Fuel calculation device, fuel calculation method, and program

Abstract

To provide a fuel calculation device, a fuel calculation method and a program capable of accurately grasping fuel residual amount even when a fuel residual amount measuring device has been broken down.SOLUTION: A fuel calculation device includes: a fuel residual amount calculation section periodically calculating and storing an estimate value of fuel residual amount on the basis of a measurement value of fuel residual amount remaining in a fuel container and a fuel flow rate of fuel supplied from the fuel container; a failure determination section determining whether or not a fuel residual amount measuring device outputting a measurement value of the fuel residual amount is broken; and a display control section performing control so as to display the measurement value of the fuel residual amount when the fuel residual amount measuring device is not broken and display the estimate value of the fuel residual amount when the fuel residual amount measuring device is broken.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel calculation device, a fuel calculation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an aircraft has a plurality of divided fuel tanks, a fuel quantity gauge that measures the remaining fuel quantity in each fuel tank, and a computer that monitors and controls the remaining fuel quantity in the fuel tank during flight based on the measurement values obtained by the fuel quantity gauge. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for predicting the remaining fuel quantity that would remain at the current destination for a fuel usage pattern.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a failure occurs in the fuel quantity gauge, the operator cannot accurately grasp the remaining fuel quantity in the fuel tank, such as the instrument display disappearing or the display accuracy decreasing, and there is a possibility that the safety of the aircraft will decrease.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a fuel calculation device, a fuel calculation method, and a program that can accurately grasp the remaining fuel quantity even when the fuel quantity gauge fails.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The fuel calculation device of the present disclosure includes a fuel remaining amount calculation unit that periodically calculates and stores an estimated value of the fuel remaining amount based on a measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the fuel tank and a fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied from the fuel tank, a failure determination unit that determines whether a fuel remaining amount meter that outputs the measured value of the fuel remaining amount is malfunctioning, and a display control unit that controls to display the measured value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter is not malfunctioning and to display the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning.

[0007] Further, the fuel calculation method of the present disclosure includes a step of periodically calculating and storing an estimated value of the fuel remaining amount based on a measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the fuel tank and a fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied from the fuel tank, a step of determining whether a fuel remaining amount meter that outputs the measured value of the fuel remaining amount is malfunctioning, and a step of displaying the measured value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter is not malfunctioning and displaying the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning.

[0008] Further, the program of the present disclosure causes a computer operating as a fuel calculation device to perform a step of periodically calculating and storing an estimated value of the fuel remaining amount based on a measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the fuel tank and a fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied from the fuel tank, a step of determining whether a fuel remaining amount meter that outputs the measured value of the fuel remaining amount is malfunctioning, and a step of displaying the measured value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter is not malfunctioning and displaying the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a fuel calculation device, a fuel calculation method, and a program that can accurately grasp the fuel remaining amount even when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the fuel calculation device, fuel calculation method, and program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiments. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that can be replaced and are easy for those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, or those within an equivalent range. Furthermore, the components described below can be variously omitted, replaced, or changed without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In the following embodiments, in order to exemplify embodiments of the fuel calculation device, fuel calculation method, and program according to the present disclosure, necessary components will be described and other components will be omitted. In the description of the following embodiments, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components will be denoted by different reference numerals.

[0012] (Embodiment) First, the configuration of the fuel management system 1 including the fuel calculation device 30 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a fuel management system 1 including a fuel calculation device 30 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit 90 during normal display. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit 90 during backup display. The normal display and the backup display will be described later.

[0013] In an embodiment, the fuel management system 1 is a system for managing fuel mounted on an aircraft or the like. The fuel management system 1 includes a supply line 10, a first fuel container 12, a second fuel container 14, a third fuel container 16, a fuel flow meter 20, a first fuel level gauge 22, a second fuel level gauge 24, a third fuel level gauge 26, a fuel computing device 30, and a display unit 90.

[0014] The supply line 10 is a line for supplying the fuel in the first fuel container 12, the fuel in the second fuel container 14, and the fuel in the third fuel container 16 to the engine 100. The supply line 10 connects the first fuel container 12, the second fuel container 14, and the third fuel container 16 in series and connects the first fuel container 12 and the engine 100 of the aircraft. Note that, in the embodiment, the fuel management system 1 includes three fuel containers, namely, the first fuel container 12, the second fuel container 14, and the third fuel container 16, but may include one, two, or four or more fuel containers.

[0015] In the embodiment, the first fuel container 12 is provided downstream of the second fuel container 14 and the third fuel container 16 in the supply line 10. The fuel level in the first fuel container 12 decreases when fuel is supplied to the engine 100 with the fuel levels in the second fuel container 14 and the third fuel container 16 being zero.

[0016] In the embodiment, the second fuel container 14 is provided upstream of the first fuel container 12 and downstream of the third fuel container 16 in the supply line 10. The fuel level in the second fuel container 14 decreases when fuel is supplied to the engine 100 with the fuel level in the third fuel container 16 being zero.

[0017] The third fuel container 16 of the embodiment is provided upstream of the first fuel container 12 and the second fuel container 14 in the supply line 10. The remaining fuel amount in the third fuel container 16 decreases as fuel is supplied to the engine 100. That is, when fuel is supplied from the supply line 10 to the engine 100, first, the remaining fuel amount in the third fuel container 16 decreases. When the remaining fuel amount in the third fuel container 16 becomes zero, the remaining fuel amount in the second fuel container 14 starts to decrease. Further, when the remaining fuel amount in the second fuel container 14 becomes zero, the remaining fuel amount in the first fuel container 12 starts to decrease.

[0018] The fuel flow meter 20 measures the fuel flow rate supplied from the supply line 10 to the engine 100. The fuel flow meter 20 measures the fuel flow rate supplied from the supply line 10 to the engine 100, for example, by detecting the rotation generated when fuel flows in the flow path by a propeller provided in the flow path. The fuel flow meter 20 is provided at a predetermined position downstream of the first fuel container 12 in the supply line 10. More specifically, the fuel flow meter 20 is provided further downstream of the first fuel container 12, which is the most downstream among the plurality of fuel containers (the first fuel container 12, the second fuel container 14, and the third fuel container 16) in the supply line 10. The fuel flow meter 20 outputs an information signal of the measured value of the measured fuel flow rate to the fuel arithmetic unit 30.

[0019] The first fuel level gauge 22 measures the remaining fuel amount in the first fuel container 12. The first fuel level gauge 22 measures the remaining fuel amount remaining in the first fuel container 12, for example, by measuring the capacitance corresponding to the fuel liquid level position by a capacitance method. The first fuel level gauge 22 outputs an information signal of the measured value of the measured remaining fuel amount in the first fuel container 12 to the fuel arithmetic unit 30.

[0020] The second fuel level gauge 24 measures the fuel level in the second fuel tank 14. Similar to the first fuel level gauge 22, the second fuel level gauge 24 measures the capacitance corresponding to the fuel liquid level position by, for example, the capacitance method, thereby measuring the remaining fuel level in the second fuel tank 14. The second fuel level gauge 24 outputs an information signal of the measured value of the fuel level in the second fuel tank 14 to the fuel arithmetic unit 30.

[0021] The third fuel level gauge 26 measures the fuel level in the first fuel tank 12. Similar to the first fuel level gauge 22 and the second fuel level gauge 24, the third fuel level gauge 26 measures the capacitance corresponding to the fuel liquid level position by, for example, the capacitance method, thereby measuring the remaining fuel level in the third fuel tank 16. The first fuel level gauge 22 outputs an information signal of the measured value of the fuel level in the first fuel tank 12 to the fuel arithmetic unit 30.

[0022] In the embodiment, the fuel arithmetic unit 30 is implemented as one of the functions of the fuel management system 1. The fuel arithmetic unit 30 includes a storage device that stores various control programs and data used for various control processes, and an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The storage device is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or flash memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD. The arithmetic processing unit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), or the like. The fuel arithmetic unit 30 is implemented from one storage device or a plurality of storage devices and one arithmetic processing unit or a plurality of arithmetic processing units.

[0023] The fuel calculation device 30 calculates the remaining fuel amounts in the first fuel container 12, the second fuel container 14, and the third fuel container 16 and causes the display unit 90 to display them. In the embodiment, the fuel calculation device 30 includes a fuel flow rate acquisition unit 40, a first remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 42, a second remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 44, a third remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 46, a first failure information acquisition unit 52, a second failure information acquisition unit 54, a third failure information acquisition unit 56, a remaining fuel amount calculation unit 60, a failure determination unit 70, and a display control unit 80.

[0024] The fuel flow rate acquisition unit 40 acquires the measured value of the fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied to the engine 100. More specifically, the fuel flow rate acquisition unit 40 acquires the measured value of the fuel flow rate measured by the fuel flow meter 20. The fuel flow rate acquisition unit 40 acquires the measured value of the fuel flow rate at every predetermined cycle. The fuel flow rate acquisition unit 40 outputs the information on the acquired measured value of the fuel flow rate to the remaining fuel amount calculation unit 60.

[0025] The first remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 42 acquires the measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the first fuel container 12. More specifically, the first remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 42 acquires the measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the first fuel container 12 measured by the first remaining fuel amount meter 22. The first remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 42 acquires the measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the first fuel container 12 at every predetermined cycle. The first remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 42 outputs the information on the acquired measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the first fuel container 12 to the remaining fuel amount calculation unit 60.

[0026] The second remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 44 acquires the measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the second fuel container 14. More specifically, the second remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 44 acquires the measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the second fuel container 14 measured by the second remaining fuel amount meter 24. The second remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 44 acquires the measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the second fuel container 14 at every predetermined cycle. The second remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 44 outputs the information on the acquired measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the second fuel container 14 to the remaining fuel amount calculation unit 60.

[0027] The third fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 46 acquires the measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the third fuel container 16. More specifically, the third fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 46 acquires the measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the third fuel container 16 measured by the third fuel remaining amount meter 26. The third fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 46 acquires the measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the third fuel container 16 at predetermined intervals. The third fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 46 outputs the information on the acquired measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the third fuel container 16 to the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60.

[0028] The first failure information acquisition unit 52 acquires failure diagnosis information indicating whether the first fuel remaining amount meter 22 is faulty. The failure determination of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22 is performed by a known method. The failure of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22 indicates a state in which, for example, the first fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 42 cannot detect an information signal from the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, or a phenomenon such as the value of the information signal being outside a predetermined range has occurred. The first failure information acquisition unit 52 outputs the acquired failure diagnosis information to the failure determination unit 70.

[0029] The second failure information acquisition unit 54 acquires failure diagnosis information indicating whether the second fuel remaining amount meter 24 is faulty. The failure determination of the second fuel remaining amount meter 24 is performed by a known method. The failure of the second fuel remaining amount meter 24 indicates a state in which, for example, the second fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 44 cannot detect an information signal from the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, or a phenomenon such as the value of the information signal being outside a predetermined range has occurred. The second failure information acquisition unit 54 outputs the acquired failure diagnosis information to the failure determination unit 70.

[0030] The third failure information acquisition unit 56 acquires failure diagnosis information indicating whether the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 is faulty. The failure determination of the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 is performed by a known method. The failure of the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 indicates a state in which, for example, the third fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 46 cannot detect an information signal from the third fuel remaining amount meter 26, or a phenomenon such as the value of the information signal being outside a predetermined range has occurred. The third failure information acquisition unit 56 outputs the acquired failure diagnosis information to the failure determination unit 70.

[0031] The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 periodically calculates and temporarily stores estimated values of the fuel remaining amounts in the first fuel container 12, the second fuel container 14, and the third fuel container 16. The estimated values of the fuel remaining amounts are backup estimated values for grasping the fuel remaining amounts even when at least one of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, and the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 malfunctions.

[0032] The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 acquires the measured value of the fuel flow rate from the fuel flow rate acquisition unit 40. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 acquires the measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the first fuel container 12 from the first fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 42. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 acquires the measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the second fuel container 14 from the second fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 44. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 acquires the measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the third fuel container 16 from the third fuel remaining amount acquisition unit 46.

[0033] The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 calculates the integrated value of the fuel flow rate based on the acquired measured value of the fuel flow rate and the period for acquiring the measured value of the fuel flow rate from the fuel flow rate acquisition unit 40. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 calculates the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining amounts based on the acquired measured values of the fuel remaining amounts in the respective fuel containers.

[0034] When none of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, and the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 is malfunctioning, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 calculates the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate from the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining amounts. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 temporarily stores the calculated estimated value of the fuel remaining amount. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 executes the calculation of the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount at a predetermined period, updates the newly calculated estimated value of the fuel remaining amount as the latest estimated value of the fuel remaining amount, and temporarily stores it.

[0035] When at least one of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, and the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 malfunctions, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 recalculates the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate from the stored estimated value of the fuel remaining amount. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 temporarily stores the recalculated estimated value of the fuel remaining amount. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 executes the recalculation of the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount at a predetermined cycle, updates the newly calculated estimated value of the fuel remaining amount as the latest estimated value of the fuel remaining amount, and temporarily stores it.

[0036] Based on the fault diagnosis information acquired by the first fault information acquisition unit 52, the second fault information acquisition unit 54, and the third fault information acquisition unit 56, the fault determination unit 70 determines the fault status of whether each of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, and the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 is malfunctioning. The fault determination unit 70 outputs the determination result to the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 and the display control unit 80.

[0037] Based on the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining amount acquired from the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 or the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount, and the determination result acquired from the fault determination unit 70, the display control unit 80 controls to display the fuel remaining amount on the display unit 90. The display control unit 80 causes the display unit 90 to display the fuel remaining amount by normal display or backup display. Normal display means displaying the measured values of the fuel remaining amount measured by each fuel remaining amount meter. Backup display means displaying the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount calculated by the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60.

[0038] When none of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, and the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 malfunctions, the display control unit 80 causes the display unit 90 to normally display the measured value of the fuel remaining amount. When at least one of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, and the third fuel remaining amount meter 26 malfunctions, the display control unit 80 causes the display unit 90 to backup display the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount.

[0039] The display unit 90 displays the total value of the remaining fuel amounts in each fuel container based on the control signal output from the display control unit 80 of the fuel calculation device 30. The display unit 90 may separately display each remaining fuel amount in each fuel container. The display unit 90 is included in, for example, an instrument mounted in the cockpit and arranged at a position visible to the pilot.

[0040] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the display unit 90 displays the remaining fuel amount in a digital manner. The display unit 90 is, for example, a display device including a display screen that displays various images such as visual notification information. The display device is, for example, a display device specific to the fuel management system 1 or a display device shared with another system mounted in the cockpit. The display device is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display. Note that although the display unit 90 displays the remaining fuel amount in a digital manner in the embodiments, it may be an analog meter, for example.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the embodiments, the display unit 90 includes a remaining fuel amount display unit 92, a unit display unit 94, and a display format display unit 96. The remaining fuel amount display unit 92 is an area for displaying the total value of the measured values of the remaining fuel amount or an approximate value of the remaining fuel amount. When the display unit 90 is in normal display, the total value of the measured values of the remaining fuel amount is displayed on the remaining fuel amount display unit 92. When the display unit 90 is in backup display, an approximate value of the remaining fuel amount is displayed on the remaining fuel amount display unit 92. The unit display unit 94 is an area for displaying the physical unit of the remaining fuel amount displayed on the remaining fuel amount display unit 92.

[0042] The display format display unit 96 is an area for identifiers including characters, symbols, colors, etc. that indicate whether the display unit 90 is in normal display or backup display. In the embodiment, the display format display unit 96 has a frame shape surrounding the fuel remaining amount display unit 92. In the embodiment, when the display unit 90 is in normal display, the display format display unit 96 displays a frame as shown in FIG. 2, and when the display unit 90 is in backup display, the display format display unit 96 does not display a frame as shown in FIG. 3. Note that when the display unit 90 is an analog meter, for example, it may indicate whether it is in normal display or backup display by changing the color or shape of the needle, etc.

[0043] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the processing flow in the fuel calculation device 30 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the fuel calculation device 30 according to the embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the fuel calculation device 30 based on a predetermined control program and data. The fuel calculation device 30, for example, upon starting of the engine 100, shifts to step S201 shown in FIG. 4 and starts the processing. Further, the processing shown in FIG. 4 is repeatedly executed from step S201 at a predetermined cycle until, for example, the engine 100 stops, the power supply stops, or a predetermined operation signal for ending the processing is received due to an operation by the operator or the like.

[0044] In step S201, the fuel calculation device 30 acquires the measured value of the fuel flow rate. Specifically, the fuel flow rate acquisition unit 40 acquires the measured value of the fuel flow rate measured by the fuel flow meter 20. The measured value of the fuel flow rate is output to the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60. The fuel calculation device 30 shifts to step S202.

[0045] In step S202, the fuel calculation device 30 calculates the integrated value of the fuel flow rate. Specifically, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 calculates the integrated value of the fuel flow rate based on the measured value of the fuel flow rate acquired in step S201 and the cycle for acquiring the measured value of the fuel flow rate. The fuel calculation device 30 shifts to step S203.

[0046] In step S203, the fuel calculation device 30 acquires the failure information of each fuel level gauge. Specifically, the first failure information acquisition unit 52 acquires the failure diagnosis information of the first fuel level gauge 22. Also, the second failure information acquisition unit 54 acquires the failure diagnosis information of the second fuel level gauge 24. Further, the third failure information acquisition unit 56 acquires the failure diagnosis information of the third fuel level gauge 26. The failure diagnosis information of each fuel level gauge is output to the failure determination unit 70. The fuel calculation device 30 proceeds to step S204.

[0047] In step S204, the fuel calculation device 30 determines whether there is a failure in the fuel level gauge. Specifically, the failure determination unit 70 determines the failure status of whether each of the first fuel level gauge 22, the second fuel level gauge 24, and the third fuel level gauge 26 has failed based on the failure diagnosis information acquired in step S203. The failure determination unit 70 outputs the determination result to the fuel level calculation unit 60 and the display control unit 80.

[0048] When there is no failure in the fuel level gauge (step S204; No), the fuel calculation device 30 proceeds to step S211 and executes steps S211 to S214. When there is a failure in the fuel level gauge (step S204; Yes), the fuel calculation device 30 proceeds to step S221 and executes steps S221 to S224.

[0049] In step S211, the fuel calculation device 30 acquires the measured values of the fuel levels in each fuel container. Specifically, the first fuel level acquisition unit 42 acquires the measured value of the fuel level in the first fuel container 12 from the first fuel level gauge 22. Also, the second fuel level acquisition unit 44 acquires the measured value of the fuel level in the second fuel container 14 from the second fuel level gauge 24. Further, the third fuel level acquisition unit 46 acquires the measured value of the fuel level in the third fuel container 16 from the third fuel level gauge 26. The measured values of the fuel levels in each fuel container are output to the fuel level calculation unit 60. The fuel calculation device 30 proceeds to step S212.

[0050] In step S212, the fuel arithmetic unit 30 calculates an estimated fuel remaining amount by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate from the total value of the measured fuel remaining amounts. Specifically, first, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 calculates the total value of the measured fuel remaining amounts based on the measured fuel remaining amounts of the respective fuel containers acquired in step S211. Next, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 calculates an estimated fuel remaining amount by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate calculated in step S202 from the total value of the measured fuel remaining amounts. The fuel arithmetic unit 30 proceeds to step S213.

[0051] In step S213, the fuel arithmetic unit 30 updates and stores the estimated fuel remaining amount. Specifically, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 temporarily stores the estimated fuel remaining amount calculated in step S212. When the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 already stores an estimated fuel remaining amount, the newly calculated estimated fuel remaining amount is updated as the latest estimated fuel remaining amount and temporarily stored. The fuel arithmetic unit 30 proceeds to step S214.

[0052] In step S214, the fuel arithmetic unit 30 normally displays the measured fuel remaining amount. Specifically, the display control unit 80 causes the total value of the measured fuel remaining amounts acquired from the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 to be displayed on the fuel remaining amount display unit 92 of the display unit 90. At this time, the display control unit 80 causes a frame to be displayed on the display format display unit 96. The fuel arithmetic unit 30 ends the series of processes of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and returns to step S201 at a predetermined cycle until, for example, the engine 100 stops, the power supply stops, or a predetermined operation signal for ending the process is received by an operation by the operator or the like, and repeatedly executes the processes of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] In step S221, the fuel calculation device 30 acquires an estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity. Specifically, in the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 that is repeatedly executed, when it is first determined that there is a failure in step S204, the latest estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity calculated in step S212 immediately before the fuel quantity gauge fails is acquired. If it has previously been determined that there is a failure and the processes from step S221 to step S224 have been executed, the latest estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity recalculated in step S222 is acquired. The fuel calculation device 30 proceeds to step S222.

[0054] In step S222, the fuel calculation device 30 recalculates the estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate from the estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity. Specifically, the remaining fuel quantity calculation unit 60 recalculates a new estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate calculated in step S202 from the estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity acquired in step S221. The fuel calculation device 30 proceeds to step S223.

[0055] In step S223, the fuel calculation device 30 updates and stores the estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity. Specifically, the remaining fuel quantity calculation unit 60 updates the estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity recalculated in step S222 as the latest estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity and temporarily stores it. The fuel calculation device 30 proceeds to step S224.

[0056] In step S224, the fuel calculation device 30 displays the estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity in backup. Specifically, the display control unit 80 causes the estimated value of the remaining fuel quantity acquired from the remaining fuel quantity calculation unit 60 to be displayed on the remaining fuel quantity display unit 92 of the display unit 90. At this time, the display control unit 80 does not display a frame on the display format display unit 96. The fuel calculation device 30 ends a series of processes of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and returns to step S201 at a predetermined cycle until, for example, the engine 100 stops, the power supply stops, or a predetermined operation signal for ending the process is received by an operation by the operator or the like, and repeatedly executes the processes of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] In the embodiments described above, when any one of the fuel level gauges malfunctions, the subsequent fuel level display is performed by a backup display that shows an approximate value. However, if the fuel container corresponding to the malfunctioning fuel level gauge is already empty, it may be returned to the normal display. Whether the fuel container corresponding to the malfunctioning fuel level gauge is empty can be determined by the following method.

[0058] The fuel level calculation unit 60 calculates an approximate value of the fuel level. This approximate value of the fuel level is an approximate value of the total fuel level in the fuel containers (the first fuel container 12, the second fuel container 14, and the third fuel container 16) provided in the supply line 10. The approximate value of the fuel level in the fuel container corresponding to the malfunctioning fuel level gauge can be calculated by subtracting the fuel level when the fuel containers downstream of the fuel container corresponding to the malfunctioning fuel level gauge are full from the approximate value of the total fuel level. At this time, if the calculated approximate value is 0 or less, the fuel container corresponding to the malfunctioning fuel level gauge is empty. Next, a specific example will be described below.

[0059] First, the case where the third fuel level gauge 26 malfunctions will be described. Let the approximate value of the total fuel level calculated based on the integrated value of the measured fuel flow rate be A SUM and let the measured value of the fuel level in the first fuel container 12 by the first fuel level gauge 22 be M 1 and let the measured value of the fuel level in the second fuel container 14 by the second fuel level gauge 24 be M 2 .

[0060] A A = A SUM - M 2 - M 1 The A calculated by the formula shown in A If A A > 0, there is fuel in the third fuel container 16 corresponding to the malfunctioning third fuel level gauge 26, and the fuel level can be regarded as A A . A A = A SUM - M 2 - M 1 The A calculated by the formula shown in A If A AWhen it is ≤0, there is no fuel in the third fuel container 16 corresponding to the failed third fuel remaining quantity meter 26, and the third fuel container 16 is empty.

[0061] When the third fuel container 16 is empty, the measured value M of the fuel remaining quantity in the first fuel container 12 by the non-failed first fuel remaining quantity meter 22 1 and the measured value M of the fuel remaining quantity in the second fuel container 14 by the non-failed second fuel remaining quantity meter 24 2 are used to calculate the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining quantity. Therefore, by excluding the third fuel container 16 and the third fuel remaining quantity meter 26 from the process and setting it as "no failure", the actual measured value may be normally displayed, and the accuracy of the approximate value of the backup fuel remaining quantity can be further improved.

[0062] Next, the case where the second fuel remaining quantity meter 24 also fails in addition to the third fuel remaining quantity meter 26 will be described. Let the approximate value of the total fuel remaining quantity calculated based on the integrated value of the measured fuel flow rate be A SUM and the measured value of the fuel remaining quantity in the first fuel container 12 by the first fuel remaining quantity meter 22 be M 1 and let the fuel remaining quantity when the second fuel container 14 is full be M 2F and

[0063] A B =A SUM -M 2F -M 1 When A calculated by the formula shown in B is A B >0, there is fuel in the third fuel container 16 corresponding to the failed third fuel remaining quantity meter 26, and the fuel remaining quantity can be regarded as A B . Also, the second fuel container 14 corresponding to the failed second fuel remaining quantity meter 24 is full. When A B =A SUM -M 2F -M 1 is A calculated by the formula shown in B and A B ≤0, there is no fuel in the third fuel container 16 corresponding to the failed third fuel remaining quantity meter 26, and the third fuel container 16 is empty.

[0064] A B is A B ≦0 and A C =A SUM -M 1 A calculated by the formula shown in C is A C >0, there is fuel in the second fuel tank 14 corresponding to the failed second fuel level gauge 24, and the fuel remaining amount can be regarded as A C which is B is A B ≦0 and A C =A SUM -M 1 A calculated by the formula shown in C is A C ≦0, there is no fuel in the second fuel tank 14 corresponding to the failed second fuel level gauge 24, and the second fuel tank 14 is empty.

[0065] When the second fuel tank 14 and the third fuel tank 16 are empty, the measured value M of the fuel remaining amount in the first fuel tank 12 by the non-failed first fuel level gauge 22 1 is the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining amount. Therefore, by excluding the second fuel tank 14 and the second fuel level gauge 24, and the third fuel tank 16 and the third fuel level gauge 26 from the process and setting it as "no failure", the actual measured value can be normally displayed, and the accuracy of the estimated value of the backup fuel remaining amount can be further improved.

[0066] (Function and effect of the embodiment) The fuel calculation device 30, the fuel calculation method, and the program described in the embodiment can be understood as follows, for example.

[0067] The fuel calculation device 30 according to the first aspect includes a fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 that periodically calculates and stores an estimated value of the fuel remaining amount based on the measured value of the fuel remaining amount in the fuel containers (the first fuel container 12, the second fuel container 14, and the third fuel container 16) and the fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied from the fuel containers, a failure determination unit 70 that determines whether the fuel remaining amount meters (the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, and the third fuel remaining amount meter 26) that output the measured value of the fuel remaining amount are malfunctioning, and a display control unit 80 that controls to display the measured value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter is not malfunctioning and to display the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning.

[0068] The fuel calculation device 30 according to the first aspect periodically calculates an estimated value of the backup fuel remaining amount used when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions. Since the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount is calculated based on the measured value of the fuel remaining amount and the fuel flow rate at the time of calculation, the error from the actual fuel remaining amount can be reduced compared to the case where it is calculated by subtracting the cumulative value of the fuel remaining amount supplied from the initial fuel remaining amount. Therefore, the fuel calculation device 30 can improve the accuracy of the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount calculated when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions, so that the operator or the like can accurately grasp the fuel remaining amount.

[0069] In the fuel calculation device 30 according to the second aspect, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 calculates an estimated value of the fuel remaining amount by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate from the measured value of the fuel remaining amount. That is, since the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount is calculated by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate from the measured value of the fuel remaining amount at the time of calculation, unlike the method of subtracting the integrated value of the fuel remaining amount supplied from the initial fuel remaining amount, the error between the actually supplied fuel remaining amount and the integrated value of the fuel flow rate is not accumulated. Therefore, the error between the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount and the actual fuel remaining amount can be reduced, so that the accuracy of the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount calculated when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions can be improved, and the operator or the like can accurately grasp the fuel remaining amount.

[0070] In the fuel calculation device 30 according to the third aspect, when the fuel remaining amount meter (at least any one of the first fuel remaining amount meter 22, the second fuel remaining amount meter 24, and the third fuel remaining amount meter 26) malfunctions, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 60 recalculates and stores a new estimated value of the fuel remaining amount based on the stored estimated value of the fuel remaining amount and the fuel flow rate. In this way, even after the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions, by updating the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount, the fuel remaining amount remaining in the fuel container can be continuously grasped.

[0071] The fuel calculation method according to the fourth aspect includes a step of periodically calculating and storing an estimated value of the fuel remaining amount based on a measured value of the fuel remaining amount remaining in the fuel container and a fuel flow rate of fuel supplied from the fuel container, a step of determining whether a fuel remaining amount meter that outputs the measured value of the fuel remaining amount malfunctions, and a step of displaying the measured value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter does not malfunction and displaying the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions.

[0072] The fuel calculation method according to the fourth aspect periodically calculates an estimated value of the backup fuel remaining amount used when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions. Since the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount is calculated based on the measured value of the fuel remaining amount and the fuel flow rate at the time of calculation, the error from the actual fuel remaining amount can be reduced compared to the case where it is calculated by subtracting the cumulative value of the fuel remaining amount supplied from the initial fuel remaining amount. Therefore, the fuel calculation method can improve the accuracy of the estimated value of the fuel remaining amount calculated when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions, so that the operator or the like can accurately grasp the fuel remaining amount.

[0073] The program according to the fifth aspect causes a computer operating as the fuel calculation device 30 to periodically calculate and store an estimated value of the remaining fuel amount based on the measured value of the remaining fuel amount in the fuel container and the fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied from the fuel container, determine whether the fuel remaining amount meter that outputs the measured value of the remaining fuel amount is malfunctioning, and when the fuel remaining amount meter is not malfunctioning, display the measured value of the remaining fuel amount, and when the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning, display the estimated value of the remaining fuel amount.

[0074] The program according to the fifth aspect periodically calculates an estimated value of the remaining fuel amount for backup when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions. Since the estimated value of the remaining fuel amount is calculated based on the measured value of the remaining fuel amount and the fuel flow rate at the time of calculation, the error from the actual remaining fuel amount can be reduced compared to the case where it is calculated by subtracting the cumulative value of the remaining fuel amount supplied from the initial remaining fuel amount. Therefore, the program can improve the accuracy of the estimated value of the remaining fuel amount calculated by the computer operating as the fuel calculation device 30 when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions, so that the operator can accurately grasp the remaining fuel amount.

[0075] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but the embodiments are not limited by the described contents of these embodiments. Further, although the present disclosure has shown a method of calculating an estimated value of the remaining fuel amount each time when the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions, for example, it may be applied to an aircraft weight management system or a navigation system, etc., and the weight, center of gravity, direction, position, etc. of the aircraft may be calculated each time when each instrument malfunctions.

Description of Signs

[0076] 1 Fuel management system 10 Supply line 12 First fuel container 14 Second fuel container 16 Third fuel container 20 Fuel flow meter 22 First fuel remaining amount meter 24 Second fuel remaining amount meter 26 Third fuel remaining quantity meter 30 Fuel calculation device 40 Fuel flow rate acquisition unit 42 First fuel remaining quantity acquisition unit 44 Second fuel remaining quantity acquisition unit 46 Third fuel remaining quantity acquisition unit 52 First failure information acquisition unit 54 Second failure information acquisition unit 56 Third failure information acquisition unit 60 Fuel remaining quantity calculation unit 70 Failure determination unit 80 Display control unit 90 Display unit 92 Fuel remaining quantity display unit 94 Unit display unit 96 Display format display unit 100 Engine Steps S201~S204, S211~S214, S221~S224

Claims

1. A fuel remaining amount calculation unit that periodically calculates and stores an approximate value of the total value based on the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining amounts in a plurality of fuel containers connected in series via a fuel supply line and the fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied from the fuel containers; A failure determination unit that determines whether each fuel remaining amount meter that outputs the measured value of the fuel remaining amount of each of the plurality of fuel containers has failed; A display control unit; Comprising: The display control unit: When not all of the fuel remaining amount meters have failed, perform normal display to display the measured value of the fuel remaining amount; Even when the fuel remaining amount meter has failed, if the fuel container provided with the failed fuel remaining amount meter is empty, perform the normal display; When the fuel remaining amount meter has failed and the fuel container provided with the failed fuel remaining amount meter is not empty, control to perform backup display to display the approximate value of the total value. Fuel calculation device.

2. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit: Set a determination formula for determining whether the fuel container provided with the failed fuel remaining amount meter is empty based on the upstream or downstream positional relationship of all the fuel containers connected in series of the fuel container; The display control unit: Even when the fuel remaining amount meter has failed, if the fuel container provided with the failed fuel remaining amount meter is determined to be empty by the determination formula, perform the normal display; If the fuel container provided with the failed fuel remaining amount meter is determined not to be empty by the determination formula, perform the backup display. The fuel calculation device according to Claim 1.

3. The display control unit: Even when the fuel remaining amount meter has failed, if the fuel container provided with the failed fuel remaining amount meter is empty, use the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining amount meters that have not failed to perform the normal display; When the fuel remaining amount meter has failed, calculate an approximate value of the fuel remaining amount of the fuel container provided with the failed fuel remaining amount meter based on the difference between the approximate value of the total value and the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining amount meters that have not failed, and when the fuel container provided with the failed fuel remaining amount meter is not empty, control to perform backup display. The fuel calculation device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The fuel remaining amount calculation unit calculates an approximate value of the total value by subtracting the integrated value of the fuel flow rate from the total value of the measured values of the fuel remaining amount. The fuel calculation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the fuel remaining amount meter malfunctions, the fuel remaining amount calculation unit recalculates and stores an approximate value of a new total value based on the stored approximate value of the total value and the fuel flow rate. The fuel calculation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A step of obtaining measured values of the fuel remaining amounts remaining in a plurality of fuel containers connected in series via a fuel supply line from fuel remaining amount meters provided in each fuel container, and calculating a total value of the measured values; A step of periodically calculating and storing an approximate value of the total value based on the total value and the fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied from the fuel container; A step of determining whether the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning; When all of the fuel remaining amount meters are not malfunctioning, or even when the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning and the fuel container provided with the malfunctioning fuel remaining amount meter is empty, a normal display for displaying the total value is performed. When the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning and the fuel container provided with the fuel remaining amount meter is not empty, a backup display for displaying the approximate value of the total value is performed. A fuel calculation method including the above steps.

7. On a computer operating as a fuel calculation device, A step of obtaining measured values of the fuel remaining amounts remaining in a plurality of fuel containers connected in series via a fuel supply line from fuel remaining amount meters provided in each fuel container, and calculating a total value of the measured values; A step of periodically calculating and storing an approximate value of the total value based on the total value and the fuel flow rate of the fuel supplied from the fuel container; A step of determining whether the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning; When all of the fuel remaining amount meters are not malfunctioning, or even when the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning and the fuel container provided with the malfunctioning fuel remaining amount meter is empty, a normal display for displaying the total value is performed. When the fuel remaining amount meter is malfunctioning and the fuel container provided with the fuel remaining amount meter is not empty, a backup display for displaying the approximate value of the total value is performed. A program for causing the above steps to be executed.

Images