Internal Combustion Engine Fuel Vapor Filter Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating internal combustion engines with evaporative emission control systems lack precise real-time adaptation of fuel quantity based on hydrocarbon content during tank ventilation, leading to suboptimal pollutant emission control and inefficient fuel vapor filter regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A method that continuously determines the hydrocarbon content in the purge gas using integrated sensors and adjusts the tank ventilation process in real-time, utilizing a control device to actuate the tank ventilation valve and purge-gas feed device, allowing for precise fuel adjustment and optimized engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hydrocarbon content is continuously determined in real-time during tank ventilation, then fuel quantity adaptation precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor (such as a lambda probe or hydrocarbon sensor) continuously monitors the hydrocarbon content in the purge gas, and the control device adjusts the fuel quantity based on this real-time information. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise fuel adaptation while managing complexity through integrated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or fixed-program fuel quantity control with an electronic sensing and control system. By using electronic sensors to detect hydrocarbon content and electronic control devices to adjust fuel injection, the system achieves higher precision while allowing for flexible programming rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If tank ventilation process is continuously monitored and adjusted, then pollutant emission control is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous sensor operation and active control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic sampling and control adjustments rather than truly continuous operation. The sensor measures hydrocarbon content at intervals, and the control device adjusts fuel quantity at discrete moments based on these measurements. This periodic approach maintains effective emission control while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to constant monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts its monitoring and control frequency based on operating conditions. During critical ventilation phases, monitoring is more frequent to ensure proper emission control. During stable operation or when hydrocarbon levels are already optimal, the system reduces monitoring frequency, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining emission control effectiveness.
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
This approach enables more precise fuel quantity adaptation, improving engine operation and reducing pollutant emissions by responding to hydrocarbon content changes in real-time, enhancing the regeneration of the fuel vapor filter and reducing hydrocarbon content in the purge gas.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor (52) that is suited, respectively adapted for directly or indirectly determining a degree of hydrocarbon saturation of purge gas contained in the purge gas line (16)
Implementation Method 2
It is normally in the form of an activated-carbon filter and absorbs the fuel vapors
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an internal combustion engine, which includes at least a combustion engine, a fresh gas line and a fuel tank system. The fuel tank system includes a fuel tank, a fuel vapor filter, a purge gas line that connects the fuel vapor filter to the fresh gas line, and a sensor that is suited for determining a degree of hydrocarbon saturation of purge gas contained in the purge gas line. The fuel tank system also has a tank ventilation valve that is integrated in the purge gas line and/or a purge-gas feed device. In response to a control device, a tank ventilation process is initiated, as needed, for which the purge-gas feed device is operated, and/or the tank ventilation valve is opened; for the tank ventilation process, a hydrocarbon content of the purge gas being ascertained using the sensor. A quantity of fuel to be introduced into at least a combustion chamber of the combustion engine is then adjusted as a function of the ascertained hydrocarbon content. The hydrocarbon content is thereby continuously determined during the tank ventilation process and is utilized to actuate the tank ventilation valve and/or the purge-gas feed device.