Fuel Mixture Ratio Optimization for Dual-Fuel Vehicle Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle systems face challenges in optimizing fuel costs when using multiple fuels, as they often prioritize fuel efficiency over cost, and lack access to real-time fuel information and diagnostic capabilities, leading to increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for a vehicle consist that includes an energy management processing unit to determine the optimal proportional ratio of different fuels based on cost and power settings, and a fuel car information unit to provide diagnostic data, enabling the creation of a trip plan that minimizes total fuel cost by adjusting fuel usage dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multi-fuel vehicles use diesel fuel to achieve higher fuel efficiency, then miles per gallon improves, but fuel cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the fuel mixture ratio based on real-time conditions including fuel prices, vehicle operating conditions, and environmental factors. The control system continuously optimizes the blend of diesel and alternative fuels to balance efficiency and cost, rather than using a fixed mixture ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of fuel composition by adjusting the proportion of different fuels in the mixture. The system modifies fuel delivery parameters such as flow rates, mixture ratios, and injection timing to optimize both efficiency and cost-effectiveness based on current operating conditions and fuel price variations.
2Quantity of substance
If fuel cars are added to provide additional fuel carrying capability, then fuel availability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel car system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it carries fuel, provides diagnostic capabilities, communicates with the vehicle control system, and can perform maintenance functions. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary control unit that acts as a mediator between the fuel car and the vehicle's main control system. This intermediary manages the complexity of fuel delivery, monitoring, and communication protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining advanced functionality.
3Ease of operation
If operators lack access to on-board fuel unit information and diagnostic capabilities, then operational simplicity is maintained, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that automatically provide fuel level information, quality data, and diagnostic status to the operator through user-friendly interfaces. Real-time feedback is delivered via displays, alerts, and notifications, enabling operators to monitor and respond to fuel conditions without complicating the overall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel car and vehicle systems perform self-diagnosis and self-monitoring functions, automatically detecting and reporting issues without requiring complex manual checks. The system self-manages fuel delivery, monitors quality parameters, and provides diagnostic information, reducing the operational burden on the operator while maintaining full information access.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, in a vehicle consist configured for dual fuel operation and comprising at least one fuel car operably connectable to at least one powered vehicle via a fuel distribution path, includes an energy management processing unit. The energy management processing unit is configured to obtain a first cost of a first fuel, obtain a second cost of a second fuel, and determine a proportional ratio of the first fuel and the second fuel for each of plural power settings available for use during performance of a mission along a route. The energy management processing unit is also configured to determine a trip plan specifying power settings for corresponding plural sections of the route to perform the mission using the first cost, the second cost, and the proportional ratio for the power settings to optimize a total combined cost of fuel used during performance of the mission.