Fuel Control System Using Mode-Segmented Consumption Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered systems, such as vehicles, experience increased fuel consumption due to undetected conditions like leaks or inefficiencies, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage from excessive fuel use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that monitor fuel consumption and operating parameters using a fuel consumption model to identify differences and adjust fuel supply, pinpointing contributing components and implementing actions such as alerts, maintenance scheduling, or altering operation to maintain efficient fuel use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fuel consumption is monitored and compared with prior amounts, then fuel consumption increases can be detected, but the cause of increased fuel consumption cannot be easily or readily detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel consumption analysis by dividing it into multiple operational modes (e.g., idle, part-throttle, wide-open throttle) and compares fuel consumption within each mode separately. This segmentation allows the system to identify which specific operating condition is causing increased fuel consumption, thereby resolving the technical contradiction by making cause identification as precise as fuel consumption detection.
2Power
If operators run vehicles in states that consume more fuel to maintain propulsion or thrust, then propulsion or thrust is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors fuel consumption and compares it against expected values for different operating conditions. When increased fuel consumption is detected, the system provides feedback to the operator through warnings or alerts, enabling the operator to adjust operation to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining required propulsion levels.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the vehicle continues to be operated in an increased fuel consumption mode, then operation continues, but fuel inefficiency persists and potential damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and warning operators about increased fuel consumption conditions before significant fuel waste or potential damage occurs. The system proactively identifies problematic operating conditions and alerts operators to take corrective action, preventing the vehicle from continuing to operate in inefficient modes for extended periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel control system obtains a measured amount of fuel consumed by an engine and one or more corresponding operating parameters of the engine and determines a fuel consumption modeled amount based at least in part on a fuel consumption model of the engine and the one or more operating parameters. The fuel consumption model associates different amounts of fuel that, when supplied to the engine, generate corresponding designated outputs of the engine. The system also determines one or more differentials between the measured amount of fuel and the modeled amount and, responsive to the one or more of the differentials exceeding a threshold value, the system identifies one or more components of the powered system that contribute or cause the one or more differentials and/or changes an amount of fuel supplied to the engine according to the fuel consumption model to obtain a desired output of the engine.