Fuel Delivery System Vapour Trail Optical Depth Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel delivery systems fail to efficiently manage fuel composition to minimize the optical depth of vapour trails, which are significant contributors to climate warming, especially in aviation and marine applications, while optimizing the use of available fuels.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that calculate and deliver a blend of first and second fuel compositions based on ambient air conditions and desired soot emission indices to achieve predetermined vapour trail characteristics, using a calculator and soot requirement generator to determine the optimal ratio of fuels such as kerosene and biofuels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fuel is used to optimize fuel availability and cost, then fuel supply flexibility is improved, but vapour trail optical depth increases causing climate warming

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel delivery system dynamically adjusts the blend ratio of first and second fuel compositions based on real-time ambient air conditions (temperature, pressure, humidity) and machine operating parameters. The calculator continuously computes optimal fuel mixture proportions to maintain desired vapour trail characteristics while adapting to changing environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between fuel flexibility and vapour trail control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the chemical composition parameters of the fuel by blending two different fuel compositions in varying proportions. The calculator determines specific blend ratios based on ambient conditions and soot emission requirements, allowing dynamic adjustment of fuel properties to minimize vapour trail optical depth while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If biofuel is used to reduce vapour trail optical depth, then climate warming impact is reduced, but fuel cost increases and fuel availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by blending biofuel with conventional fuel rather than using pure biofuel. The calculator determines the optimal proportion of second fuel composition (biofuel) needed to achieve desired vapour trail characteristics, using only the necessary amount to reduce climate warming impact while minimizing cost and availability constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts the concentration parameter of biofuel in the fuel mixture based on ambient conditions and vapour trail requirements. By dynamically changing the blend ratio, the system achieves climate warming reduction goals while optimizing fuel cost and availability considerations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If fuel composition is adjusted to minimize vapour trail optical depth, then environmental impact is reduced, but fuel delivery system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel delivery system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same calculator and control mechanisms serve multiple purposes: determining optimal fuel blends for vapour trail control, adapting to ambient conditions, and managing fuel supply requirements. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The calculator automatically determines optimal fuel composition ratios based on input parameters from sensors and operational data. The system self-regulates the fuel blend without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while achieving environmental goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2677139B1Fuel delivery system
Publication Date: 2019.08.21
  • EP2677139B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2677139B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of supplying at least one of a first fuel composition and second fuel composition for use in a machine (12) to achieve a fuel supply requirement, where the first fuel composition is different to the second fuel composition.