51 outputs the acquired property values to the fuel estimation unit 52. Based on at least one of the above property value - fuel type relationship and property value - mixing ratio relationship, the fuel estimation unit 52 estimates at least one of the type of the acquired fuel and the mixing ratio of the carbon neutral fuel in the fuel from the acquired property values of the fuel (step S2: Figure 5). When estimating the type of the fuel and the mixing ratio of the carbon neutral fuel in the fuel, the fuel estimation unit 52 refers to the above property value - fuel type relationship and property value - mixing ratio relationship stored in the memory 55.

[0077] The fuel estimation unit 52 outputs the estimated type of the fuel and the mixing ratio of the carbon neutral fuel in the fuel to the CO 2 emission reduction effect calculation unit 53. 2 Using the type of the acquired fuel and the mixing ratio of the carbon neutral fuel in the fuel, the CO

[0078] emission reduction effect calculation unit 53 calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of the carbon neutral fuel based on the above formula (1) (step S3: Figure 5). 2 When calculating the above reduction effect using the formula (1), the CO

[0079] emission reduction effect calculation unit 53 may calculate the fuel usage amount in the formula (1) using the storage amount of the fuel detected by the fuel level sensor 7. 2 The CO 2 emission reduction effect calculation unit 53 outputs a signal indicating the calculated reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions to the output control unit 54. Also, the CO

[0080] emission reduction effect calculation unit 53 may output signals indicating the type of the fuel and the mixing ratio of the fuel estimated by the fuel estimation unit 52 to the output control unit 54.

[0081] As described above, the fuel identification method of the working machine 10 in the present embodiment is implemented.

[0082] <Example>

[0083] Next, the studies conducted by the present inventors regarding the relationship between various fuels and the physical property values of the fuels will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the physical property values of light oil, FAME, and HVO, respectively. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the physical property values of a fuel obtained by mixing light oil and HVO. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the physical property values of a fuel obtained by mixing light oil and FAME.

[0085] In FIG. 7, each of HVO20%, HVO40%, HVO60%, and HVO80% indicates a mixed fuel of light oil and HVO. Each of HVO20%, HVO40%, HVO60%, and HVO80% indicates that the mixing ratio of HVO with respect to the entire fuel is 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. Also, HVO100% means that the fuel consists of HVO alone.

[0086] Also, in FIG. 8, each of FAME20%, FAME40%, FAME60%, and FAME80% indicates a mixed fuel of light oil and FAME. Each of FAME20%, FAME40%, FAME60%, and FAME80% indicates that the mixing ratio of FAME with respect to the entire fuel is 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. Also, FAME100% means that the fuel consists of FAME alone.

[0087] The present inventors detected the relationship between the physical property values (dielectric constant, viscosity, density, resistivity) of various fuels (light oil, FAME, HVO) and temperature using a fuel property sensor. The results are shown in FIG. 6.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 6, regarding the resistance value, the resistance values of gas oil and HVO are very close throughout the measured temperatures. From this, it was found that it is difficult to identify the type of fuel by the resistance value. Also, regarding viscosity, even for the same type of fuel, the viscosity varies greatly depending on whether the fuel is for use or for summer and winter use. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the type of fuel by viscosity.

[0089] On the other hand, it was found that for each of density and permittivity, the relationship is FAME > gas oil > HVO throughout the measured temperature range. Therefore, it was found that the type of fuel can be identified by density alone, permittivity alone, or both density and permittivity.

[0090] In particular, since the density values of gas oil, FAME, and HVO each have a large numerical difference, gas oil, FAME, and HVO can be identified by density alone. Also, while the permittivity of gas oil and the permittivity of FAME are widely separated, the permittivity of gas oil and the permittivity of HVO are close to each other. Therefore, it was found that permittivity is effective in distinguishing gas oil from FAME. On the other hand, it was found that permittivity is disadvantageous in distinguishing gas oil from HVO. Therefore, it was found that by combining not only permittivity but also density, gas oil, FAME, and HVO can be identified more accurately. That is, it was found that by distinguishing the permittivity between gas oil and FAME and distinguishing the density between gas oil and HVO, gas oil, FAME, and HVO can be identified more accurately.

[0091] From the above, the type of fuel can be estimated by using only the density detected by the fuel property sensor 1, only the permittivity, or both the density and the permittivity.

[0092] Also, the inventors changed the mixing ratio of gas oil and HVO and detected the relationship between the physical property values (permittivity, viscosity, density, resistivity) of each fuel and temperature using a fuel property sensor. The results are shown in Fig. 7.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 7, regarding the resistance value, the resistance values of the fuels with each mixing ratio are close to each other over the entire measured temperature range. Therefore, it was found that it is difficult to identify the fuel mixing ratio by the resistance value. Also, regarding the viscosity, as described in Fig. 6, even for the same type of fuel, the viscosity varies greatly depending on whether it is the fuel for use or the fuel for summer and winter use. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the fuel mixing ratio by the viscosity.

[0094] On the other hand, for each of the density and the dielectric constant, it was found that the physical property values (density, dielectric constant) of the fuels with each mixing ratio are separated from each other over the entire measured temperature range. Therefore, it was found that the fuel mixing ratio can be identified by only the density, only the dielectric constant, or both the density and the dielectric constant.

[0095] From the above, the fuel mixing ratio can be estimated by using only the density detected by the fuel property sensor 1, only the dielectric constant, or both the density and the dielectric constant.

[0096] Also, the inventors changed the mixing ratio of gas oil and FAME and detected the relationship between the physical property values (dielectric constant, viscosity, density, resistivity) of each fuel and the temperature using the fuel property sensor. The results are shown in Fig. 8.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 8, regarding the resistance value, in the relatively low temperature range among the measured temperatures, the resistance values of the fuels with FAME mixing ratios of 80%, 60%, and 40% are close to each other. Therefore, it was found that it is difficult to identify the fuel mixing ratio by the resistance value. Also, regarding the viscosity, as described in Fig. 6, even for the same type of fuel, the viscosity varies greatly depending on whether it is the fuel for use or the fuel for summer and winter use. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the fuel mixing ratio by the viscosity.

[0098] On the other hand, for each of the density and the dielectric constant, it was found that the physical property values (density, dielectric constant) of the fuels with each mixing ratio are separated from each other over the entire measured temperature range. Therefore, it was found that the fuel mixing ratio can be identified by only the density, only the dielectric constant, or both the density and the dielectric constant.

[0099] As described above, the mixing ratio of the fuel can be estimated by using only the density detected by the fuel property sensor 1, only the dielectric constant, or both the density and the dielectric constant.

[0100] <Method for estimating fuel type>

[0101] Next, a method for estimating the fuel type will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 8, the dielectric constant of FAME100% is higher than that of diesel oil alone and also higher than that of the mixed fuels of diesel oil and FAME (FAME20%, FAME40%, FAME60%, FAME80%). Also, the dielectric constants of the mixed fuels of diesel oil and FAME (FAME20%, FAME40%, FAME60%, FAME80%) are higher than that of diesel oil alone.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 7, the dielectric constant of diesel oil alone is higher than that of HVO100% and also higher than that of the mixed fuels of diesel oil and HVO (HVO20%, HVO40%, HVO60%, HVO80%). Also, the dielectric constants of the mixed fuels of diesel oil and HVO (HVO20%, HVO40%, HVO60%, HVO80%) are higher than that of HVO100%.

[0104] From the above, it can be seen that in terms of dielectric constant, the relationship is FAME > mixed fuel of FAME and diesel oil > diesel oil > mixed fuel of HVO and diesel oil > HVO.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 8, the density of FAME100% is higher than that of diesel oil alone and also higher than that of the mixed fuels of diesel oil and FAME (FAME20%, FAME40%, FAME60%, FAME80%). Also, the densities of the mixed fuels of diesel oil and FAME (FAME20%, FAME40%, FAME60%, FAME80%) are higher than that of diesel oil alone.

[0106] Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the density of light oil alone is higher than that of HVO100%, and is also higher than that of the mixed fuels of light oil and HVO (HVO20%, HVO40%, HVO60%, HVO80%). Also, the density of the mixed fuels of light oil and HVO (HVO20%, HVO40%, HVO60%, HVO80%) is higher than that of HVO100%.

[0107] From the above, it can be seen that in terms of density, the relationship is FAME > mixed fuel of FAME and light oil > light oil > mixed fuel of light oil and HVO > HVO.

[0108] Based on the above relationships in dielectric constant and density, the type of fuel is estimated as follows.

[0109] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for estimating the type of fuel (light oil, FAME, HVO, mixed fuel) from the dielectric constant and density of the fuel. As shown in Fig. 9, it is determined whether the dielectric constant is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (step S21). If the dielectric constant is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, it is estimated that the type of fuel is FAME (step S31).

[0110] It is determined whether the dielectric constant is less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than the second threshold value (step S22). If the dielectric constant is less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than the second threshold value, it is estimated that the type of fuel is a mixed fuel of FAME and light oil (step S32).

[0111] It is determined whether the dielectric constant is less than the second threshold value and the density is equal to or greater than the third threshold value (step S23). If the dielectric constant is less than the second threshold value and the density is equal to or greater than the third threshold value, it is estimated that the type of fuel is light oil (step S33).

[0112] It is determined whether the dielectric constant is less than the second threshold value, the density is less than the third threshold value, and equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value (step S24). If the dielectric constant is less than the second threshold value, the density is less than the third threshold value, and equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value, it is estimated that the type of fuel is a mixed fuel of light oil and HVO (step S34).

[0113] It is determined whether the dielectric constant is less than the second threshold value and the density is less than the fourth threshold value (step S25). When the dielectric constant is less than the second threshold value and the density is less than the fourth threshold value, the fuel type is estimated to be HVO (step S35).

[0114] The method for estimating the fuel type in the present embodiment is implemented as described above.

[0115] Note that steps S21 to S25 for determination do not have to be determined in the order of steps S21 to S25, and may be determined in an order different from the order shown in FIG. 9.

[0116] <Method for estimating fuel mixing ratio>

[0117] Next, the method for estimating the fuel mixing ratio will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 8, for a mixed fuel of FAME and gas oil, both the dielectric constant and the density increase as the mixing ratio of FAME increases. Therefore, by appropriately setting the same thresholds as above for each of the dielectric constant and the density, the mixing ratio of FAME can be estimated.

[0119] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, for a mixed fuel of HVO and gas oil, both the dielectric constant and the density increase as the mixing ratio of HVO decreases. Therefore, by appropriately setting the same thresholds as above for each of the dielectric constant and the density, the mixing ratio of HVO can be estimated.

[0120] <Effect>

[0121] Hereinafter, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0122] According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 50 estimates the type of fuel based on the physical property values detected by the fuel property sensor 1 (for example, density alone, dielectric constant alone, or a combination of density and dielectric constant). Thereby, it is possible to accurately estimate whether a fuel including a carbon-neutral fuel is used as the fuel. In particular, by estimating the type of fuel based on the combination of density and dielectric constant, it is possible to estimate with higher accuracy whether a fuel including a carbon-neutral fuel is used as the fuel.

[0123] Also according to this embodiment, the carbon-neutral fuel includes at least one of HVO and FAME. FAME is a general biofuel. Also, HVO is a high-quality and stable fuel.

[0124] Also according to this embodiment, the controller 50 estimates the mixing ratio of the fuel based on the physical property values of the fuel (for example, density alone, dielectric constant alone, or a combination of density and dielectric constant). Thereby, the mixing ratio of the carbon-neutral fuel can be accurately estimated.

[0125] Also according to this embodiment, the controller 50 calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of the carbon-neutral fuel from the carbon dioxide reduction rate for each type of carbon-neutral fuel, the mixing ratio for each type of carbon-neutral fuel, and the fuel consumption of the working machine 10. Thereby, it is possible to know the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of the carbon-neutral fuel and to know the load on the environment.

[0126] Also according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 50 calculates the fuel consumption of the working machine 10 based on the amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank 6 detected by the fuel level sensor 7. Thereby, the fuel consumption can be accurately calculated, and the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions can be accurately calculated.

[0127] <Supplementary Note>

[0128] The embodiments described above include the following technical ideas.

[0129] (Appendix 1) A fuel property sensor that detects at least the density as a physical property value of a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel, A controller that estimates the type of fuel based on the physical property value detected by the fuel property sensor, and a fuel identification system for a working machine.

[0130] (Appendix 2) A fuel property sensor that detects at least the dielectric constant as a physical property value of a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel, A controller that estimates the type of fuel based on the physical property value detected by the fuel property sensor, and a fuel identification system for a working machine.

[0131] (Appendix 3) The carbon-neutral fuel includes at least one of HVO and FAME, and a fuel identification system for a working machine according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0132] (Appendix 4) The controller estimates the mixing ratio of the fuel based on the physical property value of the fuel, and a fuel identification system for a working machine according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[0133] (Appendix 5) The controller calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of the carbon-neutral fuel from the carbon dioxide reduction rate for each type of carbon-neutral fuel, the mixing ratio for each type of carbon-neutral fuel, and the fuel consumption of the working machine, and a fuel identification system for a working machine according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0134] (Appendix 6) A step of obtaining at least the density as a physical property value of a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel, A step of estimating the type of fuel based on the obtained physical property value, and a fuel identification method for a working machine.

[0135] (Appendix 7) A step of obtaining at least the dielectric constant as a physical property value of a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel, A method for identifying a fuel of a working machine, comprising a step of estimating the type of fuel based on the obtained physical property value.

[0136] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0137] 1 Fuel property sensor, 2 Monitor, 3a, 3b Pumps, 4a, 4b Filters, 5 Common rail, 6 Fuel tank, 7 Fuel level sensor, 10 Working machine, 11 Main body, 12 Working implement, 13 Slewing body, 13a Exterior panel, 14 Cab, 14S Driver's seat, 15 Traveling body, 15Cr Crawler, 15M Traveling motor, 16 Boom, 17 Arm, 18 Bucket, 19a Boom cylinder, 19b Arm cylinder, 19c Bucket cylinder, 20 Server, 50 Controller, 51 Fuel physical property value acquisition unit, 52 Fuel estimation unit, 53 Reduction effect calculation unit, 54 Output control unit, 55 Memory, AT Arm top pin, BF Boom foot pin, BT Boom top pin, RX Slewing axis.

Claims

1. A fuel property sensor that detects at least the density as a physical property value of a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel, A controller that estimates the type of fuel based on the physical property value detected by the fuel property sensor, and a fuel identification system for a working machine.

2. A fuel property sensor that detects at least the dielectric constant as a physical property value of a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel, A controller that estimates the type of fuel based on the physical property value detected by the fuel property sensor, and a fuel identification system for a working machine.

3. The carbon-neutral fuel contains at least one of HVO and FAME. The fuel identification system for a working machine according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The controller estimates the mixing ratio of the fuel based on the physical property value of the fuel. The fuel identification system for a working machine according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

5. The controller calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of carbon-neutral fuel from the carbon dioxide reduction rate for each type of carbon-neutral fuel, the mixing ratio for each type of carbon-neutral fuel, and the fuel consumption of the working machine. The fuel identification system for a working machine according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

6. A step of obtaining at least the density as a physical property value of a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel, A step of estimating the type of fuel based on the obtained physical property value, and a fuel identification method for a working machine.

7. A step of obtaining at least the dielectric constant as a physical property value of a fuel containing a carbon-neutral fuel, A step of estimating the type of fuel based on the obtained physical property value, and a fuel identification method for a working machine.

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