Aircraft Fuel Scheduling Across Range, Weight, and Refueling Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel delivery systems for multi-fuel aircraft engines lack efficiency and flexibility in managing different fuel types, particularly in terms of refueling capabilities, emissions compliance, and weight management during flights.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining a fuel schedule that considers the availability of refueling capabilities, emissions standards, and maximum landing weight to selectively use hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon fuels, optimizing fuel usage based on flight plans and airport infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the aircraft uses only the second fuel (lower density) to reduce weight, then the landing weight is reduced, but the fuel range is insufficient for the flight distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different fuels (first fuel with higher density and second fuel with lower density) in a blended fuel schedule. The fuel delivery system delivers both fuels to the engine according to a predetermined schedule, merging their advantages: the higher density first fuel provides energy density for extended range, while the lower density second fuel reduces overall weight and meets emissions standards.
2Length of moving object
If the aircraft uses the first fuel (higher density) to extend range, then the fuel range is sufficient, but the landing weight exceeds the maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different fuel densities at different stages of the flight. The fuel delivery system delivers the first fuel (higher density) during portions of the flight where energy density is needed for range, and delivers the second fuel (lower density) during portions where weight reduction is critical, particularly approaching the destination. This localized application of different fuel properties optimizes both range and weight.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the aircraft switches between different fuel types to meet emissions standards, then environmental compliance is improved, but the fuel delivery system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the fuel schedule before the flight occurs. The processing system calculates the optimal blend ratio and timing based on flight parameters, airport refueling capabilities, and emissions standards. This preliminary planning allows the fuel delivery system to execute the complex fuel switching automatically without real-time manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining emissions compliance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances fuel efficiency by optimizing fuel use, ensuring compliance with emissions standards, and managing weight constraints, thereby improving operational flexibility and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel delivery system is configured to selectively deliver a first fuel from the first fuel reservoir and/or a second fuel from the second fuel reservoir to the engine for combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating an aircraft. During this operating method, a flight plan is received for an aircraft. The flight plan schedules a flight for the aircraft to fly from a first airport to a second airport. The aircraft includes an engine and a fuel delivery system with a first fuel reservoir and a second fuel reservoir. The fuel delivery system is configured to selectively deliver a first fuel from the first fuel reservoir and/or a second fuel from the second fuel reservoir to the engine for combustion. The first fuel reservoir contains a quantity of the first fuel and the second fuel reservoir contains a quantity of the second fuel at the first airport. A fuel schedule for the aircraft is determined to use during the flight. The fuel schedule is determined based on whether the second airport includes refueling capability for the first fuel and/or the second fuel.