Dual Pump Fuel System with Valve Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel systems with multiple pumps face inefficiencies due to high electrical draw and vulnerability to pump failure, as running both pumps at full speed increases electrical consumption and renders the system inoperable if one pump fails.
Innovation Solution
A fuel pump assembly with two pumps, where one pump can operate at reduced capacity or shut off during low demand, and a valve system to control fuel flow and pressure regulation, allowing both pumps to work in parallel to maximize flow rate while minimizing energy usage and ensuring continued operation even if one pump fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If both fuel pumps operate at full speed, then fuel flow rate is maximized, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump operation based on engine demand. The control system monitors fuel demand and selectively activates one or both pumps, varying their speed and flow rate to match actual requirements rather than operating at constant full speed, thereby optimizing the balance between fuel delivery and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses only the necessary portion of available pump capacity. When engine demand is low, only one pump operates or both operate at reduced capacity. When demand is high, both pumps operate at full capacity. This partial action principle ensures that pump capacity matches actual need, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining sufficient fuel flow
2Reliability
If one fuel pump fails, then the system becomes inoperable in traditional configurations, but reliability is improved with the new system
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundancy by having two fuel pumps that can operate independently. The control system is designed beforehand to detect pump failure and automatically adjust operation to maintain fuel supply. This prior cushioning against potential failure ensures continuous operation even when one pump becomes inoperative
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes operational parameters based on system status. When one pump fails, the control system adjusts the flow rate and operation of the remaining pump to compensate, changing parameters such as pump speed, valve positions, and pressure regulation to maintain adequate fuel delivery despite the failure
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a fuel pump assembly includes a first fuel pump and a second fuel pump that each have an electric motor, a pumping element driven by the motor, an inlet and an outlet through which fuel is discharged. The assembly also includes a passage communicated with the outlet of the first fuel pump and with the outlet of the second fuel pump, a fuel outlet in communication with the passage and through which fuel exits the fuel pump assembly, and a valve having an inlet in communication with the passage between the outlet of the first fuel pump and the outlet of the second fuel pump. The valve also having an outlet through which fuel exits the passage and a valve body that controls fuel flow through the valve.