Fuel Freshness Management in Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel in the tank can become stale due to extended periods of non-use in electric-only mode, leading to deterioration through evaporation, oxidation, and contamination, which increases pollutant emissions when eventually burned.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that tracks fuel freshness, determines a fuel consumption plan based on a predetermined refueling schedule, and automatically activates the internal combustion engine to consume stale fuel, using route prediction and energy management to minimize inconvenience and maximize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle operates in electric-only mode for extended periods, then energy efficiency is improved and fuel consumption is reduced, but fuel quality deteriorates and becomes stale
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively monitoring fuel freshness levels and scheduling engine operations before fuel becomes completely stale. The fuel management system calculates fuel age continuously and plans engine activations in advance to consume fuel at optimal intervals, preventing staleness while maintaining electric-only operation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by scheduling regular engine activations based on monitored fuel freshness levels. Instead of continuous operation, the engine is activated at calculated intervals to consume a portion of the fuel, then returns to electric-only mode. This periodic consumption pattern maintains fuel quality while minimizing overall engine runtime and energy waste.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the internal combustion engine is activated frequently to consume stale fuel, then fuel freshness is maintained, but energy consumption increases and emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating the engine only for the minimum necessary duration and power level required to consume a specific quantity of stale fuel. Rather than prolonged engine operation, the system calculates the precise fuel consumption needed to maintain freshness standards and activates the engine only for that partial amount, then returns to electric mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting engine activation frequency and duration based on real-time fuel freshness monitoring. As fuel age increases, the system modifies engine operation parameters (timing, duration, power level) to optimize fuel consumption while minimizing energy waste and emissions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the engine is activated automatically to manage fuel consumption, then fuel freshness is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating fuel freshness monitoring, consumption planning, and automatic engine activation control into a single unified fuel management system. The existing engine control unit is enhanced to perform multiple functions: tracking fuel age, calculating optimal consumption schedules, and executing automated activations, thereby managing fuel freshness without adding separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the fuel management system to autonomously monitor fuel freshness, determine when engine activation is needed, and execute the activation without external intervention. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting its own operation based on fuel conditions, eliminating the need for manual user input or complex external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein relate to managing the freshness of the fuel in a vehicle. One embodiment tracks a freshness level of the fuel in the vehicle as time passes; determines a fuel consumption plan based, at least in part, on a predetermined refueling schedule for the vehicle and the freshness level of the fuel in the vehicle; and activates an internal combustion engine of the vehicle automatically on one or more occasions in accordance with the fuel consumption plan to consume at least a portion of the fuel.