Sensor and information processing device or method

Abstract

Provided is a sensor that specifies a parameter related to a heat transfer characteristic of a sample.　This sensor comprises a heat transfer characteristic sensor element for measuring a parameter related to a heat transfer characteristic of a sample, the heat transfer characteristic sensor element being provided with a resistance element that measures a parameter related to the temperature of the sample, and a heating element, and the sensor comprises a specifying means that specifies a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample on the basis of a first parameter measured by the resistance element before a temperature increase in the sample due to heat generation by the heating element and a second parameter measured by the resistance element after a predetermined time has elapsed from the temperature increase in the sample due to heat generation by the heating element.

Description

Sensor, information processing device or method

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor, an information processing device or a method.

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

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

[0004] There are several methods for identifying the component ratio of fuel, and for example, a method that utilizes parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of fuel is being considered.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a sensor, an information processing device, or a method for identifying parameters related to the heat transfer properties of a sample.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a sensor comprising: [1] a heat transfer characteristic sensor element for measuring a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristic of a sample, the heat transfer characteristic sensor element comprising a resistance element for measuring a parameter related to the temperature of the sample, and a heating element, and comprising specifying means for specifying the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample based on a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element, and a second parameter measured by the resistance element after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element; [2] a sensor comprising a liquid containing Liquid A as the sample, the specifying means for specifying the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample based on the first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element, and a second parameter measured by the resistance element after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element; １ After the time t seconds has elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is determined based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element. １ The sensor according to the above [1], wherein, for each of a reference liquid A (where t seconds is 1) and another different type of liquid A, a parameter relating to the temperature of the liquid A is measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the liquid A due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and when a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, the absolute value of the difference between the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference liquid A and the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different type of liquid A is equal to or less than a first threshold value; [3] The sensor according to the above [1], wherein, for each of a reference liquid A (where t seconds is 1) and another different type of liquid A, a parameter relating to the temperature of the liquid A is measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the liquid A due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and when a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, the absolute value of the difference between the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference liquid A and the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different type of liquid A is equal to or less than a first threshold value; １ After the time t seconds has elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is determined based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element. １The sensor according to the above [1] or [2], wherein, for a reference fossil fuel where t seconds is 1, a parameter relating to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the fossil fuel due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and when a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, the absolute value of the difference between the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different types of fossil fuel is equal to or less than a first threshold value; [4] The sensor according to the above [1] or [2], wherein, for a reference fossil fuel where t seconds is 1, a parameter relating to the fossil fuel is measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the fossil fuel due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and when a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, the absolute value of the difference between the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different types of fossil fuel is equal to or less than a first threshold value; ２ After the time t seconds has elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is determined based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element. ２ For liquid A, which is the reference value of 1, the time t ２ After t seconds have elapsed, a parameter relating to the temperature of liquid A is measured by the resistance element, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of liquid A is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise; and for at least one liquid B, a parameter relating to the temperature of liquid B is measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise due to heat generation by the heating element and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise; and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of liquid B is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise. ２ [5] The sensor according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein when a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of Liquid B is identified based on a parameter relating to the temperature after 10 seconds has elapsed, the absolute value of the difference between the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of Liquid A as a reference and the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of Liquid B is equal to or greater than a second threshold value; [6] The sensor according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the sample is a fuel containing a fossil fuel and / or hydrogenated vegetable oil, and the identifying means measures a first parameter measured by a resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element, and a second parameter measured by a resistance element after 10 seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element. ２After the time t seconds has elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is determined based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element. ２ For a fossil fuel with a standard value of 1, the time t ２ After t seconds have elapsed, a parameter related to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured with the resistance element, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the fossil fuel is identified based on the temperature parameters before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise; and for at least one hydrogenated vegetable oil, the parameter related to the temperature of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is measured with the resistance element before the temperature rise of the hydrogenated vegetable oil due to heat generation by the heating element and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise; ２[6] The sensor according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein, when a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is identified based on a parameter related to the temperature after 10 seconds has passed, the absolute value of the difference between the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of a reference fossil fuel and the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is equal to or greater than a second threshold value; [6] The sensor according to any one of [1] to [5], comprising a dielectric constant sensor element for measuring a parameter related to the dielectric constant of a sample; [7] The sensor according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein a sample is a fuel containing a fossil fuel, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and / or biological fuel, and comprising a composition identification means for identifying the composition of the fuel based on a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics and a parameter related to the dielectric constant of the fuel, a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics and a parameter related to the dielectric constant specific to the fossil fuel, a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics and a parameter related to the dielectric constant specific to the hydrogenated vegetable oil, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics and a parameter related to the dielectric constant specific to the biological fuel; [8] An information processing device that identifies a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of a sample based on a parameter measured by a heat transfer characteristic sensor element that includes a resistance element that measures a parameter related to the temperature of the sample and a heating element, the information processing device including an identification means that identifies the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample based on a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generation by the heating element and a second parameter measured by the resistance element after a predetermined time has passed since the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element; [9] A method that includes a step in a calculation unit that identifies the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample based on a first parameter measured by the resistance element that measures a parameter related to the temperature of the sample before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element and a second parameter measured by the resistance element after a predetermined time has passed since the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element;

[10] For each of the reference liquid A in 1 and another different type of liquid A, a parameter related to the temperature of the liquid A is measured using the resistance element before the temperature rise of the liquid A due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise. The time t at which the absolute value of the difference between the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference liquid A and each of the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different type of liquid A becomes equal to or less than a first threshold value; １ The step of specifying the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is performed using a liquid including liquid A as the sample, and the calculation unit includes a step of calculating a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element and a step of calculating a time t from the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element. １

[11] The method according to [9], wherein a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is identified based on a second parameter measured by the resistance element after t seconds have elapsed;

[12] The method according to [9], wherein a parameter relating to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured by the resistance element before a temperature rise of the fossil fuel due to heat generation by a heating element and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise, for each of the reference fossil fuel and other different types of fossil fuels, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise, and a time t is reached at which an absolute value of a difference between the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and each of the parameters relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different types of fossil fuel becomes equal to or less than a first threshold value. １ The step of specifying the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is performed using a fuel including a fossil fuel as the sample, and the calculation unit includes a step of calculating a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation from the heating element and a step of calculating a time t from the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation from the heating element. １

[12] The method according to [9] or

[10] , wherein a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is identified based on a second parameter measured by a resistance element after t seconds have elapsed;

[13] The method according to [9] or

[10] , wherein for one reference liquid A, a parameter relating to the temperature of liquid A is measured by the resistance element before a temperature rise of liquid A due to heat generation by a heating element and after time t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of liquid A is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after time t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise; and for at least one liquid B, a parameter relating to the temperature of liquid B is measured by the resistance element before a temperature rise of liquid B due to heat generation by a heating element and after time t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of liquid B is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after time t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise. ２ The step of specifying the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is performed using a liquid containing liquid A and / or liquid B as the sample, and the calculation unit includes a step of calculating a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element and a step of calculating a time t ２

[13] The method according to any one of [9] to

[11] , wherein a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is identified based on a second parameter measured by a resistance element after t seconds have elapsed;

[13] The method according to any one of [9] to

[11] , wherein for one reference fossil fuel, a parameter related to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured by the resistance element before a temperature rise of the fossil fuel due to heat generation by a heating element and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the fossil fuel is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise; and for at least one hydrogenated vegetable oil, a parameter related to the temperature of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is measured by the resistance element before a temperature rise of the hydrogenated vegetable oil due to heat generation by a heating element and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise. ２ The step of specifying the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is performed using a fuel containing a fossil fuel and / or a hydrogenated vegetable oil as the sample, and the calculation unit includes a step of calculating a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation from the heating element and a step of calculating a time t ２ and determining a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element after 10 seconds has elapsed.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sensor, an information processing device, or a method for identifying parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of a sample.

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing a laminated structure of a film formed on a heat transfer property sensor element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the difference in parameters related to heat transfer properties between No. 2 diesel and other fuels, when No. 2 diesel is used as a reference fossil fuel, and the elapsed time from the start of heat generation of the heating element 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process for identifying parameters related to heat transfer properties according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a composition identification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the capacitance of three types of fuels and parameters related to temperature. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the capacitance of three types of fuels and parameters related to heat transfer properties. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the capacitance of three types of fuels and parameters related to heat transfer properties. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the deviation of the actual proportion of HVO or diesel in a two-component fuel mixture from the calculated proportion of HVO or diesel on the vertical axis and the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture on the horizontal axis.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the present invention.

[0010] The sensor of the present invention includes a heat transfer characteristic sensor element for measuring a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristic of a sample, and may also include a dielectric constant sensor element for measuring a parameter related to the dielectric constant of the sample.

[0011] Furthermore, the sensor of the present invention may include a calculation unit (e.g., a microcomputer) capable of calculating data. The calculation unit includes a control unit such as a CPU, and a storage unit such as a ROM or RAM (main memory). The calculation unit can identify parameters related to the heat transfer properties of the sample based on data measured by the heat transfer property sensor element. The calculation unit can also identify parameters related to the dielectric constant of the sample based on data measured by the dielectric constant sensor element. Furthermore, the calculation unit can also identify the composition of the sample based on parameters related to the heat transfer properties of the sample and parameters related to the dielectric constant of the sample.

[0012] The sensor of the present invention can also be configured as a sensor chip. When configured as a sensor chip, a heat transfer characteristic sensor element and a dielectric constant sensor element are provided on the sensor chip. The heat transfer characteristic sensor element and the dielectric constant sensor element are each connected to pads by wiring, and can be electrically connected to the outside of the sensor chip via the pads. A calculation unit and a power supply are provided at the connection destinations of the sensor chip. As described above, the calculation unit can identify parameters related to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample and parameters related to the dielectric constant of the sample, and can also identify the composition of the sample.

[0013] The sensor of the present invention may include a communication unit that transmits data measured by the heat transfer property sensor element and data measured by the dielectric constant sensor element to another computer device, and the other computer device determines parameters related to the heat transfer property of the sample, parameters related to the dielectric constant of the sample, and further determines the composition of the sample.

[0014] The heat transfer characteristic sensor element includes a resistance element that measures a parameter related to the temperature of a sample and a heating element that can generate heat to change the temperature of the sample. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a layered structure of films formed on a heat transfer characteristic sensor element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1 as viewed from the side. The heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1 includes a resistance element 2 formed on a substrate 5. The heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1 also includes a pair of heating element electrodes 3 (electrodes 3a and 3b) formed on the substrate 5 for applying a voltage to the heating element 4. The heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1 also includes a heating element 4 that generates heat when a voltage is applied. The resistance element 2 is formed between the pair of heating element electrodes 3.

[0015] The pattern shape and material of the resistive element 2 are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The resistive element 2 is formed in a pattern in which a single thin wire-shaped resistive element is folded back at predetermined lengths, and the resistive elements are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals.

[0016] The heating electrodes 3a and 3b are formed so as to sandwich the resistance element 2 from the left and right. The heating electrodes 3a and 3b have a rod-like shape. The thickness of the heating electrode 3 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The material of the heating electrode 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive.

[0017] The heating element 4 is formed so as to cover a portion of the resistance element 2 and the heating element electrode 3. The heating element 4 is not in contact with the resistance element 2 but is in contact with the heating element electrode 3. The heating element 4 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above the heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1. The heating element 4 may be a known one, and is not particularly limited as long as it generates heat when a voltage is applied to it.

[0018] The resistance element 2 and the heating element electrode 3 are formed on a substrate 5 without contacting each other. In addition, an insulating film 6 is formed between the resistance element 2 and the heating element 4 to prevent the resistance element 2 and the heating element 4 from contacting each other. This makes it possible to make the heating element 4 generate heat without electrically affecting the resistance element 2, even when a voltage is applied to the heating element electrode 3.

[0019] The heating element 4 is in contact with the heating element electrode 3. A voltage can be applied to the heating element 4 via the heating element electrodes 3a and 3b. The heating element 4 is formed on the heating element electrode 3 and the insulating film 6.

[0020] Furthermore, a protective film 7 for protecting the heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1 may be formed on the heating element 4. The protective film 7 may be made of, for example, silicon dioxide (SiO ２ ) may be contained. Furthermore, a nonpolar film 8 containing nonpolar molecules is formed on the protective film 7. The nonpolar film 8 is not particularly limited as long as it is a film containing nonpolar molecules. The nonpolar molecules contained in the nonpolar film 8 are not particularly limited and can be designed appropriately. For example, parylene, fluororesin, etc. can be used as the nonpolar molecules.

[0021] The calculation unit identifies a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample based on a first parameter measured by the resistance element 2 before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generated by the heating element, and a second parameter measured by the resistance element 2 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature of the sample rose due to heat generated by the heating element. Note that the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics here means a parameter related to the ease of heat transfer, and is a concept that includes a parameter that has a correlation with thermal conductivity.

[0022] The parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is not particularly limited. For example, the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample can be determined as follows. First, a parameter related to the temperature of the sample is determined before the heating element 4 starts to generate heat, or simultaneously with the start of heat generation of the heating element 4. The resistance value of the resistive element 2 can be determined by applying a predetermined voltage (fixed value) to the resistive element 2 and measuring the magnitude of the current in the resistive element 2, or by passing a predetermined current (fixed value) through the resistive element 2 and measuring the voltage applied to the resistive element 2. The resistance value of the resistive element 2 is affected by the temperature of the resistive element 2, but the temperature of the resistive element 2 is indirectly affected by the temperature of the sample via the heating element 4, the insulating film 6, the protective film 7, and the nonpolar film 8. Therefore, the resistance value of the resistive element 2 can be considered as a parameter related to the temperature of the sample.

[0023] Next, a parameter related to the temperature of the sample is determined after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of heat generation by the heating element 4. As in the above, the resistance value of the resistive element 2 can be determined by applying a predetermined voltage to the resistive element 2 and measuring the magnitude of the current in the resistive element 2, or by passing a predetermined current through the resistive element 2 and measuring the voltage applied to the resistive element 2.

[0024] If a predetermined current is passed through the resistance element 2 and the voltage applied to the resistance element 2 is measured, the measured voltage is proportional to the resistance value of the resistance element 2, and therefore the measured voltage itself can be regarded as a parameter related to the temperature of the sample. The difference (or the absolute value of the difference) between the voltage applied to the resistance element 2 (or the resistance value of the resistance element 2) measured before the heating element 4 starts to generate heat or simultaneously with the heating element 4 starting to generate heat, and the voltage applied to the resistance element 2 (or the resistance value of the resistance element 2) measured after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating element 4 started to generate heat can be regarded as a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample.

[0025] The predetermined time can be set as appropriate. However, if the predetermined time is too long, the temperature of the fuel near the heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1 will rise due to heat generated by the heating element 4, causing fuel convection. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate influences other than heat transfer from the heating element 4 to the fuel on the parameters obtained by the heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1. The predetermined time is preferably 10 seconds or less, more preferably 7 seconds or less, and even more preferably 5 seconds or less.

[0026] The sample is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, a fuel containing a fossil fuel. In addition to fossil fuels, the sample fuel may also include hydrogenated vegetable oils and biologically derived fuels.

[0027] Fossil fuels include, for example, diesel fuels classified according to the JIS standard (JIS K 2204-2007), such as Special No. 1 diesel fuel, No. 1 diesel fuel, No. 2 diesel fuel, No. 3 diesel fuel, and Special No. 3 diesel fuel. These diesel fuels have different chemical formulas and molecular weights, and therefore different properties. Each of these diesel fuels has the following characteristics: Special No. 1 diesel fuel (flash point: 50°C or higher, 90% distillation temperature: 360°C or lower, pour point: 5°C or lower, residual carbon mass of 10% residual oil: 0.1% or lower, cetane index: 50 or higher, kinematic viscosity (30°C): 2.7 mm ２ / s or more, sulfur content mass: 0.0010% or less, density (15°C): 0.86 g / cm ３or less), No. 1 diesel oil (flash point: 50°C or more, distillation property 90% distillation temperature: 360°C or less, pour point: -2.5°C or less, clogging point: -1°C or less, residual carbon mass of 10% residual oil: 0.1% or less, cetane index: 50 or more, kinematic viscosity (30°C): 2.7 mm ２ / s or more, sulfur content mass: 0.0010% or less, density (15°C): 0.86 g / cm ３ or less), No. 2 diesel oil (flash point: 50°C or more, distillation characteristics 90% distillation temperature: 350°C or less, pour point: -7.5°C or less, clogging point: -5°C or less, residual carbon mass of 10% residual oil: 0.1% or less, cetane index: 45 or more, kinematic viscosity (30°C): 2.5mm ２ / s or more, sulfur content mass: 0.0010% or less, density (15°C): 0.86 g / cm ３ or less), No. 3 diesel oil (flash point: 45°C or more, distillation property 90% distillation temperature: 330°C or less, pour point: -20°C or less, clogging point: -12°C or less, residual carbon mass of 10% residual oil: 0.1% or less, cetane index: 45 or more, kinematic viscosity (30°C): 2.0 mm ２ / s or more, sulfur content mass: 0.0010% or less, density (15°C): 0.86 g / cm ３ or less), Special No. 3 diesel oil (flash point: 45°C or higher, distillation characteristics 90% distillation temperature: 330°C or lower, pour point: -30°C or lower, clogging point: -19°C or lower, residual carbon mass of 10% residual oil: 0.1% or less, cetane index: 45 or higher, kinematic viscosity (30°C): 1.7 mm ２ / s or more, sulfur content mass: 0.0010% or less, density (15°C): 0.86 g / cm ３ below).

[0028] The fossil fuel may be classified according to ASTM D975 as 1-D S15, 1-D S500, 1-D S5000, 2-D S15, 2-D S500, 2-D S5000 or 4-D. The fossil fuel may be classified according to European Standard EN590 as CLASS A-F or CLASS 0-4.

[0029] Therefore, even for the same fossil fuel, the parameters related to the heat transfer properties identified by the heat transfer property sensor element vary depending on the type of diesel fuel. Therefore, if these different types of diesel fuel are treated as a single concept called "fossil fuel" in the composition identification process described below, the accuracy of the identified composition may be lost.

[0030] Therefore, for one reference fossil fuel (one type of reference fossil fuel) and another type of different fossil fuel, the resistance element is used to measure parameters related to the temperature of the fossil fuel before the temperature rise of the fossil fuel due to heat generation by the heating element 4 and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise. When parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics are identified based on the parameters related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, the time t is determined at which the absolute values ​​of the differences between the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the other type of different fossil fuel become equal to or less than the first threshold. １ In other words, it is preferable to specify the time t seconds at which the absolute value of the difference between the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and the other different types of fossil fuel becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value. １ It is preferable to specify seconds.

[0031] Here, the type of other fossil fuel different from the reference fossil fuel may be at least one, but may be multiple. It is preferable that the type of other fossil fuel used has properties that are relatively significantly different from the one reference fossil fuel.

[0032] The fossil fuel used as the reference in 1 is not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate. The fossil fuel used as the reference in 1 may be different from the fossil fuel contained in the sample. Other types of fossil fuels different from the fossil fuel used as the reference in 1 are also not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate. The other types of fossil fuels may also be different from the fossil fuel contained in the sample. Furthermore, the fossil fuels contained in the sample may be different from the fossil fuel used as the reference in 1, or may be different from the other different types of fossil fuels.

[0033] This time t １The number of seconds varies depending on, for example, the material and size of the heating element 4, the voltage applied to the heating element 4, the length, pattern, and material of the resistor of the resistance element 2. However, if the heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1 is of the same model and the condition of the sample is the same, even if the lot is different, the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics to be measured and the time t １ It is considered that the time in seconds is approximately the same. １ The time t seconds can be specified in advance, and when measuring with the sensor, the specified time t from the start of heat generation of the heat generating element 4 is １ Measurements taken after a few seconds can be used to determine parameters related to heat transfer characteristics.

[0034] The first threshold value can be set appropriately depending on the degree of accuracy with which the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics need to be identified, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, for one reference fossil fuel, a parameter related to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured with the resistance element before the temperature rise of the fossil fuel due to heat generation by the heating element 4 and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the fossil fuel is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise; and for at least one hydrogenated vegetable oil, a parameter related to the temperature of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is measured with the resistance element before the temperature rise of the hydrogenated vegetable oil due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise. ２ It is preferable to specify seconds.

[0036] In the composition identification process described below, in order to identify the compositions of fossil fuels, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and biological fuels, the error in the identified compositions will be smaller if there is a sufficient difference between the parameters related to the heat transfer properties of the fossil fuels and the parameters related to the heat transfer properties of the hydrogenated vegetable oils. The second threshold value can be set appropriately depending on the level of accuracy required to identify the compositions, etc.

[0037] This time t ２ The number of seconds varies depending on, for example, the material and size of the heating element 4, the voltage applied to the heating element 4, the length, pattern, and material of the resistor of the resistance element 2. However, if the heat transfer characteristic sensor element 1 is of the same model and the condition of the sample is the same, even if the lot is different, the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics to be measured and the time t ２ It is considered that the time in seconds is approximately the same. ２ The time t seconds can be specified in advance, and when measuring with the sensor, the specified time t from the start of heat generation of the heat generating element 4 is ２ Measurements taken after a few seconds can be used to determine parameters related to heat transfer characteristics.

[0038] The time t that is equal to or less than the first threshold １ The second can be specified within a range, for example, 1 to 5 seconds. ２ Similarly, the time t １ and time t ２ The time t that satisfies either condition in seconds １２ Seconds are specified in advance, and this specified time t １２ In seconds, the resistive element 2 can be used to measure parameters related to the temperature of the sample and identify parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the relationship between the difference in parameters relating to the heat transfer characteristics between No. 2 diesel and other fuels, with No. 2 diesel being the reference fossil fuel, and the elapsed time from the start of heat generation by the heating element 4. In the resistance element 2, No. 2 diesel and other fuels are used as samples, and the difference in voltage applied to the resistance element 2 before and after heat generation when a predetermined current is passed through it is taken (this is the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics). The vertical axis represents the difference between the difference before and after heat generation for No. 2 diesel and the difference before and after heat generation for other fuels. The horizontal axis represents the elapsed time from the start of heat generation by the heating element 4. This can be obtained by plotting the further difference calculated based on the voltage of the resistance element 2 measured after the elapsed time. In the case of Figure 2, for example, 1.5 seconds is taken as the time t １２ It can be adopted as.

[0040] Note that (voltage applied to the resistance element 2 after heat generation) minus (voltage applied to the resistance element 2 before heat generation) is a positive value, but in some cases it may be a negative value. In this case, the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the voltage applied to the resistance element 2 before heat generation from the voltage applied to the resistance element 2 after heat generation is used as the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics. Also, depending on the parameter, subtracting a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of a reference fossil fuel from a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of another fossil fuel may result in a negative value. In this case, the absolute value of the value obtained by the subtraction is used to compare with the first threshold value or the second threshold value.

[0041] Next, the process of specifying parameters related to heat transfer characteristics will be described. The process of specifying parameters related to heat transfer characteristics is executed in the calculation unit of the sensor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of specifying parameters related to heat transfer characteristics according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order of each process constituting the flowchart described below can be arbitrary as long as no contradiction or inconsistency occurs in the process content. The composition specification process is executed in the calculation unit of the sensor.

[0042] The first parameter measured by the resistance element 2 before the temperature rise of the sample due to the heat generated by the heating element 4, and the time t １２After ≠ 10 seconds have passed, the second parameter measured by the resistance element 2 is acquired (step S1). Next, a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is identified based on the first parameter and the second parameter (step S2). Specifically, the difference between the first parameter and the second parameter (or the absolute value of the difference) is identified as the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample.

[0043] Steps S1 and S2 complete the process of identifying parameters related to heat transfer characteristics. This process of identifying parameters related to heat transfer characteristics can be executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals. However, heat generation by the heating element 4 is required to execute the process of identifying parameters related to heat transfer characteristics. If the heating element 4 generates heat for a long period of time, the temperature of the sample will rise too much and accurate measurement will become impossible. Therefore, the frequency of heat generation, i.e., the frequency of the process of identifying parameters related to heat transfer characteristics, is preferably once every minute or more, and preferably once every three minutes or more. Note that switching whether or not the heating element 4 generates heat can also be controlled by the calculation unit of the sensor.

[0044] Here, we have mainly described the case where multiple different fossil fuels are considered to be one type of fossil fuel and parameters related to heat transfer characteristics are identified using a fuel containing fossil fuel as a sample, but the method and process for identifying parameters related to heat transfer characteristics described in the above-mentioned embodiments can also be applied to liquids other than fuels containing fossil fuels.

[0045] For example, consider a case where there is a group of liquid A and a group of liquid B whose properties are significantly different from those of liquid A. In a case where the parameters relating to the heat transfer properties vary depending on the manufacturer, distributor, lot, chemical formula, composition, additives, etc., even for the same liquid A, one reference liquid A is selected from the plurality of liquids A, and a similar method is used to determine the time t at which the difference in the parameters relating to the heat transfer properties between the reference liquid A and the other liquids A is equal to or less than the first threshold value. １ In addition, the time t when the difference between the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference liquid A and the liquid B is equal to or greater than the second threshold value is specified. ２ Specify the seconds, and the time t １ and time t ２The time t that satisfies either condition in seconds １２ Seconds are specified in advance, and this specified time t １２ Parameters related to the temperature of the sample can be measured in seconds, and parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics can be identified.

[0046] When two types of fuel are contained in a fuel mixture, the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified based on a characteristic value of the fuel mixture measured by one measurement means and a characteristic value of the same type that is specific to each of the two types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture. When three types of fuel are contained in a fuel mixture, the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified based on two different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by two different measurement means and a characteristic value of the same type that is specific to each of the three types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture. When four types of fuel are contained in a fuel mixture, the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified based on three different characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture measured by three different measurement means and a characteristic value of the same type that is specific to each of the four types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture.

[0047] As described above, the number of types of characteristic values ​​required to identify the composition of a fuel mixture varies depending on the number of types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture. Specifically, if the number of types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture is defined as n, the number of types of characteristic values ​​required to identify the composition of the fuel mixture is (n-1) (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). That is, in the present invention, the composition of the mixture can be identified based on the first characteristic value through the (n-1)th characteristic value of the mixture of n different liquids and the first characteristic value through the (n-1)th characteristic value unique to each liquid contained in the mixture.

[0048] Next, the composition identification process will be described. The sensor of the present invention can be mounted, for example, on a diesel vehicle. The diesel vehicle is provided with a fuel tank for supplying fuel to the engine, and the fuel is stored in the fuel tank.

[0049] Here, a case will be described in which a mixture of three types of fuels, namely, a fossil fuel (e.g., corresponding to Liquid A), a hydrogenated vegetable oil (e.g., corresponding to Liquid B), and a bio-derived fuel (e.g., corresponding to Liquid C), is stored as fuel, but the fuel mixture may also be a combination of fuels other than these three types of fuels. An example of a bio-derived fuel is a fuel oil containing fatty acid methyl esters.

[0050] The fuel tank is equipped with measuring means for measuring a characteristic value of the fuel mixture. Here, a case will be described in which a dielectric constant sensor element is provided as the measuring means for measuring a first characteristic value, and a heat transfer characteristic sensor element is provided as the measuring means for measuring a second characteristic value. The dielectric constant sensor element can measure a parameter that can be used to calculate the dielectric constant of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank, and the heat transfer characteristic sensor element can measure a parameter that can be used to calculate the heat transfer characteristic of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank (e.g., a parameter that can be used to calculate thermal conductivity). The fuel tank may further include a temperature sensor that can measure the temperature of the fuel mixture.

[0051] Although the first characteristic value is a dielectric constant or a parameter for calculating the dielectric constant, and the second characteristic value is a thermal conductivity or a parameter for calculating the thermal conductivity, the combination of the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value is not limited thereto. For example, other than dielectric constant and thermal conductivity, a characteristic value that changes linearly (or approximately linearly) depending on the composition when different types of fuel are mixed may be used as the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value. That is, a characteristic value that changes in proportion to the content of each fuel in the fuel mixture may be used as the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value. Here, "approximately linear change" refers to a change in a characteristic value that tends to increase or decrease with an increase in the content of a specific component, or that tends to increase or decrease with a decrease in the content of a specific component, such that the appropriate content can be determined by correction. Examples of characteristic values ​​that may be used in addition to dielectric constant and thermal conductivity include kinematic viscosity, acid number, and density. Furthermore, as the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value, it is also possible to adopt characteristic values ​​that are not the dielectric constant or thermal conductivity themselves, but that have a correlation with the dielectric constant or thermal conductivity, such as the capacitance or voltage output when measuring the dielectric constant or thermal conductivity with a sensor.

[0052] 4 is a flowchart of the composition determination process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order of the processes constituting the flowchart described below is random as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the process content. The composition determination process is executed by the calculation unit of the sensor.

[0053] First, information regarding the dielectric constant P of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank measured by the dielectric constant sensor element is received by the sensor's calculation unit (step S1). The information regarding the dielectric constant P may be the dielectric constant P itself or a parameter related to the dielectric constant P. The parameter related to the dielectric constant P is a parameter that can be used to calculate the dielectric constant P. The parameter related to the dielectric constant P is preferably a parameter that is proportional to or inversely proportional to the dielectric constant P. An example of the parameter related to the dielectric constant P is the "capacitance" obtained when a capacitor is fabricated by inserting the fuel mixture to be measured between two parallel sheet-like electrodes and the capacitance of the fabricated capacitor is measured. The "capacitance" is a parameter that is proportional to the dielectric constant P.

[0054] The capacitance can be measured by any known method, for example, by arranging two flat metal electrodes so that the fuel mixture to be measured is between them, applying a voltage between the electrodes, and measuring the impedance of the capacitor formed by the two electrodes, thereby calculating the capacitance.

[0055] Next, information regarding the thermal conductivity Q of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank measured by the heat transfer characteristic sensor element is received by the calculation unit of the sensor (step S12). The information regarding the thermal conductivity Q may be the thermal conductivity Q itself or a parameter related to the thermal conductivity Q. The parameter related to the thermal conductivity Q is a parameter that can be used to calculate the thermal conductivity Q. The parameter related to the thermal conductivity Q is preferably a parameter that is proportional to or inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity Q.

[0056] DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) involves heating a blank and a measurement sample under the same conditions, and measuring the specific heat capacity from the temperature difference between the blank and the measurement sample that occurs when the blank and the measurement sample absorb and release heat. The blank is, for example, an empty container identical to the container in which the measurement sample is sealed. By measuring the specific heat capacity, the thermal conductivity can be determined. This temperature difference between the blank and the measurement sample causes a difference in electromotive force between the two thermocouples in differential scanning calorimetry. This electromotive force difference can be used as a parameter "dVx" related to the thermal conductivity Q. This "dVx" is a parameter that is inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity Q.

[0057] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the difference between a parameter related to the temperature of the sample before heating (for example, the voltage applied to the resistive element 2 when a predetermined current is passed through the resistive element 2) and a parameter related to the temperature of the sample after heating (for example, the voltage applied to the resistive element 2 when a predetermined current is passed through the resistive element 2) can be used as the parameter "dVx" related to the thermal conductivity Q.

[0058] Furthermore, information about the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank measured by the temperature sensor is received by the calculation unit of the sensor (step S13).

[0059] The three types of fuel contained in the fuel mixture each have their own specific dielectric constant and thermal conductivity, but these dielectric constants and thermal conductivity change depending on the state of the fuel mixture or the surrounding environment of the fuel mixture (hereinafter referred to as the state of the fuel mixture, etc.). For example, the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of each fuel change depending on the temperature of the fuel. Therefore, the dielectric constant P used to identify the composition of the fuel mixture in step S15 is Ａ ~P Ｃ Information about the thermal conductivity Q Ａ ~Q ＣThe information relating to the above is identified based on the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank received in step S13 (step S14). Note that although the explanation here is about correcting the capacitance value based on the temperature of the fuel mixture, if the characteristic value varies depending on a parameter other than the temperature of the fuel mixture that indicates the state of the fuel mixture or the surrounding environment, the characteristic value can be corrected depending on that parameter.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the dielectric constant of three types of fuel and temperature-related parameters. The horizontal axis corresponds to the voltage output by the temperature sensor; the higher the voltage, the higher the temperature. The vertical axis corresponds to the capacitance value output by the dielectric constant sensor element; the higher the capacitance value, the higher the dielectric constant. FIG. 5 shows that the dielectric constant of BDF (registered trademark) (biologically derived fuel) decreases as the temperature changes from 10°C to 50°C. It can also be seen that the dielectric constant of HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) and the dielectric constant of fossil fuels hardly change as the temperature changes from 10°C to 50°C.

[0061] For example, an approximate expression of the correlation between the dielectric constant (or a parameter related to the dielectric constant) and temperature is set for each of these three types of fuel, and based on the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank received in step S13, the specific dielectric constant P of each of the three types of fuel at that temperature is calculated. Ａ ~P Ｃ (or a parameter related to the dielectric constant inherent to each of the three types of fuel) can be calculated. The approximation formula can be a known approximation formula such as exponential approximation, linear approximation, logarithmic approximation, or polynomial approximation. In the case of polynomial approximation, it may be a linear or quadratic formula, and the degree is not particularly limited. Also, unlike the method of calculating the dielectric constant using an approximation formula, for example, a data table is set up that stores the correspondence between temperature and dielectric constant (or a parameter related to the dielectric constant) for each of the three types of fuel in increments of 0.1°C or 0.01°C, and the inherent dielectric constant P corresponding to the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank can be calculated by referring to the data table. Ａ ~P Ｃ (or parameters relating to the specific dielectric constants of each of the three fuels) can also be specified.

[0062] 5 shows the relationship between the dielectric constant and the temperature-related parameters for the three types of fuel, but the thermal conductivity also has a correlation with the temperature or a parameter related to the temperature. Similarly, for the thermal conductivity, an approximate expression of the correlation between the thermal conductivity (or a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics) and the temperature is set for each of the three types of fuel, and based on the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank received in step S13, the specific thermal conductivity Q of each of the three types of fuel at that temperature is calculated. Ａ ~Q Ｃ Similarly to the dielectric constant, a data table is prepared that stores the correspondence between temperature and thermal conductivity (or a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristic) in increments of 0.1°C or 0.01°C, and the specific thermal conductivity Q corresponding to the temperature of the fuel mixture in the fuel tank can be calculated by referring to the data table. Ａ ~Q Ｃ (or parameters relating to the specific heat transfer properties of each of the three fuels) can also be identified.

[0063] Next, the received information on the dielectric constant P and thermal conductivity Q of the fuel mixture, as well as the dielectric constants P specific to the three types of fuel identified in step S14, are Ａ ~P Ｃ Information about the thermal conductivity Q Ａ ~Q Ｃ Based on the information, the composition of the fuel mixture is identified (step S15).

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between parameters related to the dielectric constant of three types of fuel and parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics. The vertical axis represents the parameter "dVx" related to the heat transfer characteristics. The horizontal axis represents the parameter "capacitance" related to the dielectric constant. SME (soybean-derived fatty acid methyl ester), HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil), and diesel (fossil fuel) each have different values ​​of dielectric constant and thermal conductivity. In FIG. 6, a triangle is formed with three vertices representing the plots of the parameter "capacitance" related to the dielectric constant and the parameter "dVx" related to the heat transfer characteristics for each of these fuels. When the parameter "capacitance" related to the dielectric constant and the parameter "dVx" related to the heat transfer characteristics of a fuel mixture obtained by mixing these three types of fuels are plotted in FIG. 6, they can be plotted within the triangle.

[0065] For example, the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of a fuel mixture of diesel and HVO in a volume ratio of 50:50 correspond to the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of point AB, which is midway between point A on the plot for diesel and point B on the plot for HVO. When the "capacitance" and "dVx" of a fuel mixture of diesel and HVO in a volume ratio of 50:50 are plotted, they also correspond to the "capacitance" and "dVx" of point A'B', which is midway between point A' on the plot for diesel and point B' on the plot for HVO. Furthermore, the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of a fuel mixture of BDF (registered trademark) (SME100) and diesel in a volume ratio of 20:80 correspond to the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of point CA, which is obtained by dividing the line segment between point C on the plot for BDF (registered trademark) and point A on the plot for diesel, so that the distance from point C is 20% and the distance from point A is 80%. When the "capacitance" and "dVx" of a fuel mixture of BDF (registered trademark) (SME100) and diesel fuel in a volume ratio of 20:80 are plotted, they correspond to the "capacitance" and "dVx" of point C'A', which is midway between point C' plotted for BDF (registered trademark) and point A' plotted for diesel fuel. Furthermore, the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of a fuel mixture of diesel fuel, HVO, and BDF (registered trademark) in a volume ratio of 65:28:7 correspond to the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity of point ABC, which is located on the line segment between point A plotted for diesel fuel and point B plotted for HVO, and is moved toward point C from the point where the distance from point A to point B can be divided so that the distance from point A:the distance from point B = 65:28. When the "capacitance" and "dVx" of a fuel mixture of diesel, HVO, and BDF (registered trademark) in a volume ratio of 65:28:7 are plotted, the "capacitance" and "dVx" correspond to point A'B'C', which is located inside the triangle and is obtained by moving from the point on the line segment connecting point A' plotted for diesel and point B' plotted for HVO, where the distance between points A' and B' can be divided so that (distance from point A'):(distance from point B') = 65:28, toward point C'. Point A'B'C' corresponds to point D', which can divide the distance between points A' and B' so that (distance from point A'):(distance from point C') = 7:93, on the line segment connecting point C'.

[0066] In this way, by using the characteristic values ​​that change in proportion to the content of each fuel in the fuel mixture (including the characteristic values ​​that change approximately in proportion to the content of each fuel in the fuel mixture), the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified by the following formula: where the dielectric constant of the fuel mixture is P(Fm －１ ), and the thermal conductivity of the fuel mixture is defined as Q (W / (m·K)). The dielectric constant of the fossil fuel is P Ａ (Fm －１ ), the thermal conductivity of fossil fuels is Q Ａ (W / (m·K)), and the dielectric constant of hydrogenated vegetable oil is defined as P Ｂ (Fm －１ ), the thermal conductivity of hydrogenated vegetable oil is Q Ｂ (W / (m·K)), and the dielectric constant of biofuel is defined as P Ｃ (Fm －１ ), and the thermal conductivity of biofuel is Q Ｃ In step S15, the composition of the fuel mixture is calculated by using the following equations (a) to (c): the volume fraction X (volume %) of the fossil fuel, the volume fraction Y (volume %) of the hydrogenated vegetable oil, and the volume fraction Z (volume %) of the biological fuel. The dielectric constant of fossil fuels, P Ａ (Fm －１ ) and thermal conductivity Q Ａ (W / (m·K)), the dielectric constant P of hydrogenated vegetable oil Ｂ (Fm －１ ) and thermal conductivity Q Ｂ (W / (m·K)), the dielectric constant P of biofuel Ｃ (Fm －１ ) and thermal conductivity Q ＣThe value of (W / (m·K)) is stored in advance in the memory unit of the sensor and is used when determining the composition of the fuel mixture in step S15. All of the volume fraction X (volume %) of the fossil fuel, the volume fraction Y (volume %) of the hydrogenated vegetable oil, and the volume fraction Z (volume %) of the biologically-derived fuel may be determined by equations (a) to (c), or any one or two of the volume fraction X (volume %) of the fossil fuel, the volume fraction Y (volume %) of the hydrogenated vegetable oil, and the volume fraction Z (volume %) of the biologically-derived fuel may be determined by any one or two of equations (a) to (c). When any one or two of the volume fraction X (volume %) of the fossil fuel, the volume fraction Y (volume %) of the hydrogenated vegetable oil, and the volume fraction Z (volume %) of the biologically-derived fuel are determined by any one or two of equations (a) to (c), the volume fractions of the remaining fuels may be determined using another method.

[0067] The above equations (a) to (c) can calculate the volume fractions of the three types of fuel as the composition of the fuel mixture, but the mass fractions of the three types of fuel can also be calculated from the specific gravities of the three types of fuel based on these calculated volume fractions. These mass fractions of the three types of fuel can also be stored as the composition of the fuel mixture.

[0068] In step S15, the dielectric constant P and thermal conductivity Q of the fuel mixture, as well as the dielectric constants P specific to the three types of fuel, are calculated. Ａ ~P Ｃ and thermal conductivity Q Ａ ~Q Ｃ The composition of the fuel mixture can be determined by substituting the above formulas (a) to (c). However, instead of the dielectric constant P and thermal conductivity Q of the fuel mixture, a parameter P related to the dielectric constant of the fuel mixture and a parameter Q related to the heat transfer characteristics are used, and the dielectric constant P specific to the three types of fuels can be determined. Ａ ~P Ｃ and thermal conductivity Q Ａ ~Q Ｃ Instead, the parameter P relating to the dielectric constant specific to the three types of fuel is Ａ ~P Ｃ and parameter Q related to heat transfer characteristics Ａ ~Q ＣBy substituting the above into the equations (a) to (c), the composition of the fuel mixture can be identified. For example, a detection value detected by a dielectric constant sensor element (e.g., a capacitance value detected by a sensor) is used as a parameter P related to the dielectric constant of the fuel mixture, and a detection value detected by a heat transfer characteristic sensor element (e.g., dVx detected by a sensor) is used as a parameter Q related to the heat transfer characteristic of the fuel mixture. Similarly, the parameters P related to the dielectric constants specific to the three types of fuels can be identified. Ａ ~P Ｃ The composition of the fuel mixture can be identified using the detected value of the dielectric constant sensor element corresponding to the dielectric constant (e.g., the capacitance value detected by the sensor) and the detected value of the heat transfer characteristic sensor element corresponding to the thermal conductivity (e.g., dVx detected by the sensor), which are parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics specific to the three types of fuel.

[0069] Next, the fuel mixture composition identified in step S15 is stored in the sensor's memory or transmitted to another computer device (step S16). Either storing the fuel mixture composition in the memory or transmitting the fuel mixture composition to the other computer device may be performed, or both may be performed. When the fuel mixture composition is received by the other computer device, the received fuel mixture composition is stored in the storage unit of the other computer device. The composition identification process is completed after steps S11 to S16.

[0070] When storing the composition of the fuel mixture in the memory of the sensor or in the storage of another computing device, the determined composition may be stored in association with a time, such as the time when the property value, such as the dielectric constant or thermal conductivity, was measured, the time when the property value was received in step S1 and / or step S12, or the time when the composition of the fuel mixture was determined in step S15.

[0071] Furthermore, it is preferable that the composition identification process from steps S11 to S16 be executed periodically at predetermined time intervals. The period for executing the composition identification process can be set as appropriate. For example, the composition identification process may be executed every minute, every hour, or every 24 hours. Furthermore, the composition identification process from steps S11 to S16 may be executed every time a predetermined condition is satisfied, such as every time fuel is refueled into the fuel tank. In this way, the identified composition is stored in association with time, and then the composition identification process from steps S11 to S16 is repeatedly executed multiple times, thereby enabling the history of the composition to be stored.

[0072] In the above step S15, the case where the composition of the fuel mixture is determined using equations (a) to (c) has been described. Below, a method for determining the composition of the fuel mixture using other methods in step S15 will be described.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7 , in a graph with a parameter related to heat transfer characteristics on the vertical axis and a parameter related to dielectric constant on the horizontal axis, the plotted points for a blend of diesel and BDF® do not lie on the straight line connecting the plotted points for diesel and BDF®. Similarly, the plotted points for a blend of HVO and BDF® do not lie on the straight line connecting the plotted points for HVO and BDF®. This is because the actual thermal conductivity of a blend of two different fuels is lower than the value that can be calculated from the thermal conductivity and blend ratio of each fuel mixture. The dVx value on the vertical axis of FIG. 6 decreases as the thermal conductivity increases and increases as the thermal conductivity decreases. Therefore, the dVx value for a blend of two different fuels is higher than the value that can be calculated from the thermal conductivity and blend ratio of each fuel mixture. Therefore, a correction is required when identifying the composition of the fuel mixture.

[0074] A method for determining the composition of a fuel mixture using curve approximation in step S15 will be described. The method for determining the composition of a fuel mixture using curve approximation is performed as follows. When determining the composition of a fuel mixture using curve approximation, reference is made to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between parameters related to dielectric constant and parameters related to heat transfer characteristics. In the following (1) to (9), it is preferable to use the dVx and capacitance of diesel, HVO, and BDF (registered trademark) measured values ​​at the temperature of the fuel mixture measured in step S13. It is also preferable to use the dVx and capacitance of a plurality of mixtures in which the proportion of HVO is 0 vol % and the compositions of diesel and BDF (registered trademark) are different from each other, measured values ​​at the temperature of the fuel mixture measured in step S13. It is also preferable to use the dVx and capacitance of a plurality of mixtures in which the proportion of diesel is 0 vol % and the compositions of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) are different from each other, measured values ​​at the temperature of the fuel mixture measured in step S13. (1) Find an equation that represents a straight line connecting the plotted points of dVx and capacitance for diesel and the plotted points of dVx and capacitance for HVO. (2) Measure the dVx and capacitance for the fuel mixture, and find an equation that represents a straight line connecting the plotted points based on the measurement results and the plotted points of dVx and capacitance for BDF (registered trademark). (3) Find the intersection 1 between the line found in (1) above and the line found in (2) above. (4) Calculate the percentage of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture using the following equation (d): (5) The straight line obtained in (1) is translated so that the points plotted based on the measurement results are included. (6) An intersection 2 between a fitting curve obtained from the plot of dVx and capacitance for a plurality of mixtures having a 0 vol% HVO ratio and different compositions of diesel and BDF (registered trademark) and the straight line translated in (5) is determined. (7) An intersection 3 between a fitting curve obtained from the plot of dVx and capacitance for a plurality of mixtures having a 0 vol% diesel ratio and different compositions of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) and the straight line translated in (5) is determined. (8) The HVO ratio is calculated using the following formula (e). Here, the HVO ratio calculated using formula (e) is the ratio of HVO to the remainder obtained by subtracting the ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture from 100%. The ratio of HVO in the fuel mixture is calculated from the HVO ratio calculated using formula (e). (9) Subtract the percentage of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture and the percentage of HVO in the fuel mixture from 100% to determine the percentage of diesel in the fuel mixture.

[0075] A fitting curve is a curve obtained by fitting a curve to multiple data obtained from an experiment. One method of curve fitting is to estimate an optimal function using the least squares method. The same applies to fitting curves below.

[0076] The theoretically calculated ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in a fuel mixture based on the dVx and capacitance of each of diesel, HVO, and BDF (registered trademark) and the dVx and capacitance of the fuel mixture has a smaller deviation from the actual ratio of BDF (registered trademark) than the ratios of HVO and diesel. Therefore, in (4) above, the ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture is calculated, and the ratios of HVO and diesel in the fuel mixture can be determined using the fitting curve and the calculated ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture.

[0077] Although dVx and capacitance are used as characteristic values ​​here, this method can also be used when other characteristic values ​​are used.

[0078] Next, in step S15, a method for determining the composition of the fuel mixture using curve approximation, which is different from the above, will be described. Note that when this method is used, step S14 is omitted. (1) A plurality of mixtures are prepared in which the HVO proportion is 0% by volume and the mixture ratio of diesel fuel and BDF (registered trademark) is varied, and the dVx and capacitance are measured at different temperatures. Similarly, a plurality of mixtures are prepared in which the diesel fuel proportion is 0% by volume and the mixture ratio of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) is varied, and the dVx and capacitance are measured at different temperatures. (2) For each temperature, a fitting curve representing the relationship between dVx and capacitance for a mixture of diesel fuel and BDF (registered trademark), and a fitting curve representing the relationship between dVx and capacitance for a mixture of HVO and BDF (registered trademark), are determined. (3) From the multiple fitting curves obtained for each temperature, a temperature-dependent equation representing the relationship between dVx and capacitance for a mixture of diesel and BDF (registered trademark) and a temperature-dependent equation representing the relationship between dVx and capacitance for a mixture of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) are obtained.

[0079] Steps (1) to (3) above are performed in advance, and these temperature-dependent equations are stored in the sensor's memory. In step S15, the following steps (4) to (6) are performed. (4) Temperature correction is performed for the above two temperature-dependent equations based on the temperature measured in step S13. (5) The proportion of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture is calculated based on the following equation (c). (6) Using the BDF (registered trademark) calculated in (5) above and the equation for diesel-BDF (registered trademark) with temperature correction in (4) above, calculate the proportion of diesel in the fuel mixture. Also, using the BDF (registered trademark) calculated in (5) above and the equation for HVO-BDF (registered trademark) with temperature correction in (4) above, calculate the proportion of HVO in the fuel mixture.

[0080] As described above, the theoretically calculated ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in a fuel mixture based on the dVx and capacitance of each of diesel, HVO, and BDF (registered trademark) and the dVx and capacitance of the fuel mixture has a smaller deviation from the actual ratio of BDF (registered trademark) than the ratios of HVO and diesel. Therefore, in (5) above, the ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture is calculated using equation (c), and the ratios of HVO and diesel in the fuel mixture can be determined using the fitting curve and the calculated ratio of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture.

[0081] Next, a method for correcting the fuel mixture composition based on the fitting curve of the deviation amount in step S15 will be described. Figure 9 is a graph showing the deviation amount of the actual HVO percentage in a fuel mixture from the HVO percentage calculated using equation (b) based on the measured dVx and capacitance for a two-component fuel mixture consisting of HVO and BDF (registered trademark) on the vertical axis and the percentage of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture on the horizontal axis. Also, a graph showing the deviation amount of the actual diesel percentage in a fuel mixture from the diesel percentage calculated using equations (a) to (c) based on the measured dVx and capacitance for a two-component fuel mixture consisting of diesel and BDF (registered trademark) on the vertical axis and the percentage of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture on the horizontal axis. The deviation amount is, for example, the difference obtained by subtracting the HVO percentage calculated using equation (b) from the actual HVO percentage in the fuel mixture. Similarly, the deviation amount is, for example, the difference between the actual diesel percentage in the fuel mixture and the diesel percentage calculated by equations (a) to (c).

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, for a fuel mixture consisting of a plurality of two components, a fitting curve is determined from points plotted based on the deviation amount and the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture.

[0083] For example, the deviation amount can be calculated for a fuel mixture with a different proportion of BDF (registered trademark) for each temperature, and curve fitting can be performed for each temperature using the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) as an explanatory variable and the deviation amount as a target variable to obtain a fitting curve for each temperature, and a fitting equation representing the fitting curve can be obtained for each temperature.

[0084] In addition, the deviation amount can be calculated for fuel mixtures with different proportions of BDF (registered trademark) at different temperatures, and curve fitting can be performed using the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) as an explanatory variable and the deviation amount as a target variable to obtain a fitting equation that represents a single fitting curve that can be applied to different temperatures.

[0085] 9 , for a fuel mixture consisting of two components, HVO and BDF (registered trademark), a fitting equation can be determined that represents the relationship between the deviation of the actual HVO percentage in the fuel mixture from the HVO percentage calculated using equation (b) based on the measured dVx and capacitance, and the percentage of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture. Similarly, for a fuel mixture consisting of two components, diesel and BDF (registered trademark), a fitting equation can be determined that represents the relationship between the deviation of the actual diesel percentage in the fuel mixture from the diesel percentage calculated using equations (a) to (c) based on the measured dVx and capacitance, and the percentage of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture. In this case, too, the deviation is calculated for fuel mixtures having different percentages of BDF (registered trademark) at each temperature, and curve fitting is performed using the percentage of BDF (registered trademark) as an explanatory variable and the deviation as a response variable for each temperature to determine a fitting curve for each temperature, and a fitting equation representing the fitting curve can be determined for each temperature. Furthermore, the deviation amount can be calculated for fuel mixtures with different BDF® percentages at different temperatures, and curve fitting can be performed using the BDF® percentage as an explanatory variable and the deviation amount as a response variable to obtain a single fitting curve that can be applied to multiple different temperatures. Also, a fitting equation that represents this fitting curve can be obtained.

[0086] To calculate the deviation for a fuel mixture whose composition is unknown, the BDF® percentage is determined using equation (c) and then the BDF® percentage, which is an explanatory variable, is input into the fitting equation. Alternatively, this fitting equation can be used to determine the deviation according to the BDF® percentage by preparing a table in advance that defines the correspondence between different BDF® percentages and deviation amounts. These fitting equations or tables are pre-stored in the sensor's memory.

[0087] In step S15, first, the proportion of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture is calculated using equation (c) based on the measured values ​​of dVx and capacitance of the fuel mixture. Then, based on the calculated proportion of BDF (registered trademark) in the fuel mixture, a deviation amount in the proportion of HVO or diesel is determined based on a fitting equation or table stored in the storage unit. The proportion of HVO or diesel can be calculated by adding the deviation amount to the proportion of HVO or diesel calculated using equations (a) to (c) based on the measured dVx and capacitance of the fuel mixture. Note that, after calculating the proportion of HVO, the proportion of diesel can also be calculated from the proportion of HVO and the proportion of BDF (registered trademark).

[0088] As described above, in the present invention, the composition of the fuel mixture being measured can be identified based on the correspondence (e.g., the fitting formula or the table) between the volume fraction of the liquid in the fuel mixture calculated using a predetermined calculation formula (e.g., formula (a), formula (b), and / or formula (c) in the case of three components) and the amount of deviation between the volume fraction of each liquid in the actual fuel mixture, and further based on the characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture being measured.

[0089] Here, the deviation is defined as the difference between the actual proportion of a certain component in the fuel mixture and the theoretically calculated proportion of that component, but a more accurate proportion of the component can be determined from the theoretically calculated proportion of the component based on the characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture being measured, based on the ratio of the actual proportion of the component in the fuel mixture to the theoretically calculated proportion of the component in the fuel mixture. In this case, a more accurate proportion of the component can be determined by multiplying the theoretically calculated proportion of the component based on the characteristic values ​​of the fuel mixture being measured by the ratio.

[0090] Although the above-described embodiment has been described primarily as being related to determining the composition of a fuel mixture, the sensor of the present invention can also be used to determine the composition of a mixture of multiple different liquids used for purposes other than fuel. The liquid contained in the mixture is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include water and organic solvents. The organic solvent may be either flammable or non-flammable, and may be either volatile or non-volatile.

[0091] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 heat transfer characteristic sensor element 2 resistance element 3 heating element electrode 4 heating element 5 substrate 6 insulating film 7 protective film 8 non-polar film

Claims

1. A sensor comprising a heat transfer characteristic sensor element for measuring a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristic of a sample, the heat transfer characteristic sensor element comprising a resistance element for measuring a parameter related to the temperature of the sample and a heating element, and comprising an identification means for identifying the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample based on a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generation by the heating element, and a second parameter measured by the resistance element after a predetermined time has passed since the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element.

2. A liquid containing liquid A is used as a sample, and the specifying means measures a first parameter measured by a resistance element before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generation from the heating element, and a time t １ After the time t seconds has elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is determined based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element, １ 2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, for each of a reference liquid A and another different type of liquid A, parameters related to the temperature of the liquid A are measured using the resistance element before the temperature of the liquid A rises due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics are identified based on the parameters related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and the absolute values ​​of the differences between the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference liquid A and the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different type of liquid A are less than or equal to a first threshold value.

3. A fuel containing a fossil fuel is used as a sample, and the specifying means measures a first parameter measured by a resistance element before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generation from the heating element, and a time t １ After the time t seconds has elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is determined based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element, １ 2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, for each of a reference fossil fuel and a different type of fossil fuel, a parameter related to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured using the resistance element before the temperature of the fossil fuel rises due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and the absolute value of the difference between the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and each of the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the different type of fossil fuel is equal to or less than a first threshold value.

4. A liquid containing liquid A and / or liquid B is used as a sample, and the specifying means measures a first parameter measured by a resistance element before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generation from the heating element, and a time t ２ After the time t seconds has elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is determined based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element, ２ For the liquid A used as the reference in 1, the time t is the time before the temperature of the liquid A rises due to the heat generated by the heating element and the time t is the time after the temperature rises. ２ After t seconds have elapsed, a parameter relating to the temperature of Liquid A is measured by the resistance element, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of Liquid A is identified based on the temperature parameter before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise; and for at least one Liquid B, a parameter relating to the temperature of Liquid B is measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise due to heat generation by the heating element and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of Liquid A is identified based on the temperature parameter before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise. ２ 3. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein when a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of Liquid B is identified based on a parameter relating to the temperature after seconds have passed, the absolute value of the difference between the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of Liquid A as a reference and the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of Liquid B is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

5. A fuel containing fossil fuel and / or hydrogenated vegetable oil is used as a sample, and the specifying means measures a first parameter measured by a resistance element before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generation from the heating element, and a time t from the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation from the heating element. ２ After the time t seconds has elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is determined based on the second parameter measured by the resistance element, ２ For the fossil fuel used as the reference in 1, the time t is the time before the temperature of the fossil fuel rises due to the heat generated by the heating element and the time from the temperature rise. ２ and after t seconds have elapsed, a parameter relating to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured with the resistance element, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the fossil fuel is identified based on the temperature parameters before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise; and for at least one hydrogenated vegetable oil, a parameter relating to the temperature of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is measured with the resistance element before the temperature rise of the hydrogenated vegetable oil due to heat generation from the heating element and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the fossil fuel is identified based on the temperature parameters before the temperature rise and after t seconds have elapsed since the temperature rise. ２ 3. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, when a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is identified based on a parameter related to the temperature after 10 seconds has elapsed, an absolute value of a difference between the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

6. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a dielectric constant sensor element for measuring a parameter related to the dielectric constant of a sample.

7. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2, which uses a fuel containing fossil fuel, hydrogenated vegetable oil and / or biological fuel as a sample, and is equipped with a composition determination means for determining the composition of the fuel based on parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics and dielectric constant of the fuel, parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics and dielectric constant specific to fossil fuel, parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics and dielectric constant specific to hydrogenated vegetable oil, and parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics and dielectric constant specific to biological fuel.

8. An information processing device that identifies a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of a sample based on a parameter measured by a heat transfer characteristic sensor element that includes a resistance element that measures a parameter related to the temperature of the sample and a heating element, and that includes a means for identifying the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample based on a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generation by the heating element, and a second parameter measured by the resistance element after a predetermined time has passed since the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element.

9. A method comprising a step of determining, in a calculation unit, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of a sample based on a first parameter measured by a resistance element that measures a parameter relating to the temperature of the sample before the temperature of the sample rises due to heat generation by the heating element, and a second parameter measured by the resistance element after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature of the sample rose due to heat generation by the heating element.

10. For each of the reference liquid A in 1 and another different type of liquid A, the temperature parameters of the liquid A are measured using the resistance element before the temperature rise of the liquid A due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and when the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics are identified based on the temperature parameters before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, the time t at which the absolute value of the difference between the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference liquid A and each of the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different type of liquid A becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value is determined. １ The step of specifying the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is performed using a liquid containing liquid A as the sample, and the calculation unit calculates a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element and a time t from the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element. １ The method according to claim 9, wherein after 10 seconds have elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is determined based on a second parameter measured by the resistance element.

11. For each of the reference fossil fuel in 1 and the other different types of fossil fuel, a parameter related to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured using the resistance element before the temperature rise of the fossil fuel due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise. When the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics is identified, the time t at which the absolute value of the difference between the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and each of the parameters related to the heat transfer characteristics of the other different types of fossil fuel becomes equal to or less than a first threshold value is determined. １ The step of identifying the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is performed using a fuel including a fossil fuel as the sample, and the calculation unit includes a step of calculating a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element and a step of calculating a time t １ The method according to claim 9, wherein after 10 seconds have elapsed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is determined based on a second parameter measured by the resistance element.

12. For one reference liquid A, a parameter relating to the temperature of liquid A is measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of liquid A due to heat generation by a heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of liquid A is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise; for at least one liquid B, a parameter relating to the temperature of liquid B is measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of liquid B due to heat generation by a heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of liquid B is identified based on the parameter relating to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise; and a time t at which the absolute value of the difference between the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of reference liquid A and the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of liquid B becomes equal to or greater than a second threshold value. ２ The step of specifying the parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristic of the sample is performed using a liquid containing liquid A and / or liquid B as the sample, and the calculation unit calculates a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element and a time t from the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation by the heating element. ２ The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein after 10 seconds have passed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is determined based on a second parameter measured by the resistance element.

13. For one reference fossil fuel, a parameter related to the temperature of the fossil fuel is measured with the resistance element before the temperature rise of the fossil fuel due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the fossil fuel is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise; for at least one hydrogenated vegetable oil, a parameter related to the temperature of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is measured with the resistance element before the temperature rise of the hydrogenated vegetable oil due to heat generation by the heating element and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise, and a parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the hydrogenated vegetable oil is identified based on the parameter related to the temperature before the temperature rise and after a time t seconds has elapsed since the temperature rise; and a time t at which the absolute value of the difference between the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the reference fossil fuel and the parameter related to the heat transfer characteristics of the hydrogenated vegetable oil becomes equal to or greater than a second threshold. ２ and a step of specifying a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample, wherein the sample is a fuel containing a fossil fuel and / or a hydrogenated vegetable oil, and the calculation unit calculates a first parameter measured by the resistance element before the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation from the heating element and a time t from the temperature rise of the sample due to heat generation from the heating element. ２ The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein after 10 seconds have passed, a parameter relating to the heat transfer characteristics of the sample is determined based on a second parameter measured by the resistance element.

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