External DEF Tank for Remote Diesel Engine Refilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Remote diesel engine systems operating in unsupervised conditions often face challenges in maintaining adequate diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels, leading to potential NOx emission issues and requiring frequent manual refueling, which is impractical in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an external DEF tank fluidly coupled to local DEF tanks in diesel engines, with sensors and a controller to detect low levels and automatically refill, ensuring continuous operation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If manual refueling is used in remote locations, then DEF levels can be maintained, but operational continuity is disrupted and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service through automated DEF monitoring and refilling. Sensors detect DEF levels in local tanks and automatically trigger refilling from the external tank when levels are low, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining continuous operation in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning a large external DEF tank at the remote location. This external tank is prepared in advance to supply multiple local tanks, ensuring that DEF availability is established before operational needs arise, thereby preventing operational disruptions.
2Reliability
If local DEF tanks are used in each engine, then emissions control is maintained, but system complexity and refueling frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the DEF storage function into two levels: a large external DEF tank for bulk storage and multiple small local DEF tanks for immediate engine supply. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while the external tank reduces overall refueling frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The external DEF tank acts as an intermediary between manual refueling operations and the multiple local engine tanks. It receives DEF refills less frequently and automatically distributes DEF to local tanks, simplifying the overall system by reducing the frequency of manual interventions while maintaining multiple local supply points for reliability.
3Extent of automation
If external DEF tank with automatic refilling is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but initial system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor DEF levels in local tanks and automatically control the refilling process from the external tank. When sensor data indicates low DEF levels, the system responds by activating the refilling mechanism, creating a closed-loop automated system that reduces manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic refilling system provides self-service by autonomously monitoring and replenishing DEF levels without human intervention. The sensors and control mechanisms work together to detect needs and execute refilling actions, making the system self-managing despite the added complexity of automated components.
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 maintains adequate DEF levels in remote diesel engine systems, reducing the need for frequent refueling and enabling extended, unmanned operation, thereby addressing the challenge of maintaining emissions control and operational reliability in remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
a pump is associated with the external DEF tank and is operable to pump fluid from the external DEF tank to each of the first DEF tank and the second DEF tank
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first diesel engine operable to drive a first device, a first diesel exhaust fluid (“DEF”) tank associated with the first engine and operable to provide DEF to the first diesel engine during operation, a second diesel engine operable to drive a second device, a second DEF tank associated with the second engine and operable to provide DEF to the second diesel engine during operation, and an external DEF tank arranged to contain a quantity of DEF that is coupled to the first DEF tank and the second DEF tank and operable to selectively deliver DEF from the external DEF tank to each of the first DEF tank and the second DEF tank.