Containerized Alternative Fuel Control Unit for Vessels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel supply systems on vessels face challenges in efficiently managing and isolating alternative fuels due to cost, space constraints, and regulatory compliance issues.

Innovation Solution

A containerized alternative fuel management system is introduced, which includes a base and a sealed enclosure supporting alternative fuel supply equipment. This system features a high-pressure pump, fuel filter, transfer pump, and high-pressure fuel delivery line, along with a purge fluid system, to efficiently manage and deliver alternative fuels to the combustion engine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If alternative fuel supply equipment is installed on vessels to meet regulatory requirements, then compliance with alternative fuel regulations is improved, but vessel space requirements and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidvessel space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The alternative fuel supply equipment is divided into modular components (pumps, filters, valves, tanks) that can be independently installed and configured within the vessel's existing structure, allowing flexible space utilization while meeting regulatory requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel supply system components are nested within each other and integrated into existing vessel structures (e.g., tanks placed in unused compartments, piping routed through existing conduits), maximizing space efficiency and reducing the overall footprint of the alternative fuel system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If alternative fuel supply equipment is installed on vessels to meet regulatory requirements, then compliance with alternative fuel regulations is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidretrofit cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The alternative fuel supply equipment is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions and be adapted to different vessel types and existing fuel systems, reducing overall system complexity and installation costs while maintaining regulatory compliance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Adaptation layers and interface components are introduced between the alternative fuel system and existing vessel infrastructure, allowing integration without requiring complete system replacement and thereby reducing retrofit costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If fuel supply lines extend across sealed enclosures to deliver alternative fuel, then fuel delivery capability is improved, but leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel delivery capabilityVSAvoidfuel leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Sacrificial seal elements and disposable gaskets are used at penetration points where fuel lines cross the sealed enclosure, providing a simple and reliable barrier that can be easily replaced if degradation occurs, thereby maintaining leakage prevention while allowing fuel delivery continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The system effectively manages alternative fuels, reducing retrofit costs and space requirements, while addressing regulatory issues by providing a contained and controlled fuel management solution.

Implementation Method 1

a high-pressure pump configured to be placed in fluid communication with a main alternative fuel tank arranged outside the sealed enclosure via a fuel supply line that extends across the sealed enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a fuel filter arranged along the fuel supply line and between the main alternative fuel tank and the high-pressure pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a transfer pump configured to deliver alternative fuel to the high-pressure pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 4

a sealed enclosure sealingly coupled to the base and configured to surround the alternative fuel supply equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12292022B2Containerized alternative fuel control unit

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

An alternative fuel management system may include a base configured for arrangement on a supporting floor or other framework of a vessel and configured to support alternative fuel supply equipment. The system may also include a sealed enclosure sealingly coupled to the base and configured to surround the alternative fuel supply equipment. The system may also include the alternative fuel supply equipment and it may be arranged within the sealed enclosure. The alternative fuel supply equipment may include a high-pressure pump, a fuel filter, a transfer pump, and a high-pressure fuel delivery line extending across the sealed enclosure and configured to provide alternative fuel from the high-pressure pump to a combustion engine. The alternative fuel management system may also include a purge fluid system configured to deliver purge fluid to the combustion engine from a source of purge fluid.