Dual-Capacity Fuel Pump System for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel systems for vehicles fail to optimize fuel consumption efficiently, particularly at low flow rates, leading to increased energy usage and suboptimal performance, despite advancements in component optimization.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system comprising two fuel pumps with differing capacities, where the first pump is optimized for low flow rates and the second pump for high flow rates, with an electronic control unit managing their operation based on actual fuel flow requirements, ensuring energy savings and adaptability to various driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single fuel pump with high capacity is used to meet maximum fuel consumption requirements, then the fuel supply capacity is sufficient for high engine speeds, but the pump efficiency is low at low flow rates (10-20 litres per hour) which represent 80-95% of normal driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump system is segmented into two separate pumps with different capacities: a first fuel pump (12) with lower capacity optimized for low flow rates (10-20 litres per hour) and a second fuel pump (13) with higher capacity for maximum fuel consumption (100-120 litres per hour). This segmentation allows each pump to operate in its optimal efficiency range for specific driving conditions, reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which fuel pump to operate based on actual fuel flow requirements. The electronic control unit (16) monitors driving conditions and activates either the first fuel pump for low flow rate conditions (80-95% of normal driving), the second fuel pump for medium flow rate conditions, or both pumps for high flow rate conditions requiring maximum fuel consumption. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal pump efficiency across varying operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single fuel pump is used to cover the full range of fuel flow requirements, then the system is simple in structure, but the pump cannot maintain high efficiency across varying flow rates from 10-20 litres per hour to 100-120 litres per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump system is divided into two specialized pumps: a first fuel pump (12) with capacity optimized for low flow rates (10-20 litres per hour) representing 80-95% of normal driving conditions, and a second fuel pump (13) with capacity optimized for maximum fuel consumption (100-120 litres per hour). This segmentation enables each pump to maintain high efficiency within its designated operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by selecting different fuel pumps based on flow rate requirements. The electronic control unit (16) monitors fuel flow demands and activates the appropriate pump configuration: first fuel pump alone for low flow rates, second fuel pump alone or in combination for medium to high flow rates. This parameter-based selection ensures optimal pump efficiency across the full operating range.
3Loss of energy
If the fuel pump capacity is optimized for low flow rates (10-20 litres per hour) to save energy during normal driving conditions, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the system may not provide sufficient fuel supply capacity for high engine speeds requiring maximum fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two fuel pumps with different capacities: a first fuel pump (12) optimized for low flow rates (10-20 litres per hour) to save energy during normal driving conditions representing 80-95% of driving time, and a second fuel pump (13) with higher capacity (100-120 litres per hour) to ensure sufficient fuel supply capacity when maximum fuel consumption is required. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by having each pump specialized for its optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit (16) dynamically activates the second fuel pump (13) or both pumps when high engine speeds and maximum fuel consumption are detected, while using only the first fuel pump (12) during normal low flow rate conditions. This dynamic response ensures both energy efficiency during normal operation and sufficient power capacity when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuel system for a vehicle, where the fuel system comprises a first fuel pump and a second fuel pump, and where the capacity of the first fuel pump is lower than the capacity of the second fuel pump. The advantage of the invention is that the supply of fuel to the combustion engine from the fuel system can be optimised with respect to energy usage.