Heated fuel tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel heating system used in the fuel tanks of military and civilian vehicles. In particular, the invention is characterized by including a heater (20) that liquefies fuel present in solid or semi-solid form inside the fuel tank (10).

Description

[0001] HEATED FUEL TANK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a fuel heating system that can be used in the fuel tanks of military and civilian vehicles.

[0004] In particular, the invention is characterized by including a heater that liquefies fuel present in solid or semi-solid form inside the fuel tank.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Fuel is a major energy source used in heating, transportation, and electricity generation. Most types of fuel are non-renewable but sustainable. Liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and hydrogen are widely used and are typically derived from fossil fuels.

[0007] In vehicles, fuel is stored in a fuel tank. In cold climates or at low temperatures, fuel may freeze or solidify, which reduces its flow. Solidified fuel cannot be drawn by the fuel pump, preventing engine operation and disabling the vehicle.

[0008] To prevent this, the fuel must be kept in liquid form. It is important to re-liquefy frozen fuel.

[0009] In current technology, fuel tanks are not typically designed with integrated heating systems. When needed, external heating elements are added to the tank or fuel lines to maintain temperature and prevent freezing. However, such external systems are inefficient and prone to leaks. Additionally, separate installations and maintenance for external heaters increase time and cost. Their efficiency and durability may also vary depending on environmental conditions.

[0010] Future improvements should focus on integrating effective heating systems directly into fuel storage designs. Doing so would enhance the operational efficiency of vehicles, especially in cold weather.

[0011] To address the existing problems, there is a need for a practical, economical, and functional heated fuel tank, which current solutions fail to provide.

[0012] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a fuel heating system integrated into the fuel tank of military and civilian vehicles to address the disadvantages mentioned above and to offer improved performance.

[0014] The main objective is to ensure that the fuel tank is designed from the beginning to incorporate a heating system that does not come into direct contact with the fuel. This allows safe and effective heating.

[0015] By avoiding direct contact between the heat source and the fuel, the system minimizes risks such as leakage or fire, increasing operational safety and preventing environmental and material damage.

[0016] Externally linked but non-integrated heating elements help maintain fuel fluidity at low temperatures, ensuring continuous engine performance. This innovative design allows safer, more flexible, and efficient use of fuel tanks and their heaters. The non-contact heating system provides operational flexibility and adaptability for various conditions.

[0017] The structural and characteristic features, as well as all advantages of the invention, will be better understood through the figures and the detailed explanation provided below, which should be considered in its evaluation.

[0018] DRAWINGS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE INVENTION

[0019] FIGURE 1; Depicts the heated fuel tank.

[0020] FIGURE 2; Depicts the heated fuel tank.

[0021] FIGURE 3; Depicts the heater of the heated fuel tank.

[0022] FIGURE 4; Depicts the heater of the heated fuel tank in sectional view.

[0023] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0024] 10. Fuel Tank

[0025] 20. Heating element

[0026] 30. Heating socket

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In this detailed description, preferred embodiments of the heated fuel tank (10) are provided for better understanding without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0029] Figures 1-4 show the heated fuel tank (10) and its components. The invention comprises at least one fuel tank (10) for storing fuel, at least one heating element (20) such as an electric resistor or hot water heat exchanger, and at least one heating socket (30) connected to the tank (10). Fuel tank (10), heating element (20) and socket (30) are made of heat-conductive materials, preferably metal.

[0030] In cold weather, the fuel inside tank (10) may freeze or solidify. In such cases, the heating element (20) is activated, warms up the heating socket (30), which then transfers the heat to the tank (10).

[0031] Heated tank (10) liquefies the fuel, allowing it to flow freely through the intake line. Returned fuel re-enters the tank (10), creating a continuous cycle until complete liquefaction.

[0032] The protection scope of this application is defined in the claims and shall not be limited by the descriptive examples above. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may exploit the innovation in similar systems or apply it to other relevant areas, though those implementations would lack patentability.

Claims

CLAIMS1- The invention relates to a fuel heating system used in the fuel tanks of military and civilian vehicles, characterized in that it comprises a heating element (20) inside the fuel tank (10) that liquefies fuel in solid or semi-solid state.2- The heating element (20) of Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an electric resistor and / or a hot water exchanger line. 3- The fuel heating system of Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a heating socket (30) connected to the fuel tank (10) and including the heating element (20), which heats the tank (10) by thermal conduction.4- The fuel heating system of Claim 1, characterized in that the fuel tank (10), heating element (20), and heating socket (30) are made of heat-conductive material.

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