Fuel Canister Breakthrough Detection via Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel tank systems for hybrid vehicles face challenges in detecting storage element breakthroughs during operation, leading to potential hydrocarbon emissions into the atmosphere due to limited storage capacity, which is not effectively monitored in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mass flow sensor to detect changes in thermal conductivity in the air within the fuel tank system's first line when the system is not flushed, allowing for early detection of storage element breakthroughs, with the sensor integrated into the air pump housing and utilizing a radial pump for reliable pressure and speed correlation, and a first valve to prevent hydrocarbon escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the storage element capacity is increased to handle longer idle periods in hybrid vehicles, then the storage capacity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with a thermal conductivity-based detection method using existing mass flow sensor electronics. By measuring thermal conductivity changes in the gas phase rather than using complex mechanical sensors inside the storage element, the system achieves breakthrough detection without increasing storage capacity or adding mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by detecting breakthrough indirectly through thermal conductivity changes in the first line rather than directly monitoring inside the storage element. This intermediary method allows detection of storage element status without requiring direct access or complex internal sensors
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated sensor is installed inside the storage element to detect breakthrough, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing mass flow sensor multi-functional by programming it to detect breakthrough events in addition to its primary air mass measurement function. The same sensor and electronics are used for both normal operation monitoring and breakthrough detection, eliminating the need for dedicated sensors and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing resources (mass flow sensor, electronics, and control unit) to perform breakthrough detection without requiring external or additional components. The control unit utilizes already available sensor data and applies thermal conductivity analysis to achieve self-sufficient breakthrough monitoring
3Productivity
If the mass flow sensor is used only during flushing processes, then the sensor utilization is optimized, but the breakthrough detection capability is lost during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The mass flow sensor is programmed to perform dual functions: measuring air mass during flushing processes and detecting breakthrough events during idle periods. The control unit switches between these functions based on operational mode, maximizing sensor utilization while maintaining continuous breakthrough detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor's measurement function is made dynamic, switching between air mass measurement during flushing and thermal conductivity-based breakthrough detection during idle periods. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware to serve different purposes at different times, maintaining both productivity and reliability
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
Enables reliable detection and prevention of hydrocarbon breakthroughs into the atmosphere, ensuring continuous operation by initiating flushing processes to burn off accumulated hydrocarbons, thus maintaining system integrity and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
wenn der Massenstromsensor eine Änderung der Wärmeleitfähigkeit der in der ersten Leitung anstehenden Luftmasse detektiert
Implementation Method 2
mit dem ersten Ventil (9) und/oder dem zweiten Ventil (13) und/oder der Luftpumpe (7) ein Flushing-Prozess der Tanksystem (2) initiiert wird
Implementation Method 3
die mit diesem Luftmassen verbrannten Kohlenwasserstoffe können in dem Verbrennungsmotor (21) verbrannt werden
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for monitoring for a rupture in a storage element of a fuel tank system, wherein the fuel tank system has a fuel tank, and the storage element is designed to store hydrocarbons temporarily, wherein the fuel tank and the storage element are connected to one another in such a way that hydrocarbons which outgas from a fuel in the fuel tank are stored in the storage element, wherein the storage element is connected to a first line through which fresh air can be fed to the storage element, and the storage element is connected to a second line which connects the storage element to an intake line and through which fresh air which has been enriched with hydrocarbons can be fed from the storage element to the intake line, wherein a mass flow sensor and an air pump are arranged in the first line, upstream of the storage element in the direction of the flow of fresh air, and a second valve is arranged in the second line between the storage element and the intake line. In order to specify a reliable and cost-effective method with which a rupture in a storage element can be detected during the operation of the motor vehicle, a rupture is detected in the storage element if the mass flow sensor senses a change in the thermal conductivity of the non-moved air mass in the first line when the second valve is closed and/or when the air pump is stationary.